{{good article}} {{Infobox album | name = Beautiful Imperfection | type = studio | artist = Aṣa | cover = Beautiful Imperfection album cover.jpg | alt = | released = {{Start date|2010|10|15}} | recorded = | studio = | genre = *Pop *soul *reggae | length = 57:00 | label = Naïve Records | language = {{hlist|English|Yoruba}} | producer = Benjamin Constant | prev_title = Live in Paris | prev_year = 2009 | next_title = Bed of Stone | next_year = 2014 | misc = {{Singles | name = Beautiful Imperfection | type = studio | single1 = Be My Man | single1date = September 27, 2010 | single2 = Why Can't We | single2date = October 15, 2010 | single3 = The Way I Feel | single3date = December 4, 2012 }} }}
'''''Beautiful Imperfection''''' is the second studio album by French-Nigerian singer Aṣa. It was released as a digital download on October 15, 2010, via the independent record label Naïve Records. Recorded in English and Yoruba, ''Beautiful Imperfection'' comprises twelve songs and includes two bonus tracks. It was produced and engineered entirely by Benjamin Constant. A blend of pop, soul and reggae, the album explores themes of humour and love. ''Beautiful Imperfection'' was supported by the singles "Be My Man", "Why Can't We", and "The Way I Feel". It received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Aṣa's vocals.
''Beautiful Imperfection'' was nominated for Album of the Year and Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2011. It was also nominated for Best Album of the Year at the 2011 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. The album peaked at number three on the ''Billboard'' World Albums Chart and at number six on both the UK Jazz & Blues Albums Chart and the UK Independent Album Breakers Chart. It also charted in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain. The album was supported by a tour that included stops in South Africa, Brazil, and Belgium.
==Background and promotion== Aṣa's eponymous debut album, ''Aṣa'', which was released in 2007, comprises ten tracks.<ref name="Seattle Post-Intelligencer" /> ''Beautiful Imperfection'' delves into topics of humour and love.<ref name="YNaija 2">{{cite web |author1=Oluwapelumi |title=Asa is back: Beauty in Imperfection |url=https://ynaija.com/asa-is-back-beauty-in-imperfection/ |publisher=YNaija |access-date=8 February 2025 |date=September 3, 2010 |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126142842/https://ynaija.com/asa-is-back-beauty-in-imperfection/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is more upbeat than her debut album, ''Asa'', which explored socio-political themes.<ref name="Seattle Post-Intelligencer" /> The album was produced and engineered entirely by Benjamin Constant.<ref name="MusicBrainz"/> It was largely written by Aṣa, with assistance from Nicolas Mollard, Omolara Ayodélé, and Cobhams Asuquo.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beautiful Imperfection by Aṣa |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/5OOcKzuUJRezoERazEmvhv |publisher=Spotify |access-date=23 February 2025 |date=5 September 2011}}</ref> Aṣa disclosed that she wrote the bulk of the album's songs in her studio.<ref name="YNaija 2" /> She recorded the album because she wanted to create music that would inspire others.<ref name="Seattle Post-Intelligencer" /> Aṣa decided to name the album ''Beautiful Imperfection'' because she believes that the "world has many imperfections, but in many ways, that's what makes it beautiful. And I think that as long as we accept that it is imperfect, it will make us strive to try and make it a better place."<ref name="Seattle Post-Intelligencer" /> A picture of Aṣa taken by French fashion photographer Jean-Baptiste Mondino serves as the album's cover art.<ref name="The Guardian" /> Aṣa is shown on the cover wearing her natural hair, a hat, a neckpiece, and a pair of glasses with a cracked lens.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" /> According to music critic Motolani Alake, the album's title is reflected in its cover art.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" />
''Beautiful Imperfection'' was physically released in France, Nigeria, and South Africa on October 25, 2010.<ref name="Vanguard">{{Cite news |title=Asa releases sophomore |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/10/asa-releases-sophomore/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2 February 2025 |date=31 October 2010 |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706165303/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/10/asa-releases-sophomore/ |url-status=live |newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref> It was originally made available as a digital download on iTunes before being physically distributed in other European markets in November 2010.<ref name="Vanguard" /> In the US, Canada, and Australia, the album was physically released on September 5, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beautiful Imperfection - Album by Aṣa |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/beautiful-imperfection/1464144192 |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=3 February 2025 |date=5 September 2011 |archive-date=19 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219200539/https://music.apple.com/us/album/beautiful-imperfection/1464144192 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Vanguard" /> Aṣa promoted the album's U.S. release by playing acoustic gigs in New York and Los Angeles in June of that year.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Asa’s ‘Beautiful Imperfection’ for America |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/08/asa%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98beautiful-imperfection%E2%80%99-for-america/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=3 February 2025 |date=August 26, 2011 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227073000/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/08/asa%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98beautiful-imperfection%E2%80%99-for-america/ |url-status=live |newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref> ''Beautiful Imperfection'' was further promoted in the U.S. by several retail outlets, including Gap Inc., Old Navy and Forever 21.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Jibola L |title=BN Bytes: Asa’s “Beautiful Imperfection” Hits US Stores – September 6th 2011 |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2011/08/bn-bytes-asas-beautiful-imperfection-hits-us-stores-september-6th/ |publisher=BellaNaija |access-date=3 February 2025 |date=23 August 2011}}</ref> Aṣa embarked on a tour to promote the album, stopping in South Africa, Brazil, and Belgium.<ref name="YNaija">{{cite web |author1=Wilfred Okiche |title=What a Year! Is Asa Unstoppable or What? |url=https://ynaija.com/what-a-year-is-asa-unstoppable-or-what/ |publisher=YNaija |access-date=8 February 2025 |date=December 30, 2011 |archive-date=1 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101171925/http://ynaija.com/what-a-year-is-asa-unstoppable-or-what/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She also played at the Montreux Jazz Festival and appeared on CNN's ''African Voices''.<ref name="YNaija" /> Aṣa was featured in the January issue of ''Y! magazine'', the June issue of ''Victoire'', and the December issue of ''Elle Brazil''.<ref name="YNaija" />
===Singles=== The album's lead single, "Be My Man", was released on September 27, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=Be My Man (Single) - Single by Aṣa |url=https://music.apple.com/us/song/be-my-man/1464144197|publisher=Apple Music |access-date=8 February 2025 |date=September 27, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Jibola L |title=BN Exclusive – World Premiere: Asa – Be My Man |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2010/09/bn-exclusive-%E2%80%93-world-premiere-asa-be-my-man/ |publisher=BellaNaija |access-date=8 February 2025 |date=September 28, 2010}}</ref> The song peaked at number 18 on the UK Independent Singles Chart and at 89 on the French Singles Chart.<ref>{{cite web |title=Be My Man by Asa |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/asa-be-my-man/ |publisher=Official Charts |access-date=8 February 2025 |archive-date=14 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114113801/https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/asa-be-my-man/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Asa [FR] - Be My Man (Chanson) |url=https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Asa+%5BFR%5D&titel=Be+My+Man&cat=s |publisher=SNEP |access-date=8 February 2025 |archive-date=19 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219122126/https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Asa+%5BFR%5D&titel=Be+My+Man&cat=s |url-status=live }}</ref> The accompanying music video for "Be My Man" was directed by Raphaël Frydman and filmed in France.<ref>{{cite web |title=BN Exclusive – Video World Premiere: Asa – Be My Man |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2010/10/bn-exclusive-video-world-premiere-asa-be-my-man/ |publisher=BellaNaija |access-date=8 February 2025 |date=October 14, 2010}}</ref> "Be My Man" was nominated for Best Recording of the Year at The Headies 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr SID, Asa, Sound Sultan, M.I & 2Face for Album of the Year – Find Out Who Else was Nominated for the 2011 Headies |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2011/08/dr-sid-asa-sound-sultan-m-i-2face-for-album-of-the-year-find-out-who-else-was-nominated-for-the-2011-headies/ |publisher=BellaNaija |access-date=27 February 2025 |date=August 4, 2011}}</ref> The second single, "Why Can't We", was released on October 15, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=Why Can't We - Song by Aṣa |url=https://music.apple.com/us/song/why-cant-we/1464144194 |publisher=Apple Music |date=October 15, 2010}}</ref> The song's music video features a technicolour background and is set in the 1980s. In the video, Aṣa attends a dance party with multi-coloured balloons.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Wilfred Okiche |title=The wait is over! Asa releases new video, 'Why Can't We' |url=https://ynaija.com/the-wait-is-over-asa-releases-new-video-why-cant-we/ |publisher=YNaija |access-date=8 February 2025 |date=March 29, 2011 |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131104846/https://ynaija.com/the-wait-is-over-asa-releases-new-video-why-cant-we/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The third single, "The Way I Feel", was released on December 4, 2012, along with its music video.<ref name="BellaNaija">{{cite web |title=New Video: Asa – The Way I Feel |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/12/bn-video-premiere-asa-the-way-i-feel/ |publisher=BellaNaija |access-date=8 February 2025 |date=December 4, 2012 |archive-date=2 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002003302/https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/12/bn-video-premiere-asa-the-way-i-feel/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Aṣa plays the role of a hospital nurse in the video.<ref name="BellaNaija" />
==Music and lyrics== Recorded in English and Yoruba, ''Beautiful Imperfection'' is a blend of pop, soul and reggae.<ref name="The Guardian" /> The album's opening track, "Why Can't We", is a love ballad with a catchy chorus, positive lines, and a reggae-like acoustic guitar strum.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" /><ref name="Pop Matters">{{cite web |author1=David Maine |title=Asa: Beautiful Imperfection |url=https://www.popmatters.com/148738-asa-beautiful-imperfection-2495949536.html |publisher=Pop Matters |access-date=2 February 2025 |date=25 October 2011 |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915160633/https://www.popmatters.com/148738-asa-beautiful-imperfection-2495949536.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Pulse Nigeria''{{'}}s Motolani Alake commended Aṣa for introducing the song in the first person and talking about society as a whole.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" /> "Maybe" makes references to mistrust, politics, and terrorism.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" /> Aṣa's uncertainty about the song's subject matter is exemplified by lyrics like "maybe the sun will shine, maybe… This world is full of pain".<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" /> ''PopMatters'' contributor David Maine called the song "impeccable-fluff" and claimed that the clinking orchestration and catchy beat detract from its intent.<ref name="Pop Matters" /> The bouncy track "Be My Man" is powered by an electric piano and the trombone instrument.<ref name="Cross Rhythms" /><ref name="Slant Magazine" /> BBC's Fraser McAlpine called the song an impassioned cry for affection.<ref name="BBC" /> Maine remarked that it sounded like an Amy Winehouse song.<ref name="Pop Matters" />
The ballad "Preacher Man" is accompanied by a piano and conveys an intense atmosphere.<ref name="Pop Matters" /> Maine lauded Aṣa's vocal performance on the track and said the song represents a significant shift for ''Beautiful Imperfection''.<ref name="Pop Matters" /> ''Slant Magazine''{{'}}s Jesse Cataldo likened "Preacher Man" to a Dusty Springfield hit and said its authorship is uncertain.<ref name="Slant Magazine" /> "Bimpé", recorded in Yoruba, was labelled a rocky and boisterous track by McAlpine.<ref name="BBC" /> The ''Record Collector''{{'}}s Ian Shirley praised the song for combining power chords with Aṣa's expressive vocals.<ref name="Record Collector" /> "The Way I Feel" is driven by flutes, jazzy horns, and a menacing bassline.<ref name="Pop Matters" /> ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Caroline Sullivan called the song a simplified "finger-snapping blues" track.<ref name="The Guardian" /> In "Ok Ok", the seventh track, Aṣa comes to terms with the state of affairs.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" /> The slide guitar is fused into the production.<ref name="The Boston Globe" /> Maine said the song's lyrics lacked inspiration.<ref name="Pop Matters" />
In "Dreamer Girl", Aṣa's hope for a better future is epitomised by lyrics like "maybe someday one day… I dream of simple things every day, I dream that love will come away, I dream of many lives, I dream that in this world I can make a change".<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" /> The blues track "Oré", which was solely recorded in Yoruba, has a light melody and throaty delivery.<ref name="BBC" /><ref name="Pop Matters" /> Alake said the song explores the detrimental effects of betrayal in interpersonal relationships.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" /> The country rock song "Broda Oré" was also performed in Yoruba.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" /> On the record, Aṣa confronts a local robber and his partner in a joking manner.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" /> On the closing track "Questions", she reflects on her political beliefs.<ref name="BBC" /> Cataldo characterised the song as a self-righteous track and said it employs "a mixture of hackneyed earnestness and third-world exoticism".<ref name="Slant Magazine" />
==Critical reception== {{Music ratings | MC = 62/100<ref name="Metacritic"/> | rev1 = ''Pulse Nigeria'' | rev1Score = 9.4/10<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" /> | rev2 = Female First | rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Female First"/> | rev3 = ''The Guardian'' | rev3Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="The Guardian" /> | rev4 = ''Slant Magazine'' | rev4Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="Slant Magazine" /> | rev5 = ''PopMatters'' | rev5Score = 6/10<ref name="Pop Matters" /> }}
''Beautiful Imperfection'' received positive reviews from music critics.<ref name="YNaija" /> According to the review aggregator Metacritic, the album received "generally favorable reviews" based on a weighted average score of 62 out of 100 from 8 critic scores.<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |title=Beautiful Imperfection by Asa |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/beautiful-imperfection/asa |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2 February 2025 |date=September 6, 2011 |archive-date=20 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120123157/https://www.metacritic.com/music/beautiful-imperfection/asa |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Caroline Sullivan awarded ''Beautiful Imperfection'' 4 stars out of 5, characterising it as "a warm, inviting blend" and saying its "focal point" is the singer's "husky, lightly swinging vocals".<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite web |author1=Caroline Sullivan |title=Asa: Beautiful Imperfection - review |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/mar/31/asa-beautiful-imperfection-review |publisher=The Guardian |access-date=18 January 2025 |date=31 March 2011}}</ref> Writing for the ''Record Collector'', Ian Shirley described the album as a "work of beautiful perfection" and highlighted "Bimpé" as the standout track.<ref name="Record Collector">{{cite web |author1=Ian Shirley |title=Beautiful Imperfection by Asa |url=https://recordcollectormag.com/reviews/album/beautiful-imperfection |publisher=Record Collector |access-date=1 February 2025 |date=20 March 2011 |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407235916/https://recordcollectormag.com/reviews/album/beautiful-imperfection |url-status=live }}</ref> Hannah Gilchristi, a contributor for the magazine ''Red'', called ''Beautiful Imperfection'' "an uplifting, soul-snapping must-have for 2011."<ref>{{cite web |author1=Hannah Gilchristi |title=Asa – Beautiful Imperfection Review |url=https://www.redonline.co.uk/entertainment/music-reviews/a507943/asa-beautiful-imperfection-review/ |website=Red |publisher=Hearst Communication |access-date=1 February 2025 |date=26 April 2011 |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407235915/https://www.redonline.co.uk/entertainment/music-reviews/a507943/asa-beautiful-imperfection-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In a review for the BBC, Fraser McAlpine said the album is "frequently beautiful" despite having "lyrical turmoil in places" and "dark clouds overhead".<ref name="BBC">{{cite web |author1=Fraser McAlpine |title=Asa Beautiful Imperfection Review |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/6d4z/ |publisher=BBC |access-date=18 January 2025 |date=2011 |archive-date=20 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120121408/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/6d4z/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
''The Boston Globe'' correspondent Siddhartha Mitter acknowledged the album for having "uplifting tunes" and said it is "tighter on production and lighter on message."<ref name="The Boston Globe">{{cite web |author1=Siddhartha Mitter |title=Uplifting tunes with a lighter message |url=https://archive.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2011/09/05/asas_beautiful_imperfection_delivers_uplifting_tunes_with_lighter_message/ |publisher=The Boston Globe |access-date=19 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603165659/http://archive.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2011/09/05/asas_beautiful_imperfection_delivers_uplifting_tunes_with_lighter_message/ |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |url-status=live |date=September 5, 2011}}</ref> Female First's Helen Earnshaw granted the album a rating of 4 out of 5, commending Aṣa for remaining loyal to her heritage and sound.<ref name="Female First">{{cite web |author1=Helen Earnshaw |title=Album Review: Asa - Beautiful Imperfection |url=https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/reviews/Album+Review+Asa+Beautiful+Imperfection-15604.html |publisher=Female First |access-date=1 February 2025 |date=4 April 2011 |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407235927/https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/reviews/Album+Review+Asa+Beautiful+Imperfection-15604.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In a review for ''Slant Magazine'', Jesse Cataldo awarded the album 3 stars out of 5, saying it is "routinely safe and unsurprising" despite "sounding disappointingly watery, long on self-assurance and warmth".<ref name="Slant Magazine">{{cite web |author1=Jesse Cataldo |title=Review: Asa, Beautiful Imperfection |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/asa-beautiful-imperfection/ |publisher=Slant Magazine |access-date=1 February 2025 |date=September 4, 2011}}</ref> David Maine of ''PopMatters'' commended Aṣa for using her voice effectively and making the most of her abilities with well-crafted arrangements.<ref name="Pop Matters" /> Reviewing for ''Utne Reader'', Will Wlizlo lauded Aṣa's vocal styles and said her overall tone on the record "is both bright-sided and pragmatic."<ref>{{cite web |author1=Will Wlizlo |title=Music Review: Pop International |url=https://www.utne.com/arts/asa-beautiful-imperfection-music-review/ |publisher=UTNE Reader |access-date=2 February 2025 |date=18 October 2011 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930030701/https://www.utne.com/arts/asa-beautiful-imperfection-music-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
''Seattle P-I''{{'}}s Mandy Southgate described ''Beautiful Imperfection'' as an "enchanting, uplifting album" and said the audience would be captivated by Aṣa's voice and her perspective on life.<ref name="Seattle Post-Intelligencer">{{cite web |author1=Mandy Southgate |title=Music Review: Asa - Beautiful Imperfection |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Music-Review-Asa-Beautiful-Imperfection-1421195.php |publisher=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=2 February 2025 |date=12 June 2011 |archive-date=13 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013200212/http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Music-Review-Asa-Beautiful-Imperfection-1421195.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Cross Rhythms' Tony Cummings said Aṣa's lyrics are "abound with naïve simplicity" and that her "delicate tones [...] reach out and grab the listener."<ref name="Cross Rhythms">{{cite web |author1=Tony Cummings |title=Asa - Beautiful Imperfection |url=https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Asa/Beautiful_Imperfection/106454/ |publisher=Cross Rhythms |access-date=2 February 2025 |date=12 March 2011 |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206182613/https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Asa/Beautiful_Imperfection/106454/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In a retrospective review for ''Pulse Nigeria'', Motolani Alake rated the album 9.4 out of 10, calling it "a classic" and Aṣa's magnum opus.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria">{{Cite news |author1=Motolani Alake |title=Beautiful Imperfection: Asa’s unorthodox classic that studies the interrelation between man and society [10th Anniversary Review] |url=https://www.pulse.ng/articles/entertainment/music/asa-beautiful-imperfection-10th-anniversary-review-2024081722591048549 |access-date=1 February 2025 |date=19 October 2020|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria}}</ref> Alake also labelled the record a "topical enigma" and praised it for conveying meaningful topics that are easy to comprehend.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" />
===Accolades=== ''Beautiful Imperfection'' was nominated for Album of the Year and Best R&B/Pop Album at the 6th edition of The Headies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr SID, Asa, Sound Sultan, M.I & 2Face for Album of the Year – Find Out Who Else was Nominated for the 2011 Headies |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2011/08/dr-sid-asa-sound-sultan-m-i-2face-for-album-of-the-year-find-out-who-else-was-nominated-for-the-2011-headies/ |publisher=BellaNaija |access-date=3 February 2025 |date=August 4, 2011 |archive-date=26 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226120726/https://www.bellanaija.com/2011/08/dr-sid-asa-sound-sultan-m-i-2face-for-album-of-the-year-find-out-who-else-was-nominated-for-the-2011-headies/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album was also nominated for Best Album of the Year at the 2011 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Taiwo Damilola |title=A 4-day Extravaganza: Nigerian Entertainment Awards releases nominees list |url=https://ynaija.com/a-4-day-extravaganza-nigerian-entertainment-awards-releases-nominees-list/ |publisher=YNaija |access-date=3 February 2025 |date=June 2, 2011 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115003728/https://ynaija.com/a-4-day-extravaganza-nigerian-entertainment-awards-releases-nominees-list/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Beautiful Imperfection'' was selected as the Contemporary World Music Album of the Year by iTunes Music Rewind 2011.<ref name="YNaija" />
==Chart performance== ''Beautiful Imperfection'' peaked at number three on the Billboard World Albums Chart in its second week.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Wilfred Okiche |title=Go Girl! Asa cracks U.S Billboard Charts |url=https://ynaija.com/go-girl-asa-cracks-u-s-billboard-charts/ |publisher=YNaija |access-date=8 February 2025 |date=September 29, 2011 |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203183814/http://ynaija.com/go-girl-asa-cracks-u-s-billboard-charts/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NotJustOk 12">{{Cite web |last=Ovie O |date=September 28, 2011 |title=ASA's "Beautiful Imperfection" Album Hits #3 On Billboard World Music Chart |url=https://notjustok.com/songs/asas-beautiful-imperfection-album-hits-3-on-billboard-world-music-chart/ |access-date=8 February 2025 |publisher=NotJustOk}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the album peaked at number six on both the UK Jazz & Blues Albums Chart and the UK Independent Album Breakers Chart.<ref name="Official Charts">{{cite web |title=Beautiful Imperfection by Asa |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/asa-beautiful-imperfection/ |publisher=Official Charts |access-date=8 February 2025 |archive-date=9 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509135348/https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/asa-beautiful-imperfection/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It also peaked at number 22 on the UK Independent Albums Chart.<ref name="Official Charts" /> ''Beautiful Imperfection'' charted in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain at numbers 14, 35, 54, and 61, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=Asa [FR] – Beautiful Imperfection |url=https://hitparade.ch/album/Asa-[FR]/Beautiful-Imperfection-143713 |publisher=Swiss Hitparade |access-date=8 February 2025 |archive-date=15 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215032622/https://hitparade.ch/album/Asa-%5BFR%5D/Beautiful-Imperfection-143713 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Track listing== {{Track listing | headline = ''Beautiful Imperfection'' track listing | extra_column = Producer(s)
| title1 = Why Can't We | note1 = | writer1 = {{hlist|Bukola Elemide|Nicolas Mollard}} | extra1 = Benjamin Constant | length1 = 3:41
| title2 = Maybe | note2 = | writer2 = {{hlist|Elemide|Mollard|Omolara Ayodélé}} | extra2 = Constant | length2 = 4:15
| title3 = Be My Man | note3 = | writer3 = {{hlist|Elemide|Mollard}} | extra3 = Constant | length3 = 3:39
| title4 = Preacher Man | note4 = | writer4 = {{hlist|Elemide}} | extra4 = Constant | length4 = 4:44
| title5 = Bimpé | note5 = | writer5 = {{hlist|Elemide|Mollard}} | extra5 = Constant | length5 = 3:23
| title6 = The Way I Feel | note6 = | writer6 = {{hlist|Elemide|Cobhams Asuquo}} | extra6 = Constant | length6 = 4:59
| title7 = Ok Ok | note7 = | writer7 = {{hlist|Elemide|Ayodélé}} | extra7 = Constant | length7 = 3:51
| title8 = Dreamer Girl | note8 = | writer8 = {{hlist|Elemide|Mollard|Ayodélé}} | extra8 = Constant | length8 = 3:40 | title9 = Oré | note9 = | writer9 = {{hlist|Elemide|Mollard}} | extra9 = Constant | length9 = 4:39
| title10 = Baby Gone | note10 = | writer10 = {{hlist|Elemide}} | extra10 = Constant | length10 = 4:33
| title11 = Broda Olé | note11 = | writer11 = {{hlist|Elemide}} | extra11 = Constant | length11 = 3:54
| title12 = Questions | note12 = | writer12 = {{hlist|Elemide|Asuquo}} | extra12 = Constant | length12 = 4:04 }} {{Track listing | headline = ''Beautiful Imperfection'' {{nobold|– Bonus tracks}} | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length = 57:00 | title13 = Iba | note13 = | writer13 = {{hlist|Elemide}} | extra13 = | length13 = 3:41
| title14 = Bamidélé | note14 = | writer14 = {{hlist|Elemide}} | extra14 = | length14 = 4:05
}}
== Personnel == Credits adapted from All Music<ref>{{cite web |title=Beautiful Imperfection by Asa |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/beautiful-imperfection-mw0002072626#credits |publisher=All Music |access-date=9 February 2025 |archive-date=20 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120123523/https://www.allmusic.com/album/beautiful-imperfection-mw0002072626#credits |url-status=live }}</ref> and MusicBrainz.<ref name="MusicBrainz">{{cite web |title=Beautiful Imperfection |url=https://musicbrainz.org/release/14a7bbb0-875b-4632-a915-a942d1f7eb88 |publisher=MusicBrainz |access-date=9 February 2025}}</ref> {{div col|colwidth=25em}} *Bukola Elemide{{spaced ndash}} vocals (all tracks), writing (all tracks), acoustic guitar (track 11) *Benjamin Constant{{spaced ndash}} programming (tracks 2, 6, 8, 11–12), engineering and production (tracks 1–12), bass (track 11), calabash (track 9), clavinet (track 6), flugelhorn (tracks 6, 11), Hammond B3 (tracks 2, 4, 8), mandolin (track 11), weird piano percussion (track 12), piano (tracks 2, 4, 6, 8, 12), rhodes piano (tracks 2, 4, 6, 8, 11–12), arranging (tracks 1–12), horn and strings arranger *Omolara Ayodélé{{spaced ndash}} writing (tracks 2, 7–8) *Cobhams Asuquo{{spaced ndash}} writing (tracks 6, 12) *Tchad Blake{{spaced ndash}} mixing (tracks 1–12) *Roman Chelminski{{spaced ndash}} acoustic guitar (tracks 4, 7–9), banjo (track 7), electric guitar (tracks 4, 6–11) *Nicolas Mollard{{spaced ndash}} acoustic guitar (track 2), electric guitar (track 2), slide guitar (track 7), writing (tracks 1–3, 5, 8–9) *Eric Sauviat{{spaced ndash}} acoustic guitar (track 10), resonator guitar (track 9), slide guitar (track 11) *Laurent Vernerey{{spaced ndash}} bass (tracks 2, 4, 6–7, 9–10, 12) *Robin Defives{{spaced ndash}} cello (tracks 7, 9–10) *Didier Malherbe{{spaced ndash}} duduk (tracks 9, 12) *Régis Ceccarelli{{spaced ndash}} membranophone (tracks 4, 6–8, 10–11) *Nicolas Montazaud{{spaced ndash}} percussion (tracks 2, 4, 8–9, 11–12), tabla (track 7), tambourine (track 10) *Julien Chirol{{spaced ndash}} trombone (tracks 6, 11) *Julien Gaben{{spaced ndash}} viola (tracks 7, 9–10) *Jacques Gandard{{spaced ndash}} violin (tracks 7, 9–10) *Aya Hasegawa-Sabouret{{spaced ndash}} violin (tracks 7, 9–10) *Janet Nwose{{spaced ndash}} background vocals (track 11) *Aurélie Ullrich{{spaced ndash}} art direction *Jean-Baptiste Mondino{{spaced ndash}} photography *Grande Surface{{spaced ndash}} graphic design *Bruno Gruel{{spaced ndash}} mastering {{div col end}}
==Charts== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |- ! scope="col"| Chart (2011) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- {{Album chart|Wallonia|35|M|title=ASA [FR]- Beautiful Imperfection|url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/album/23161/Asa-[FR]-Beautiful-Imperfection|work=Ultratop|location=Belgium|access-date=8 February 2025|rowheader=true}} |- {{Album chart|France|14|M|title=ASA [FR]- Beautiful Imperfection (Album)|url=https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Asa+%5BFR%5D&titel=Beautiful+Imperfection&cat=a|work=SNEP|location=France|access-date=8 February 2025|rowheader=true}} |- {{Album chart|Spain|61|M|title=ASA [FR] - Beautiful Imperfection (Album)|url=https://spanishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Asa+%5BFR%5D&titel=Beautiful+Imperfection&cat=a|work=PROMUSICAE|location=Spain|access-date=8 February 2025|rowheader=true}} |- {{Album chart|Switzerland|54|M|title=ASA [FR]- Beautiful Imperfection|url=https://hitparade.ch/album/Asa-[FR]/Beautiful-Imperfection-143713|work=Swiss Hitparade|location=Switzerland|access-date=8 February 2025|rowheader=true}} |- ! scope="row"|UK Jazz & Blues Albums (OCC)<ref name="Official Charts"/> |6 |- ! scope="row"|UK Independent Album Breakers (OCC)<ref name="Official Charts"/> |6 |- ! scope="row"|UK Independent Albums (OCC)<ref name="Official Charts" /> |22 |- ! scope="row"| US World Albums (''Billboard'')<ref name="NotJustOk 12"/> |3 |}
==Release history== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! scope="col" | Region ! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" | Format ! scope="col" | Label ! scope="col" | {{Tooltip|Catalogue no.|Catalogue number}} ! scope="col" |{{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}} |- ! scope="row"| France |October 15, 2010 |{{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} |rowspan="14"|Naive Records |{{n/a}} |rowspan="14"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Beautiful Imperfection Release Group by Asa |url=https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/57239df6-d050-4c00-b303-e1023e4ba5dc |publisher=MusicBrainz |access-date=9 February 2025}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"|Switzerland |October 22, 2010 |rowspan="10"|CD |{{n/a}} |- ! scope="row"|France |rowspan="3"|October 25, 2010 |NV822111 |- ! scope="row"|Nigeria |{{n/a}} |- ! scope="row"|South Africa |{{n/a}} |- ! scope="row"|Italy |November 1, 2010 |{{n/a}} |- ! scope="row"|Belgium |rowspan="2"|November 2, 2010 |{{n/a}} |- ! scope="row"|Spain |{{n/a}} |- ! scope="row"|Sweden |November 3, 2010 |{{n/a}} |- ! scope="row"|Denmark |rowspan="3"|November 5, 2010 |{{n/a}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2"|Germany |{{n/a}} |- |rowspan="2"|{{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} |{{n/a}} |- ! scope="row"|United States |April 1, 2011 |{{n/a}} |- ! scope="row"|United Kingdom |April 4, 2011 |CD |NV822111 |- |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
Category:2010 albums Category:Aṣa albums Category:Yoruba-language albums