Tems ‘Love Is A Kingdom’ EP Review: A Deep Dive Into Love’s Many Faces

Tems’s ‘Love Is A Kingdom’ EP beautifully explores love’s complexity, from self-worth to spiritual devotion in a fresh R&B soundscape.

The Storm That Is Tems: A New Chapter Begins

If you’ve been following the R&B scene closely, you know Tems isn’t your typical rising star — she’s a force of nature. After the flawless release of her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild, Tems solidified her status not just as an artist but as a whirlwind of soulful authenticity. She’s swept up the charts, sold out global tours, and snagged a Grammy like it was part of her destiny. But instead of basking in the glow of success and easing into the shadows, Tems took a bold turn inward.

Tems channels raw emotion in her ‘Love Is A Kingdom’ EP photo shoot

Love in Every Shade: The Heart of the EP

Recorded in the same intimate London studio that birthed her debut, Love Is A Kingdom arrives as a surprise seven-track EP that feels like a personal compass for Tems. It’s her way of cutting through the noise of fame and grounding herself in what truly matters: love, in all its many forms. Whether it’s self-love, inherited love, spiritual love, or the love that slips through your fingers, Tems invites us on a journey that is as introspective as it is communal.

What’s remarkable is that Tems produced most of the EP herself, weaving her confidence and perspective into every beat and lyric. The self-love anthem “First” kicks things off bright and buoyant, with Tems chanting the infectious mantra, “Fir-first, fir-first.” It’s that steely determination to put herself first, a refreshing message in today’s music.

Then there’s “Big Daddy,” where Tems flips the script and goes toe-to-toe with the vultures circling her rising fame. The bassline is choppy and melodious — the perfect backdrop for her biting lyric: “Are you high on a mountain to be calling me? / Ooh, you may look like you’re breathing, but you’re dead to me.” It’s sharp, clear, and somehow both haunting and empowering.

Romance, Boundaries, and Dancefloor Vibes

Tems doesn’t shy away from the classical themes of love either. On “I’m Not Sure,” she lets romantic uncertainty flow like gentle waves, her voice feather-light as she carefully negotiates boundaries: “Be on time, time, time, if you’re mine, mine, mine / I’ll be all yours if you’re worth it.” It’s tender and vulnerable, a contrast to the later track “Mine,” which flips the mood entirely.

“Mine” is a dancefloor-ready banger, packed with explosive 808s, plosive log drums, and crisp percussion that propel Tems’s voice like a spell over the groove. There’s a flirtatious energy here, a forward-looking optimism that feels like an invitation to the future she’s carving out for herself — grounded, fierce, and unapologetically in control.

Spirituality Takes Center Stage

Perhaps the boldest moment on Love Is A Kingdom is “Is There A Reason?” Here, Tems ventures into spiritual and existential territory, stepping outside her usual first-person storytelling to share a divine conversation. Sparse keys and soft synths cradle a chorus that questions God’s blessings: “Is there a reason? / Why do you love me like this?”

The track blends prayer, meditation, and music into a deeply human expression of gratitude and wonder. It’s a vivid, spiritual centerpiece that ties together the EP’s exploration of love’s many dimensions — from the tangible to the transcendent.

The EP’s Tender Core: Love as an Anchor

Closing out the EP is the title track, “Love Is A Kingdom,” where Tems dives into the softest corners of herself. Love here is tender, complicated, and unwavering — a guiding compass through the noise and chaos of life and fame.

By the time the final notes fade, Love Is A Kingdom feels less like a quest for applause and more like a masterclass in intention, clarity, and grounding. It's a heartfelt reminder that the most powerful love is the one you nurture within yourself first.

The evocative album art for Tems’ ‘Love Is A Kingdom’ EP

Details

• Record label: Since ‘93 / RCA
• Release date: November 21, 2025

Wrapping It Up: What Tems Teaches Us About Love

Tems’s Love Is A Kingdom EP is a stunning, introspective journey that encapsulates the multifaceted nature of love. It’s a mix of personal power, vulnerability, and spiritual wonder — a sonic diary that feels both intimate and expansive. If you’ve ever grappled with the many faces of love, this EP will feel like a warm, wise companion guiding you through.

What’s your favorite track from Love Is A Kingdom? How does Tems’s blend of spirituality and modern R&B resonate with your own experiences of love? Let’s chat in the comments!

FAQ

• What genres does Tems’s ‘Love Is A Kingdom’ EP explore?
  The EP primarily features R&B with touches of soul, spiritual, and dance elements, showcasing Tems’s versatility.
• Who produced the ‘Love Is A Kingdom’ EP?
  Tems produced the majority of the EP herself, highlighting her artistic control and vision.
• What themes are central to this EP?
  Love in its many forms: self-love, romantic love, spiritual devotion, and the challenges of fame.
• When was ‘Love Is A Kingdom’ released?
  The EP was released on November 21, 2025.
• Is there a standout track to start with?
  “Big Daddy” and “Is There A Reason?” are often highlighted for their lyrical depth and emotional power.

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