Jhene Aiko debut her first studio lp “Souled Out” this week [Sept. 9th] via Def Jam and Artium Records. and we ‘ve got your rundown review. Following the success of her 2013 ‘Sail Out’ EP Jhene Aiko
On the new album ‘Souled Out’ Jhene explores all of her emotions from heartache, to rage, insecurity, and empowering one self.
” As her label points out Jene’s album features lyrics that revolve around relationships, life lessons, philosophies, and truths. Aiko wrote the album and recruited the help of four producers including No.ID to create her overall sound which is a fuse of hip hop, R&B, electronica, and psychadelic music. “
To ‘Live Or Die’ is one of my favorite tracks on the album. I enjoyed the 50 cent reference “Many Men Wish Death on Me”. Jhene explains her passion for love and she unapologetically declares that she is willing to live & die for love.
On the track ‘Pretty Bird’ ft. Common, Jhene Aiko comes face to face with her inner feelings. She resembles the feelings of another as her own and provides advice on not giving up. On the record Jhene sings:
” Pretty Bird, Pretty Bird Please Don’t Die/ Please Don’t Cry, I know You’re Hurting, But So Am I, I Feel The Same Way Inside.”
‘Spotless Mind’ is another great record that follows perfectly after . It’s mellow yet smoothing like a spoken word poem. Jhene speaks on a particular someone [her lover perhaps] and contemplates her options to stay or leave.
” Loving You Is Nice, But It’s A New Day And A New Season.. “
Check out the full track list below.
1 Limbo Limbo Limbo
2 W.A.Y.S.
3 To Love & Die (feat. Cocaine 80s)
4 Spotless Mind
5 It’s Cool
6 Lyin King
7 Wading
8 The Pressure
9 Brave
10 Eternal Sunshine
11 Promises (feat. NAMIKO & Miyagi)
12 Pretty Bird (Freestyle) [feat. Common]
13 Remember
14 Blue Dream