Suddenly, when she was 19, she returned to music, and recorded a few songs. Unfortunately, she wasn't really that recognized as she was previously. The next year, she got pregnant by former B2K singer Omarion's brother, O'Ryan, and she started recording more music. While this happened, she was a guest feature on "Growing Apart (To Get Closer)", a song off Kendrick Lamar's mixtape, Overly Dedicated. This song gained her popularity back and can be seen as a popular song from both Kendrick & Jhené. She also made a guest appearance on ScHoolBoy Q's Setbacks at the start of the new year, on a song called "Fantasy". Two months after that, she released the mixtape, Sailing Soul(s), on her 23rd birthday.
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Sailing Soul(s) was Jhené's (finally) debut project, as her unreleased debut was to be out 8 years ago (at this time). She released this on her birthday as a free download and featured 13 tracks. The title is a play on the phrase "selling your soul", where "sailing your soul" happens to be the opposite of selling it. The mixtape had appearances from Miguel, Gucci Mane, Drake, HOPE & Kendrick Lamar. The tape had Jhené gain more fans than before, and was praised for its concept. It also show a departure from the commercial-R&B style, used in her early years of her career; and showcased a neo-soul/PBR&B (hipster-R&B) style. This was praised by internet bloggers and critics for its lyrical content and concept, and it brought Jhené to a internal audience, although a minor one was being developed at this time.
So...
1. The Beginning
Interesting...
2. Stranger
This song introduces the darker side of the singer, and it's really appealing to me. The concept can make the listener really hooked to the song. I mean, her trying to find a guy that isn't like all the other guys, she finds that hard, since they do a lot of things to her. Great song.
3. Hoe (feat. Miguel & Gucci Mane)
Meh.
4. July (feat. Drake)
This sounds like a leftover of Drake's Thank Me Later. I mean, it's more of a Drake (feat. Jhené) track rather than what it is actually portrayed as. The background theme is nice and the beat is very light and sounds seasonal and spiritual. Drake's lyrics are interesting with the voice suiting with the song and mixing with his trademark sing-song flow. Jhené does great with her hook, and the overall project is excellent. Another great song.
5. My Mine
Arguably one of the best songs on this tape. Point Blank.
6. Popular
This song sounds exactly like a pop-rock song originally for a scrapped high-school movie, where people 21 and over remember their high-school days. Seriously, it's that bad. And the sample of 50 Cent's "Wanksta" wasn't really needed, by the way.
7. Real Now (feat. Lite, HOPE & K. Roosevelt)
A solid one from Jhené. It's good, and the 3 people contribute very well. I like the booming beat, the soft voice of Jhené, the nice rap verse from HOPE & Lite and the singing contribution from Roosevelt. This is a really good song, and it's an interesting song.
8. Sailing NOT Selling (feat. Kanye West)
Jhené gets straight to the point on why it's good to sail your soul, instead of selling it, and it's decent. However, it's kinda disappointing how Jhené stole a Kanye verse from a BET Cypher. Yeah, I get it's because it's something that suits into the song. Like everyone else, I expected an actual Kanye verse. But, oh well.
9. Do Better Blues (with HOPE)
HOPE & Jhené collaborate on a smooth relationship track, which has the two try to deal with their struggles and stress in their relationship. HOPE starts off with a good rap verse. Jhené continues well with her singing and the hook too. HOPE is really nice with his verse and contributions, and Jhené is great. In other words, this is my favourite song on this tape.
10. Higher
Not a bad song. Jhené does nice with her metaphor of how her "love is a man's drug", similar to what singer Ke$ha said. This is better than Ke$ha, anyway. The beat is nice, and the lyrics are appealing. It's an interesting thing when metaphorically comparing love to a drug. Solid cut.
11. You vs. Them
This song follows Jhené trying to find a guy, but she can't have him, but at the same time, singing to her child. Really appealing, and ear-hooking. Bei Maejor did well with the production too.
12. Space Jam
Jhené tells a true story about a guy she met. It's a good and interesting song, and Fisticuffs does excellent with the beat. The fact this was written when she found out her brother had cancer interests me into the song more. RIP Miyagi.
13. Growing Apart Too (feat. Kendrick Lamar & HOPE)
Jhené concludes the mixtape with an alternate version of Kendrick Lamar's "Growing Apart" aka the song that gained her recognition back. Jhené incorporates her ending verse and uses it as a bridge, and Kendrick's verse is repeated (from the original), with HOPE doing his own verse. I still like the original though.
Sailing Soul(s) is a very appealing and interesting mixtape. It shows the feelings of Jhené and it doesn't really try to be like any other project. As the mixtape plays on, it feels like a book about her misadventures with guys and her thinking about life. Heartfelt songs and relatable lyrics for women make this mixtape nice. Jhené proves to show a soft voice to portray feelings and plotlines of songs. "July" shows a spiritual/seasonal feeling with its light atmosphere (especially with Drake's contribution) while songs like "Stranger" and "You vs. Them" showcases how and what she feels for a guy. I like it mostly because of Jhené's voice. It makes the mixtape so worthy instead of being so mainstream and trying to be like any other (commercial) R&B singer. The production from Fisticuffs suits in and he knows how to make a dark atmosphere to a track. However, at some points, I did expect a few lighter tracks (there were only 2), since there was too much dark tracks about how hurt she was with a boy or how she felt about him.
Yeah, there were a few weak tracks though, although the tape proved to be interesting. "Hoe" just sounds like your average club banger, and I did kinda expect Miguel to have a singing verse or something, and Jhené had to jack a Gucci verse, instead of calling him up. "Popular" is too pop-rock(y), and it doesn't really suit Jhené that much. Other than that, Sailing Soul(s) proves to be good and interesting, mainly because of the concept of "sailing your soul" instead of selling it. I recommend that you download this. Jhené portrays the fact she is (still) in her element with her amazing voice (I bet some of you already knew that) and the producers manage to do an absolute great job at this, while she tells her stories.
The Furious 5ive
My Mine
Do Better Blues
July
Stranger
Space Jam
Honourable Mentions
You vs. Them
Real Now
But wait, there's more!
Released: November 12, 2013
Jhené had 2 years to herself, being a frequent appearance on many people's albums, including Ab-Soul, Big Sean & Casey Veggies. During those two years (2012), she managed to get a meeting with No ID (Common's frequent producer on his first 3 albums and A&R Vice President), and was signed to his label ARTium under Def Jam. In September 2012, Jhené managed to release her first single under the label, 3:16am, which feature a dark vibe about addiction. The next year, she released a sequel called "Burning Man (3:16pm)", which featured a feel-good light vibe, unlike the original. In the summer, she was featured on "Beware" with Big Sean & Lil Wayne (from Hall of Fame).
Furthermore, Jhené was a feature on "From Time", a track off Drake's Nothing Was The Same. Around the same period this happened, she announced an EP called Sail Out, and revealed its cover. Bridging the gap between her mixtape and the album, the EP continues around the "Sailing NOT Selling" concept that she showcased on her mixtape and plays on the phrase "sell out". November came and Sail Out, the prelude to her album, dropped in retail and online stores/streaming services, with guest features from Vince Staples, Childish Gambino, Ab-Soul & (yours truly) Kendrick Lamar, and, of course, featured the infamous hit single "The Worst". This also sold a lot of copies, especially being a reintroductory project to people who were getting to known her
Furthermore, Jhené was a feature on "From Time", a track off Drake's Nothing Was The Same. Around the same period this happened, she announced an EP called Sail Out, and revealed its cover. Bridging the gap between her mixtape and the album, the EP continues around the "Sailing NOT Selling" concept that she showcased on her mixtape and plays on the phrase "sell out". November came and Sail Out, the prelude to her album, dropped in retail and online stores/streaming services, with guest features from Vince Staples, Childish Gambino, Ab-Soul & (yours truly) Kendrick Lamar, and, of course, featured the infamous hit single "The Worst". This also sold a lot of copies, especially being a reintroductory project to people who were getting to known her
But however, was this better than the first [Sailing Soul(s)]? Did Jhené improve? Were the features even worth it? Well, let's find out...
1. The Vapors (feat. Vince Staples)
So this is how it starts off, with a smooth and slow beat, and Jhené using metaphors to describe love for a guy, or maybe she personifying weed ("Can I Hit It Again?"). Vince Staples comes with a nice verse, probably replying to Jhené's lyrics in her verses, reminiscing about the times and wanting her to stay. I really felt the song. It was nice. Jhené was good with her verses, while Vince did well with his, and the song has a smooth vibe. Good song.
2. Bed Peace (feat. Childish Gambino)
Childish Gambino comes on a softer song than all the others. With the title, and video being inspired by the Bed Peace protest by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Jhené uses a love concept with a soft-rock element. I liked the soft-rock elements in it, and it works on the track unlike what happened with "Popular" [off Sailing Soul(s)]. Gambino's input was great, and he flowed really well on this. A really great song.
3. Stay Ready/What A Life (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
Kendrick is up next on 1/2 of a double track. Jhené does her thing in her introductory verse, starting off very well while Kendrick suits in with a soft voice on an excellent rap to get into the vibe of the song. I loved how Jhené worked with this, and how Kenny did a great verse. The beat is really nice, and it has a neutral vibe to it.
Part 2 is What A Life, where Jhené leads the song with a dark vibe, which has a beat that reminds me of production from 40 (Drake's frequent producer), and it's a solid cut. Jhené has a good time for 3 verses and it goes off really good. But I did find Stay Ready better though. This is just decent.
4. WTH (feat. Ab-Soul)
This song's too slow. I didn't really feel this one like the others. But luckily, Soulo does save it because the vibe does get better by the time he comes up. It just comes out as a solid track though.
5. The Worst
Of course, from being a "weak track" from Jhené to actually becoming a really popular track from her. This follows her being in a relationship that has caused fights, and made her confused. With memes being made of the "I don't need you, but I want you" line on social media, it's really interesting that it's a bit different from her other tracks, which frequently talked about how she felt before she got into the relationship. I like the third verse, which makes the plot get to the point. Perhaps the best track Jhené has ever made in her career.
6. 3:16am
Also known as her debut single ("No LOVE" doesn't count), Jhené sings about depression, addiction and very dark thoughts in 3 minutes, 16 seconds (seriously, 3:16). It's really interesting. The vibe is really scary and really negative. The lyrics appeal to the listener, and shows something so negative, so dark, and so shady. The beat is nice, and it sets the scene and the concept a lot. A really great track.
7. Comfort Inn Ending (Freestyle)
The EP ends with a track, where Jhené talks about her past relationships, about how she has been screwed over so much by guys. I saw the video, and I'm pretty sure I saw her burning some Jordans, I guess that's how pissed off she was... but, I digress. This song is really nice. It's interesting and appealing how she battles herself about how her relationships were like. She name-drops people that she had a past relationship with, as if she was so angry about it. Overall, an interestingly great song.
Even the smallest things can be better than the biggest ones, and this proves it. Sail Out ends up showing an improved and refreshed Jhené, which has her talk a little more about other topics than just guys screwing out over (speaking of which, The Worst is the best song out of all the songs she has made about that). Jhené has managed to portray many things and with features to actually complete the point that she's making. She continues the "Sailing NOT Selling" concept and she does a really great job at it. Many dark tracks are made, mainly because of her adolescence/young life before and while she returned to music. It's really interesting, hearing those types of songs, but they do get boring after a while. However, the reason why I like this is because Jhené happens to switch up a lot with this, with peaceful concepts & soulful vibes, and she has a little bit of laidback atmospheres on tracks. Features make this one hell of an interesting project. Vince Staples does his thing with "The Vapors", and Kendrick had a great verse with "Stay Ready". Additionally, Fisticuffs, pretty much the only producers on the EP showcased great genius minds with their production. In general, Sail Out is more improved and fresh out the oven than previously. Her dark thoughts come together and they merge successfully, unlike Sailing Soul(s) [at some points]. I recommend a purchase. It's an excellent and refreshing project from Jhené and she shows and proves more than ever, with the EP leaving you amazed and restored from it.
Recommended Tracks
The Worst
Stay Ready
The Vapors
3:16am
1. The Vapors (feat. Vince Staples)
So this is how it starts off, with a smooth and slow beat, and Jhené using metaphors to describe love for a guy, or maybe she personifying weed ("Can I Hit It Again?"). Vince Staples comes with a nice verse, probably replying to Jhené's lyrics in her verses, reminiscing about the times and wanting her to stay. I really felt the song. It was nice. Jhené was good with her verses, while Vince did well with his, and the song has a smooth vibe. Good song.
2. Bed Peace (feat. Childish Gambino)
Childish Gambino comes on a softer song than all the others. With the title, and video being inspired by the Bed Peace protest by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Jhené uses a love concept with a soft-rock element. I liked the soft-rock elements in it, and it works on the track unlike what happened with "Popular" [off Sailing Soul(s)]. Gambino's input was great, and he flowed really well on this. A really great song.
3. Stay Ready/What A Life (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
Kendrick is up next on 1/2 of a double track. Jhené does her thing in her introductory verse, starting off very well while Kendrick suits in with a soft voice on an excellent rap to get into the vibe of the song. I loved how Jhené worked with this, and how Kenny did a great verse. The beat is really nice, and it has a neutral vibe to it.
Part 2 is What A Life, where Jhené leads the song with a dark vibe, which has a beat that reminds me of production from 40 (Drake's frequent producer), and it's a solid cut. Jhené has a good time for 3 verses and it goes off really good. But I did find Stay Ready better though. This is just decent.
4. WTH (feat. Ab-Soul)
This song's too slow. I didn't really feel this one like the others. But luckily, Soulo does save it because the vibe does get better by the time he comes up. It just comes out as a solid track though.
5. The Worst
Of course, from being a "weak track" from Jhené to actually becoming a really popular track from her. This follows her being in a relationship that has caused fights, and made her confused. With memes being made of the "I don't need you, but I want you" line on social media, it's really interesting that it's a bit different from her other tracks, which frequently talked about how she felt before she got into the relationship. I like the third verse, which makes the plot get to the point. Perhaps the best track Jhené has ever made in her career.
6. 3:16am
Also known as her debut single ("No LOVE" doesn't count), Jhené sings about depression, addiction and very dark thoughts in 3 minutes, 16 seconds (seriously, 3:16). It's really interesting. The vibe is really scary and really negative. The lyrics appeal to the listener, and shows something so negative, so dark, and so shady. The beat is nice, and it sets the scene and the concept a lot. A really great track.
7. Comfort Inn Ending (Freestyle)
The EP ends with a track, where Jhené talks about her past relationships, about how she has been screwed over so much by guys. I saw the video, and I'm pretty sure I saw her burning some Jordans, I guess that's how pissed off she was... but, I digress. This song is really nice. It's interesting and appealing how she battles herself about how her relationships were like. She name-drops people that she had a past relationship with, as if she was so angry about it. Overall, an interestingly great song.
Even the smallest things can be better than the biggest ones, and this proves it. Sail Out ends up showing an improved and refreshed Jhené, which has her talk a little more about other topics than just guys screwing out over (speaking of which, The Worst is the best song out of all the songs she has made about that). Jhené has managed to portray many things and with features to actually complete the point that she's making. She continues the "Sailing NOT Selling" concept and she does a really great job at it. Many dark tracks are made, mainly because of her adolescence/young life before and while she returned to music. It's really interesting, hearing those types of songs, but they do get boring after a while. However, the reason why I like this is because Jhené happens to switch up a lot with this, with peaceful concepts & soulful vibes, and she has a little bit of laidback atmospheres on tracks. Features make this one hell of an interesting project. Vince Staples does his thing with "The Vapors", and Kendrick had a great verse with "Stay Ready". Additionally, Fisticuffs, pretty much the only producers on the EP showcased great genius minds with their production. In general, Sail Out is more improved and fresh out the oven than previously. Her dark thoughts come together and they merge successfully, unlike Sailing Soul(s) [at some points]. I recommend a purchase. It's an excellent and refreshing project from Jhené and she shows and proves more than ever, with the EP leaving you amazed and restored from it.
Recommended Tracks
The Worst
Stay Ready
The Vapors
3:16am
And now for our Feature Presentation...
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Released: September 9, 2014
Jhené had one hell of a great year, You see, Jhené was getting popular and well-known every day (and still is), especially with The Worst, and she had been doing concert and tour dates a lot. In addition, she was working on the long awaited album, Souled Out (which obviously played on the phrase, "sold out"). Mixing sessions and finishing touches were being made and by the time it was finished, two singles came out: "To Love & Die", in June and "The Pressure" in July. Two months later, the album was finally released by ARTium on September 9.
Souled Out is the third project from Jhené and was delayed so many times after Sailing Soul(s) came out; as it was supposed to be a follow up to the tape. It once again continues around the "Sailing NOT Selling" concept introduced in Sailing Soul(s) and was preceded by the two singles. The album had little features, including Common & Cocaine 80s (a collective that Jhené herself is part of), along with the production being handled by No ID, Fisticuffs and more. Souled Out was something really anticipated, especially since her Sail Out EP. Observably, this was praised for its concept being an "evolution of a growing girl", and its content. Also, Jhené experiments and mixes up neo soul, psychedelic music and, of course, frequent elements of hip-hop. This album has shown many fans that Jhené has improved and has done better with her singing, especially with many people having their favourites. Furthermore, it debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, and as of probably right now, "souled" a massive amount of copies; which possibly shows how much of a good album this is.
So, on to Souled Out, one of the most anticipated projects this year...
1. Limbo Limbo Limbo
A great starter to the album. The song features a dark atmosphere and a rocky background to it, along with a trap-like beat. The lyrics were interesting including "life on a ride" and her talking about a girl (or probably herself in 3rd person), before switching to 2nd and 1st person. Dot Da Genius' production was nice and suited the song. I liked how it worked with the lyrics and content of the track. Decent track.
2. WAYS
A fan favourite from many listeners, and I can see why. Jhené uses life lessons in this song, and it really appeals to me. The beat is chill, and the content is interesting. Jhené's voice sounds more polished than some of the songs I've previously heard from her. The life lessons and the lyrics are motivating and inspirational, and the hook is really nice and soft. I like how she continues to play around 3:16am (At 44 minutes to four), and how an angel managed to say something to her. Also, the guitar in the background is really suiting and fitting. Noticing that the song was named after a text that her deceased brother sent her (Why Aren't You Smiling?) is really interesting and heartwarming, Pretty much my favourite track on this album.
3. To Love & Die (feat. Cocaine 80s)
Jhené's first single off the album makes the cut next, and it's nice. Fisticuffs' instrumental is remarkable, and I like the peace/love atmosphere to it, along with the references to 2Pac ("live by the love, die by the love") and 50 Cent [a reference to "Many Men (Wish Death)"]. James Fauntleroy's additional vocals are great, and it's awesome how she represents her city ("westside"). Overall an awesome track.
4. Spotless Mind
I love this song. Jhené uses an island vibe on a extremely chill beat, and it's interesting. It's great how she recorded this in nearly an hour (using GarageBand). No ID's instrumental is relaxing and peaceful, and it sets a perfect island image to the song. Additionally, the guitar riff is really comfortable for me and it's a perfectly great track.
5. It's Cool
This sounds really different from what she would normally do. The beat is a little bit faster, to incorporate a slow and trippy beat. The song follows her meeting of a guy, who she fell in love. The song goes in really nicely, and ID's beat is really relaxing, just like I said about "Spotless Mind". Unlike most of the tracks I've heard, it's not really about how she got screwed over by a guy, so it interests me a bit more than usual. Decent song.
6. Lyin King
As obviously suggested, the title plays around on the classic movie "The Lion King". The story (which began on "It's Cool") continues where we left off, and it follows her ticked off about her man and how he's been treating her, breaking her heart. Of course, I didn't think this would be the second part. This is more interesting than the previous track, even if it's about how she's been screwed over; and I love how she points the finger at her boyfriend's parents. Just like I said about "WAYS", her voice sounds (a little bit) polished than usual, but not that much like "WAYS". Still a good track.
7. Wading
This was just mediocre for me. I mean, it was alright, but it wasn't really enough for me to feel the song or something. So...
8. The Pressure
The second single off the album, which focuses of the stress and the "pressure" of her working on the album. Also, it focuses on the guy she like, and how it can be stressful. The song has very appealing lyrics including "every gem is not a diamond". Fisticuffs' beat is nice and we got a sombre/chill atmosphere in it. Another one of my favourites.
9. Brave
I don't really know how I feel about this song. A little weak, but it has an interesting plotline of how brave Jhené's man is and how they're in love. Unfortunately, it doesn't go that well. A really weak song for me. Jhené could've done better.
10. Eternal Sunshine
If you didn't know already, this song and "Spotless Mind" are named after a film called "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". Anyway, this song is nice and great. It has a sunrise/wake-up atmosphere. It's interesting how it follows her feeling a sense of clarity while she's on a journey. The piano makes a great vibe, and her singing gets softer as I hear this song. Another one of my favourites.
11. Promises
Jhené samples Namiko (her daughter) and her deceased brother, Miyagi's voice in a really dark song. Her daughter manages to sing with Jhené and it's really cute hearing her voice on this song. She also makes a dedication to her brother and how her death managed to affect her. It's a really heartfelt track and it's a song that can touch many people's hearts. An excellent track.
12. Pretty Bird (Freestyle) [feat. Common]
Common manages to be the only rap feature on this album (which is weird, considering how many rappers she has worked with during her career). This concludes the album in a peaceful way and it ends the story. Jhené repeats a line involving "a dying and crying bird" (which refers to Dumb and Dumber) and she sings it out loud like this is her last. Common ends the song with a conscious verse which interests the listener a lot. A heartfelt way to end the album
The following are bonus tracks on the deluxe edition:
13. Remember
The deluxe edition comes with two tracks, and this is the first one. Jhené happens to recall times that her man got another girl pregnant and how he has broken her heart. "Do you remember who you were" is a haunting lyric when she tries to speak to the man that screwed her over. Nevertheless, I didn't really like this like the others.
14. Blue Dream
Jhené does an alternate version of "My Afternoon Dream", and it's alright. It's pretty decent. No ID once again happens to do a laidback/sunrise dreaming atmosphere just like how the other of his productions were like. I like this song. It's good and the lyrics are nice. It's actually my favourite bonus.
The following are Target exclusives:
15. You vs. Them [Acoustic]
An acoustic version of an early song becomes an exclusive on the album. It's that boring, and I haven't said Meh in a long time so... MEH!
16. Beautiful Ruin
I like this one. It's like a one-verse wonder on this, but it's good. It doesn't really have a beat. It's still the same type that Jhené's has been using on this album (not that it's bad). But I love it. It's a great song.
For an album that has been long anticipated and finally listened to, I know you want to know what I have to say about it. OK, guys, here it come: Souled Out is excellent. It has a lot of potential in it and the concept is really interesting, Jhené manages to develop a soft, aquarian vibe in the album, and a bit unlike the others, it's less about "guys screwing her over" and more "life lessons and interesting stuff". She does a good job with the concept and the album feels like a musical journey. However, the production, as we get through the album, ends up lacking something important, and it's really unclear what it is. Most of the tracks have Jhené's soft singing, but she didn't do much to it (apart from "Pretty Bird" and "WAYS"). The album only had one feature (if James Fauntleroy doesn't count): Common, and he's the one to come with something really conscious and heartfelt. At least Jhené managed to say other things than just guys breaking her heart and screwing her over multiple times. A little bit of lacklustre production and soft singing (that she could've used to her extent) are the only flaws. Nevertheless, this is what you'd expect from a mature and grown Jhené: life lessons, dark/negative or sunrise/light atmospheres and hipster content. I recommend a purchase, but if you're someone who mostly focuses on nice production or doesn't like the sometimes repetitive production, look below. If I was to rank Jhené's discography from strongest to weakest, I'd put this at second place (and Sail Out at 1st, guess which's third) This is great, for many people [especially with a laidback, aquarian vibe], but unfortunately lacks a little potential (mostly in the second half) for something heavily anticipated.
The Furious 5ive
WAYS
Promises
Eternal Sunshine
Spotless Mind
Pretty Bird
Honourable Mentions
Blue Dream
Beautiful Ruin
The Pressure
Souled Out is the third project from Jhené and was delayed so many times after Sailing Soul(s) came out; as it was supposed to be a follow up to the tape. It once again continues around the "Sailing NOT Selling" concept introduced in Sailing Soul(s) and was preceded by the two singles. The album had little features, including Common & Cocaine 80s (a collective that Jhené herself is part of), along with the production being handled by No ID, Fisticuffs and more. Souled Out was something really anticipated, especially since her Sail Out EP. Observably, this was praised for its concept being an "evolution of a growing girl", and its content. Also, Jhené experiments and mixes up neo soul, psychedelic music and, of course, frequent elements of hip-hop. This album has shown many fans that Jhené has improved and has done better with her singing, especially with many people having their favourites. Furthermore, it debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, and as of probably right now, "souled" a massive amount of copies; which possibly shows how much of a good album this is.
So, on to Souled Out, one of the most anticipated projects this year...
1. Limbo Limbo Limbo
A great starter to the album. The song features a dark atmosphere and a rocky background to it, along with a trap-like beat. The lyrics were interesting including "life on a ride" and her talking about a girl (or probably herself in 3rd person), before switching to 2nd and 1st person. Dot Da Genius' production was nice and suited the song. I liked how it worked with the lyrics and content of the track. Decent track.
2. WAYS
A fan favourite from many listeners, and I can see why. Jhené uses life lessons in this song, and it really appeals to me. The beat is chill, and the content is interesting. Jhené's voice sounds more polished than some of the songs I've previously heard from her. The life lessons and the lyrics are motivating and inspirational, and the hook is really nice and soft. I like how she continues to play around 3:16am (At 44 minutes to four), and how an angel managed to say something to her. Also, the guitar in the background is really suiting and fitting. Noticing that the song was named after a text that her deceased brother sent her (Why Aren't You Smiling?) is really interesting and heartwarming, Pretty much my favourite track on this album.
3. To Love & Die (feat. Cocaine 80s)
Jhené's first single off the album makes the cut next, and it's nice. Fisticuffs' instrumental is remarkable, and I like the peace/love atmosphere to it, along with the references to 2Pac ("live by the love, die by the love") and 50 Cent [a reference to "Many Men (Wish Death)"]. James Fauntleroy's additional vocals are great, and it's awesome how she represents her city ("westside"). Overall an awesome track.
4. Spotless Mind
I love this song. Jhené uses an island vibe on a extremely chill beat, and it's interesting. It's great how she recorded this in nearly an hour (using GarageBand). No ID's instrumental is relaxing and peaceful, and it sets a perfect island image to the song. Additionally, the guitar riff is really comfortable for me and it's a perfectly great track.
5. It's Cool
This sounds really different from what she would normally do. The beat is a little bit faster, to incorporate a slow and trippy beat. The song follows her meeting of a guy, who she fell in love. The song goes in really nicely, and ID's beat is really relaxing, just like I said about "Spotless Mind". Unlike most of the tracks I've heard, it's not really about how she got screwed over by a guy, so it interests me a bit more than usual. Decent song.
6. Lyin King
As obviously suggested, the title plays around on the classic movie "The Lion King". The story (which began on "It's Cool") continues where we left off, and it follows her ticked off about her man and how he's been treating her, breaking her heart. Of course, I didn't think this would be the second part. This is more interesting than the previous track, even if it's about how she's been screwed over; and I love how she points the finger at her boyfriend's parents. Just like I said about "WAYS", her voice sounds (a little bit) polished than usual, but not that much like "WAYS". Still a good track.
7. Wading
This was just mediocre for me. I mean, it was alright, but it wasn't really enough for me to feel the song or something. So...
8. The Pressure
The second single off the album, which focuses of the stress and the "pressure" of her working on the album. Also, it focuses on the guy she like, and how it can be stressful. The song has very appealing lyrics including "every gem is not a diamond". Fisticuffs' beat is nice and we got a sombre/chill atmosphere in it. Another one of my favourites.
9. Brave
I don't really know how I feel about this song. A little weak, but it has an interesting plotline of how brave Jhené's man is and how they're in love. Unfortunately, it doesn't go that well. A really weak song for me. Jhené could've done better.
10. Eternal Sunshine
If you didn't know already, this song and "Spotless Mind" are named after a film called "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". Anyway, this song is nice and great. It has a sunrise/wake-up atmosphere. It's interesting how it follows her feeling a sense of clarity while she's on a journey. The piano makes a great vibe, and her singing gets softer as I hear this song. Another one of my favourites.
11. Promises
Jhené samples Namiko (her daughter) and her deceased brother, Miyagi's voice in a really dark song. Her daughter manages to sing with Jhené and it's really cute hearing her voice on this song. She also makes a dedication to her brother and how her death managed to affect her. It's a really heartfelt track and it's a song that can touch many people's hearts. An excellent track.
12. Pretty Bird (Freestyle) [feat. Common]
Common manages to be the only rap feature on this album (which is weird, considering how many rappers she has worked with during her career). This concludes the album in a peaceful way and it ends the story. Jhené repeats a line involving "a dying and crying bird" (which refers to Dumb and Dumber) and she sings it out loud like this is her last. Common ends the song with a conscious verse which interests the listener a lot. A heartfelt way to end the album
The following are bonus tracks on the deluxe edition:
13. Remember
The deluxe edition comes with two tracks, and this is the first one. Jhené happens to recall times that her man got another girl pregnant and how he has broken her heart. "Do you remember who you were" is a haunting lyric when she tries to speak to the man that screwed her over. Nevertheless, I didn't really like this like the others.
14. Blue Dream
Jhené does an alternate version of "My Afternoon Dream", and it's alright. It's pretty decent. No ID once again happens to do a laidback/sunrise dreaming atmosphere just like how the other of his productions were like. I like this song. It's good and the lyrics are nice. It's actually my favourite bonus.
The following are Target exclusives:
15. You vs. Them [Acoustic]
An acoustic version of an early song becomes an exclusive on the album. It's that boring, and I haven't said Meh in a long time so... MEH!
16. Beautiful Ruin
I like this one. It's like a one-verse wonder on this, but it's good. It doesn't really have a beat. It's still the same type that Jhené's has been using on this album (not that it's bad). But I love it. It's a great song.
For an album that has been long anticipated and finally listened to, I know you want to know what I have to say about it. OK, guys, here it come: Souled Out is excellent. It has a lot of potential in it and the concept is really interesting, Jhené manages to develop a soft, aquarian vibe in the album, and a bit unlike the others, it's less about "guys screwing her over" and more "life lessons and interesting stuff". She does a good job with the concept and the album feels like a musical journey. However, the production, as we get through the album, ends up lacking something important, and it's really unclear what it is. Most of the tracks have Jhené's soft singing, but she didn't do much to it (apart from "Pretty Bird" and "WAYS"). The album only had one feature (if James Fauntleroy doesn't count): Common, and he's the one to come with something really conscious and heartfelt. At least Jhené managed to say other things than just guys breaking her heart and screwing her over multiple times. A little bit of lacklustre production and soft singing (that she could've used to her extent) are the only flaws. Nevertheless, this is what you'd expect from a mature and grown Jhené: life lessons, dark/negative or sunrise/light atmospheres and hipster content. I recommend a purchase, but if you're someone who mostly focuses on nice production or doesn't like the sometimes repetitive production, look below. If I was to rank Jhené's discography from strongest to weakest, I'd put this at second place (and Sail Out at 1st, guess which's third) This is great, for many people [especially with a laidback, aquarian vibe], but unfortunately lacks a little potential (mostly in the second half) for something heavily anticipated.
The Furious 5ive
WAYS
Promises
Eternal Sunshine
Spotless Mind
Pretty Bird
Honourable Mentions
Blue Dream
Beautiful Ruin
The Pressure
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