With the Grammy nominations out, its time for my "album of the year" reviews. I score each track on whether it stands out, is merely okay, or is a miss. The final score will be out of a high of 100.
"Chilombo" - Jhene Aiko
(All Rights to Artclub/ARTium/Def Jam Records)
1) "Lotus (intro)"
A calm, opening defining track.
2) "Triggered (Freestyle)"
This addresses past relationships; "You brought me to an obstructed view, When you knew the picture was bigger". There's an especially nice flow during the 4th verse.
3) "None Of Your Concern" (ft/ Big Sean)
Jhene and Sean reflect on their failed relationship; "I was traumatized and suicidal, sick and tired. I am not to blame". Ultimately its about moving on.
4) "Speak"
This deals with liberation and empowerment. Jhene states that she doesn't have to impress anyone else; "Look how the sun rises without our asking, Shinin' with so much passing, Light just for us to bask in".
5) "B.S." (ft/ H.E.R)
This is about bouncing back and self-confidence; "I am on my own now. I am in control now. I need you to go now, I can fix my own crown".
6) "PU$$Y Fairy" (OTW)
This deals with an intimate relationship. There really isn't a lot to this, and the awkward echoes throughout the track don't mesh up well.
7) "Happiness Over Everything (H.O.E)" (ft/ Future & Miguel)
This revolves around how a woman is judged for her sexual freedom. Overall this track feels very jumbled.
8) "One Way St." (ft/ Ab-soul)
Jhene reflects on her new direction in life. There's a disorienting feel to this that meshes with the overall theme.
9) "Define Me (Interlude)"
Similar to "Lotus", but this is against someone else defining her.
10) "Surrender" (ft/ Dr. Chill)
This is about surrendering one's self to the influences of the universe; "take a vow to be down for life". There's a very tranquil feel.
11) "Tryna Smoke"
This is about how Jhene handles/manages the various struggles of her life; "I wish that I was high, 'Cause I can't live my life when it's low".
12) "Born Tired"
Jhene needs something to life her up in this track; "three deep breaths, ten steps backwards...Tire marks on my heart"
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13) "LOVE"
This is about the influence of opening up to love; "Look down, Standing on my feet. Over hills & valley peaks. Veering right until I meet everything I'm meant to be". The 4th verse really adds to this track's theme.
14) "10K Hours" (ft/ Nas)
This is reflecting on loss; "I'm not being difficult, I just see things differently. You don't see the urgency, that really worries me". Jhene is stating not to take life for granted.
15) "Summer 2020 (interlude)"
This emotional track is about Jhene's late brother.
16) "Mourning Doves"
There's really good writing behind this; "Some doors were closed just for others to open, I'm hopin' you let me in?", but I'm left wanting a bit more instrumentally.
17) "Pray For You"
This is about letting go from a past relationship; "though we're not together, God bless you still". This is a very mature way of looking at the past.
18) "Lighting & Thunder" (ft/ John Legend)
This harmonious duet is dealing with the early stages and trials of a relationship.
19) "Magic Hour"
This track drags on a bit.
20) "Party For Me (West Coast Version)" (ft/ Ty Dolla Sign)
Jhene contemplates mortality and how she wants to be remembered and celebrated; "it's a celebration, I finally made it". Its a positive look on things, as she isn't afraid.
I didn't know what I was expecting with "Chilombo", as I'd never listened to Jhene Aiko before, and I was pleasantly surprised. With tracks like "speak", "Surrender" and "Party For Me", Jhene and her writing thematically click and really expresses what she's trying to put out there to the world.(78)
Taylor Swift - "Folklore" (100)
Black Pumas - "Black Pumas (Deluxe)" (91)
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