They blend nicely into one another, and it’s not until the sixth track, “Lyin King,” that we feel a change in the music. The first five songs of the album all follow the same, dream-like melodic pattern with silky waves of lyrics and phrases. The song title is an acronym for her brother’s favorite saying, “Why aren’t you smiling?” It opens with simple guitar chords that are soon complemented by Aiko’s repetitive, painful lyrics of “I gotta keep going,” speaking to the difficulty of his death. “W.A.Y.S.” is by far the most personal song on the album, as it alludes to the death of Aiko’s brother and the emotional turbulence she experienced. Woven into this musical backdrop is Aiko’s smooth and fluid voice, filled with breathy vocalizations and raw sentiment. The majority of songs feature a heavy use of synthesizers, minimalistic drum loops and delicate piano riffs.

With lyrics dripping with emotional confessions and subtle inspirations, it is clear that this album is an honest and direct reflection of Aiko’s romantic life.įull of sultry vocals that flow over seductive beats, Aiko’s new album is nothing short of hypnotic.

In her new album, “Souled Out,” Jhené Aiko showcases her dreamy vocals and emotional lyrics while also incorporating catchy rhythms.ĭespite a music career that has been slow to blossom, R&B singer-songwriter Jhené Aiko captivates listeners with her debut album, “Souled Out.” While she has collaborated with a number of successful artists in the past, namely Drake, “Souled Out” marks her biggest venture into the music world alone.

Souled out jhene aiko