Reading Time: 2 min read

4 out of 5 stars

Jhené Aiko, Sun / Son [📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Jhené Aiko LLC / Def Jam; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Jhené Aiko shines on “Sun / Son,” celebrating her son, Noah Hasani, and embracing the gift of motherhood.

“Sun son, sun son, sun son…” Oh, the homophones! More importantly, Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Jhené Aiko (Jhené Aiko Chilombo) is referencing her son, Noah Hasani (with rapper Big Sean) on her first single of 2024, “Sun / Son”.  “Cherish the days (Cherish the days), God bless the child…” Aiko considers Noah to be the center of her universe, embracing motherhood (“You charge me up (Sun son, sun son) / My solar power, I’m so in love”). Aiko penned the record.  She is true to self artistically and musically, while the results are positive and touching

.

Jhené Aiko, Sun / Son [📷: Jhené Aiko LLC / Def Jam]“Your momma’s soul, and your daddy’s style / Wouldn’t you know, isn’t it wild…” Again, lyrically, “Sun / Son” centers around Noah and being the best parent for her child. Spirituality enters the mix, as she sings, “Shine on me, so I can be everything I am / Lay your lead, you’re takin’ me to the promised land.” Given the positive vibes of the songwriting, the instrumental matches the sunny vibes. The late August 08 (August Grant) and Derex Williams produce, providing a warm backdrop for Chilombo. Some of the ear candy includes the light, rhythmic drum groove and a robust bass line. Another selling point are the layered vocals (“sun son”), which serve as a great tone setter.  Speaking of vocals, throughout, Chilombo serves up chill vocals, singing with an easygoing approach. All in all, no deep analysis is necessary on “Sun / Son” as this touching song speaks for itself.

4 out of 5 stars


🎙 Jhené Aiko • 🎵 “Sun / Son” • 🏷 Jhené Aiko LLC / Def Jam • 🗓 1.11.24

[📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Jhené Aiko LLC / Def Jam; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.