Jill Scott, Woman | Album Review 💿

On her latest album, Woman, Jill Scott continues to flaunt her best attribute – her splendid, powerhouse vocals.

Once an artist reaches to certain album number, doesn’t it seem like there’s less anticipation or outright excitement? Sad that may be, but that’s sort of the case for Jill Scott’s Woman. That’s not to say that die-hard fans aren’t excited for it – yours truly being one – but, much like the neo-soul movement itself, excitement is trending downward as opposed to upward. That’s unfortunate, as Woman is another well-rounded album by Scott. Let’s break it down with good and bad.

THE GOOD

THE GOOD is that vocally, Jill Scott remains one of the best in the game. Her more poised performances are equally alluring as her more overt, edgier performances, sometimes eclipsing them. She’s fabulous on the oxymoronic “Lighthouse” which has both retro and contemporary soul sensibilities working in its favor. The same could be said of the majority of “Prepared” and “Lighthouse” follow-up, “Fool’s Gold.” Her more pronounced vocals shine on compelling cover “You Don’t Know,” as well as biting, manic numbers like “Run Run Run” and “Coming To You.”

THE BAD

THE BAD doesn’t ever really happen on a Jill Scott album – we all know this. That said, this album lacks the same “fit and finish” of past albums. It’s sound as far as its pieces, but a bit clunkier as one unified album. This album sort of has the same issue that Beyoncé’s 4 had back in 2011 – overall good, but a bit out of order and unsorted. By no means does Scott miss with the material.

The VERDICT

The VERDICT is ultimately favorable for Scott, who always seems to deliver the goods on her albums. There is no “Golden” or “Hate On Me” here necessarily, but if you are looking for a good ole traditional/semi-traditional R&B album in 2015, Woman is meant for you.

Gems: “Prepared,” “Lighthouse,” “Fool’s Gold,” “Closure” & “You Don’t Know”  

Jill Scott • Woman • Atlantic • Released: 7.24.15

📷: Atlantic