Here is a review of the album that I just submitted to the newspaper that I write for. Comments are welcome.
Jill Scott - Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2 (Hidden Beach Recordings)
The title, Beautifully Human, tells you all you need to know about this album: it’s beautiful and it’s human. Jill Scott sings with such passion and feeling that you’ll want to spin this album over and over. Trust me.
Scott sings about life: the good, the bad, and the ugly. “Family Reunion” tells of a family barbecue and of the various things that happen at such events (embarrassing, funny, serious, she’s been to a couple of reunions, I think). She sings about ex-boyfriends, striving for personal hopes and dreams, and the loneliness that everyone feels at certain points in their lives. Oh yeah, there’s subtle shots at George W. Bush too (see “My Petition).
Her ability to tell a story with all the nuances is uncanny and totally blows me away. This is R&B, sure, if you want to put a label on it, but I think that detracts from the overall quality of the album. This is excellent music, period. Her musicianship is of the highest caliber, but she doesn’t let that get in the way of her storytelling.
I find a lot of today’s pop to be bland and fake, but this disc really strikes a chord deep down inside of me. Jill Scott pours her heart and soul into this album. Do yourself a favor and check it out; you will not regret it.