---
title: Album Review: Jhené Aiko – Souled Out
author: Angie
published: 2014-10-13
modified: 2015-01-17
section: Music
tags: album, jhene aiko, R&B, review, souled out
canonical: https://www.stasheverything.com/album-review-jhene-aiko-souled/
source: Stash Everything
---

# Album Review: Jhené Aiko – Souled Out

For the deeply heartbroken seeking emancipation, **Jhené** **Aiko’s** debut album *Souled Out* will be your saviour. The album carries on the same themes and experiences noticeable in **Jhené’s** earlier work on *Sailing Souls* and *Sail Out*. Prepare to be taken on a personal journey that explores the pain and loss of love, and discovering the power to overcome the darkness.

**Jhené’s** poetic talent is immediately evident in the opening track *Limbo Limbo Limbo*, which sets the scene, as it encapsulates one’s confusion of the world and feeling misplaced. Her narration continues throughout the album.

*The Pressure* serves as the latest single and was directed by **Childish Gambino**. The video depicts the song well, going through the various pressures **Jhené**faces in life, including relationships, fame and single motherhood.

There are some gorgeous guitar riffs in the album, particularly in *W.A.Y.S*, (Why Aren’t You Smiling?), a song of perseverance, and *Spotless Mind*, about avoiding attachment, as she sings with soothing harmonies of being *“a wanderer.”*

Songs like *To Live & Die* featuring **Cocaine 80S** and *It’s Cool* and embodies the intoxication of love, the side of love that is completely irrational, and of being irrevocably devoted. This is opposed to *Lyin King*, which has a more vengeful effect.

It is not until *Eternal Sunshine* where we see a woman slowly emerging from the weight of her demons and into the light. In this track, **Jhené** begins to accept her life, without regret. This is followed by *Promises*, which is simply beautiful. It was inspired by **Jhené’s** late brother **Miyagi** and features her daughter **Namiko**. The closing track, *Pretty Bird*, metaphorically speaks of being free and includes a verse from rapper **Common**.

**Jhené Aiko** is a true storyteller. Her music is famously delicate yet takes listeners to a place of dreams – dreaming of escape and simplicity. **Jhené’s** desires are felt in the sweetest of voices that strongly resonates on this contemporary R&B record.

Related Articles:

– [Album Review: Jennifer Hudson – JHUD](https://www.stasheverything.com/lifestyle/album-review-jennifer-hudson-jhud/)– [Album Review: Ariana Grande – My Everything](https://www.stasheverything.com/lifestyle/album-review-ariana-grande-my-everything/)– [Video: Mila J – My Main Ft. Ty Dolla $Ign](https://www.stasheverything.com/news/video-mila-j-main-ft-ty-dolla-ign/)
 – [Video: Keyshia Cole – She](https://www.stasheverything.com/news/video-keyshia-cole-she/)

   [![jhene aiko album](https://www.stasheverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/jhene-aiko-album-300x300.jpg)](https://www.stasheverything.com/album-review-jhene-aiko-souled/jhene-aiko-album/)   jhene aiko album   [![Jhene Aiko](https://www.stasheverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/jhene-aiko-300x300.jpg)](https://www.stasheverything.com/album-review-jhene-aiko-souled/jhene-aiko/)