I Have 'Souled Out' (IMED 1359.001 Post #4)

Jhene Aiko, the somber songbird from Los Angeles, has me hooked on the heartbreak harmonies that make up her debut album, 'Souled Out.' With each body of work, this woman continues to amaze me. What I love most about her (aside from her smooth, cool voice) is that most of her material is written from an open-ended, ambiguous perspective. I'm assuming she does this so that the listener can come up with their own interpretation - this makes for great music because everyone is able to relate. I've been following Jhene's career for quite some time, and I thought it only right to review my favorite tracks from her debut.

1. 'W.A.Y.S' - an acronym for "why aren't you smiling," one of her late brother's last tweets. At the time of said tweet, Aiko's brother was going through treatment for cancer, which eventually caused his death. The song is an anthem of positivity and encouragement. It gets better.

2. 'Wading' - a homophone for "waiting." Jhene has expressed that she loves water, so her play on words her is appropriate (and pretty darn clever). This song explores being dragged (and left) into the deep end, and left "wading" for a person to love you enough to come back to save you from drowning.

3. 'Brave' - This song talks about feeling unworthy of love. When you finally let someone in, you're amazed about how "brave" they are to have fallen for you, after you've presumed you are undeserving.

4. 'Promises' - In the first half of the song, Jhene pleads her daughter to 'promise' her that she will always be okay. The second half of the song, Jhene, sends a 'promise' to her late brother, Miyagi, that she will always be alright and do her best.

5. 'Pretty Bird' - This song (from what I gather) is about refusing to dim your light, even if it means letting other's shine. Don't be ashamed to sing, fly, or express yourself because it makes others uncomfortable.