Jhené Aiko is back with an artistic vengeance on her third studio album and first since her breakup from Big Sean, her musical partner on the 2016 album Twenty88; despite that, the rapper is featured on the record, signifying how both musicians are grown enough to remain friends. Chilombo lyrically focuses on relationships with frank songwriting placed over intoxicatingly smooth and slick R&B instrumentals, and the LP flows well via Aiko’s utilisation of symphonic interludes and tranquil traditional singing bowls, providing the album with a unique calming quality despite its often heavy lyrical content.
Jhené’s feathery tone of voice is present throughout the tracklist and holds it all together – her versatility in terms of vocal delivery means that there is no bad song to me and no song that feels out of place; she is able to work with any musical style and any member of the list of varied guest performers featured on the body of work. It’s almost too good to be true.
It is evident to any listener that Jhené recording the album in Hawaii has had an effect on the instrumental style of the record, especially in the interludes which almost feel like you’re walking through a rainforest with the replications of natural sounds. It is also very intriguing (and impressive) to me that each song present on the track listing began as a freestyle, with the lead single “Triggered (Freestyle)” being in its intact state from the original recording session and still sounding polished and effervescent. In terms of lyricism many believed the song to be a diss track alluding to her relationship with Big Sean – understandably so, given the accusatory nature of the songwriting – but Aiko has disputed these claims, again proving her lack of interest in the celebrity beefs that have been plaguing Hollywood for years. The freestyle rap track was the first song by Jhené I ever heard last year, and I was instantly impressed by its honesty with the discussion of conflicting feelings following on from the end of a relationship.
The dramatic tendencies of the first half of Chilombo are continued in the second single released from the record – the Big Sean-featuring “None of Your Concern”. From the title alone it can be ascertained that the lyrics link to their former relationship, but the atmosphere of the track and the delivery of both artists’ vocals amplify this attitude even more. Meanwhile, the emotionally freeing “Speak” utilises songwriting revolving around heightened realism rather than metaphor, thereby rendering itself more relatable to the listener on its messages of moving on and finding happiness, consolidated by Aiko’s angelic and empowering vocals.
The placement of “LOVE” towards the tail-end of the record may symbolise the positive new direction Jhené was able to travel in after ending her relationship, with its combination of endearing vocals and lyricism linking to themes of female empowerment and spirituality. Either way you slice it, it’s definitely a solid serving from the album. “Tryna Smoke” is another particular highlight for me, especially in terms of its production.
All in all, I don’t think I could be more impressed with Chilombo. The complex songwriting, the well-used guest artists (particularly standout verses from the likes of H.E.R., Future, Ab-Soul and Ty Dolla $ign), Aiko’s amazing voice all blend together into one brilliant album that I will definitely listen to again. I couldn’t recommend this record more and, despite its lengthiness, it was an enjoyable ride from beginning to end.
My final verdict? Jhené Aiko is a criminally underrated artist who deserves so much more recognition in the music industry. Time to explore the rest of her discography and have a very enjoyable doing so.
9/10
About Author
