There is a lot
of soul that comes out of Philadelphia, Pa. It kinda starts with Gamble &
Huff, the production duo behind 70’s sound of Teddy Pendergrass, The Jackson’s,
and the O’Jay’s among others. Then you have DJ Jazzy Jeff, all the way to
?uestlove and The Roots, Eve, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and Meek Mill. One
important piece to this list is Jazmine Sullivan, who just released her third
studio album Reality Show via RCA.
Singing since her childhood, and studying under legends like Salaam Remi and Missy
Elliott, Sullivan’s talents stretch beyond her powerhouse voice, as she has an
ability to paint a picture with her songwriting skills more effectively than
most singer-songwriters of her generation. Reality
Show proves that while she can sing her way through stormy situations, it’s
her captivating use of a pen that keeps listeners entertained and inspired
through each song.
One would think that the album would
detail breakups and heartbreak, after all she did strike big with 2008’s “Bust
Your Windows”, however there is a range in topics within the album. Starting
off with the Key Wayne produced “Dumb”, Sullivan covers a familiar topic in her
catalogue: cheating. The song should
have been more of a hit in the summer when it was released as the albums first
single, but all is fair. Calling out her other half for being dumb to think
that she isn’t aware of his actions, Sullivan gets assist from MMG lyricist,
and fellow Philly kid Meek Mill. Other records that get into the pitfalls of a
relationship are the DJ Dahi backed “Brand New”. This track fits the ‘Reality
Show’ concept, coming off as a Love &
Hip hop storyline. Lyrics like “They don’t know you like I do/I swear when
n***as start making money/They start actin’ funny/It’s no love when they come
up/They get brand new”. While the lyrics are angry, the vocals and production
are mellow. Same can be said for “Silver Lining” and “Mascara” The former deals
with a woman trying to survive financially between jobs, and having to raise and take care of family. While a relatable story, far too many vocalists are this candid let
alone sing about it in song.
One of the highlights of Reality Show is “#HoodLove. Produced by industry vet Chuck Harmony, the
record deals with the volatile side of being with someone, and doing everything
that you can to keep things afloat in hard times, even when you know he/she has
“two strikes”. The song’s vibe gives a haunting feeling. One that let’s you
know that the relationship is “Bonnie & Clyde” inspired, with a heavy bass
to match. Another highlight is “Stupid Girl” where Sullivan showcases a Motown
inspired range, with production that brings to mind old sound of The
Marvelettes. Sullivan’s pitch is altered again on the album closer “If You
Dare”. Using an upbeat track, the song is base and percussion heavy, with the
theme of living your life as a focal point. The song is one of the most
positive and upbeat records on the album.
On a few listens to the album it is
rather easy to see that Sullivan has an old soul. She uses production and vocal
arrangements that sounds like a tribute to Prince and Anita Baker on the tracks
“Stanley” and “Masterpiece (Mona Lisa) respectively. She does it effectively
without it sounding forced. In fact her
influencers would be proud if they heard the tracks themselves. “Forever Don’t
Last” is signature Jazmine Sullivan, and interestingly is the most
autobiographical record on the album. The acoustic riff and drum snap in the
background compliments her vocals and the pain in the lyrics well.
Not everyone can sing and be an
effective songwriter. Jazmine Sullivan can.
There is a song on here for anyone over the age of 25 to relate to. More
importantly the album is entertaining, and should be in most playlists this
year. There is a reason Sullivan was nominated for ‘Best New Artist” years back
at the Grammys. She has a range that few can emulate.
