The Light of the Sun - Jill Scott
The Light of the Sun Image
Metascore
73 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The Philadelphia native releases her fourth studio album of soulful pop and R&B.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Jul 19, 2011
    91
    I agree, men are dogs. But it gets my radar in a lather when this loving, lovable woman structures her 2007 album along a break-up's narrative arc and then four years later the same thing happens twice‑-only the first guy leaves her with a boychild who, let's be candid, she loves more unreservedly than she has any grown man on record.
  2. The Guardian
    Jun 24, 2011
    80
    Sonically, the most adventurous thing here is the long, spaced-out Le Boom Vent Suite, but it's Scott's warm womanliness over the whole album that makes it a must-hear.
  3. NOW Magazine
    Jun 30, 2011
    80
    There's nothing cerebral about her lyrics; she's a captivating, blunt performer, here emphasizing classic arrangements and raw emotion over poetic invention.
  4. Uncut
    Jul 28, 2011
    60
    Exec producer JR Hutson's scratch beats and jazzy interpolations give a spark to velvet soul confessionals where he aching but pliant, octave-scaling vocal colours across the emotional spectrum. [Aug 2011, p.98]
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See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Brad_
    10
    Beautiful. This record has so much personality and depth to it, personally it deserves a 10. I would like to mention that this record further emphasises Jill Scott's neo soul style yet being so fearless of introducing new genres for her fans e.g jazz, gospel and her spoken word interlude 'Womanifesto' is a breath of fresh air for all of us. The order of the album is perfect and strategically placed. For example Quick and Making You Wait, two tracks where its form reflects the content of the track, played back to back illustrating the time/patience theme. Blessed as the introductory song updates her listener on her life and reminds us that the simple things in life are truly blessed. And Rolling Hills, a song, its theme is reminiscent of Lauryn Hills' Doo Wop (that thing), summarizes The Light of The Sun message, which I'll let the reader make their own message because the album is that universal.
    Favourite song: Shame Best instrumentation: So gone (what my mind says)
    Best Lyrics: Hear My Call
    Catchy melody: Le Boom Vent Suite
    Most fun: Quick    … Expand
  2. jimpage
    9
    Very enjoyable free style cd. Jill nails a variety of styles (hip hop, r&b, soul, jazz, blues, spoken word, scat...) singing and giving life advice about love, family, relationships, religion, salvation, a very natural & supernatural cd. Tracks 1 thru 5 and 7 thru 17(i bought the delux edition 17 track cd) have an incredible vibe and beauty to them. Topshelf instrumental support. Not many come around hitting all of these buttons. I could do without the male spoken part (abit too graphic for everyone's taste) to track 6 but Jill is simply perfect.… Expand
  3. Labarron
    9
    I very proud of her. Her first number one album. A good album, but it's not her best. I'm a big fan of Jill Scott and this album proves way. Her voice sounds very soulful and sexy. Keep up the good work, Ms. Scott.… Expand
  4. Dingo
    9
    HA. 73, huh? For a rock-steady Jill Scott record?

    Well, perhaps relatedly or unrelatedly, there seems to be a disappointing number of white l    isteners who really don't quite get it, especially when a brilliant black woman sings about love, happiness and kicking ass. Oh, which reminds me - If I could write a personal note to Jill Scott, it would be: "Pretty please, could you record a cover of 'Love & Happiness?' Eternally yours, A."

    This album is excellent.    … Expand

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