Souled Out
by Jhené Aiko
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2014
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. The Guardian
    Dec 18, 2014
    80
    She may purr like a revamped Ashanti, but she sounds tough as nails when it matters.
  2. Clash Music
    Oct 27, 2014
    80
    Her very personal, almost rapper-like approach to writing and melody is at its best on the LP’s most emotional cuts.
  3. Boston Globe
    Sep 18, 2014
    80
    Aiko’s producers, including No I.D. and Dot Da Genius, create expansive, inventive tracks that mirror the allure of her lithe vocals and intimate phrasing.
  5. NOW Magazine
    Sep 18, 2014
    60
    It’s nice to see Aiko atypically solo (Common provides the only rap feature), but more variety would be welcome.
  6. AllMusic
    Sep 12, 2014
    60
    Aiko can be maddeningly platitudinal and singsongy, but her one dimension is a specific balmy backdrop provided by no one else.
  7. Pitchfork
    Sep 12, 2014
    65
    Souled Out capably buffs Jhené Aiko’s strengths and shellacks her faults, but the moments where she steps out into the depth of her story transcend the synergy of a group of musicians with good chemistry.
  8. HipHopDX
    Sep 11, 2014
    70
    The songwriting is so intentionally simple and evocative that you’re as much sucked into wondering just what she’s going to say next as much as you just want to hear a high-quality song.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    Sep 10, 2014
    91
    The coolest party soundtrack for a parallel dimension where the future of R&B arrived a long time ago.
  10. Billboard.com
    Sep 9, 2014
    84
    It's 'party of one' music to overthink with and lines to quote when angry at a significant other--the soundtrack for hard times.
  11. Exclaim
    Sep 9, 2014
    80
    Souled Out is an intriguing record from an intriguing artist who has tapped into the zeitgeist and delivered something that is both reflective and forward-looking.

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed Album of 2014
93
#93 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 85 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 85
  3. Negative: 7 out of 85
  1. KingTommy
    Sep 12, 2014
    10
    There is something about her voice that is so beautiful and calming to me. This is the perfect album to just vibe with and go on a journey.There is something about her voice that is so beautiful and calming to me. This is the perfect album to just vibe with and go on a journey. Souled Out is no doubt my favorite album of 2014 & I look forward to all of her future releases.… Full Review »
  2. The_Following
    Sep 11, 2014
    8
    Definitely is a breath of fresh air for R&B. While there's a numerous amount of new R&B projects floating around, Jhene Aiko's Souled OutDefinitely is a breath of fresh air for R&B. While there's a numerous amount of new R&B projects floating around, Jhene Aiko's Souled Out definitely sticks out like a soar thumb. With simplistic lyrics that every average human being can relate to, there's really nothing negative you can say about this album. Every cut has its own identity, even though subject matter may be comparable in just about every song. Good to see a talented new artist hit the nail on the head with their debut studio album.… Full Review »
  3. isthatbrandon
    Mar 23, 2016
    10
    Jhene Aiko really gave us a brilliant R&B album. It is the type to relax to and really take in the chilling vibe that it gives off. This is aJhene Aiko really gave us a brilliant R&B album. It is the type to relax to and really take in the chilling vibe that it gives off. This is a truly mesmerising album, for all fans of R&B. Definitely check this out… Full Review »
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