Souled Out
by Jhené Aiko
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2014
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
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  1. 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 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 inDefinitely 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.… Expand
  2. Leeohthescorpio
    Sep 12, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Jhene is one of very few artists who goes deep into the soul of listeners. I admire her for that. Souled Out is a journey that resonates with anyone who has hope, love and peace in their soul which is why it is the best album of 2014. Beautiful and unique voice and quality production.… Expand
  3. dgaiku007
    Jul 16, 2015
    10
    This is my album of 2015. This is new breed of music, a mix of R&B and Soul, with well written lyrics and tugs at the heart, at the essence of being Human.
  4. 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 a truly mesmerising album, for all fans of R&B. Definitely check this out
  5. 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. Souled Out is no doubt my favorite album of 2014 & I look forward to all of her future releases.
  6. thaleslucas
    Sep 18, 2014
    10
    I cannot explain how much lovely and lonely she was when she recorded this album. "Souled Out" is an amazing perfection of R&B! Jhené has a pretty and calm voice that make me feel like I'm front of the sea seeing the sun comes down. This is a such high debut! I'm really in love with it so much! ♥
  7. MyNamesCody
    Sep 23, 2014
    9
    Very powerful album. Cannot stop listening to Promises...one of the greatest songs I've heard in recent memory. Recommend this album to anyone who loves R&B
  8. ultraviolenmilk
    Sep 13, 2014
    10
    Jhene Aiko nuk ka asnjë dyshim bërë një shenjë të madhe në R dhe B botë me këtë LP . E përbërë nga gati një orë , Ndershëm Out vjen me tekst të vështirë goditur , vokal të relaksuar dhe qetësues Jhene -së , dhe instrumentale të mëdha . Një konkurrent për albumin e vitit ! 10/10 !
  9. piperslattery1
    Mar 9, 2015
    10
    Jhene Aiko is my favorite artist; she is a really skilled singer. Also, I am influenced by her because I can sing just like her. She was young when she started off her singing career, just fifteen years old. She made a record deal with Epic Records, and lived in Los Angeles at that time. Some reviews on this site are really good - one says, “If her writing is still in progress, it'sJhene Aiko is my favorite artist; she is a really skilled singer. Also, I am influenced by her because I can sing just like her. She was young when she started off her singing career, just fifteen years old. She made a record deal with Epic Records, and lived in Los Angeles at that time. Some reviews on this site are really good - one says, “If her writing is still in progress, it's progress that's worth watching.” I can say I agree with that because all of her music is amazing and her lyrics are something I can relate to a lot. Also, every single time she writes a new song it's better, and the lyrics are more powerful each time.

    I think the album Souled Out is one of my favorite albums and I hope the next album is even better. I always wonder what the next line of her lyrics are going to make me consider contemplate. I feel really calm and relaxed when I listen to her music. I listen to her every night, and honestly she puts me in a good mood. I recommend everyone listen to at least one song – take for instance the track “Remember.” One of her lyrics in that song is: “Calm down, you know my heart can't take anymore damn.” This I can relate to because boys have taken my heart and crushed it too many times. This message is something that surely can be related to through millions of others teenagers going through this situation.    … Expand
  10. LilScience
    Jan 11, 2022
    10
    Jhené fez paz viver nesse álbum, sempre que me sinto mal ouço ele e sempre depois de alguns minutos começo a ficar bem, ela é a minha anja na terra.
    Faixas favoritas: W.A.Y.S., It's Cool, Wading, Spotless Mind, The Pressure, Lying King.
  11. Evic21
    Jul 12, 2016
    7
    This album is beautifully produced and vocally striking; however, in terms of lyrics, they are up to par, but Aiko tends to use one repeated line as her hook for most of her songs. In the future, I'd like to see her take more risks lyrically rather than playing it safe and making her hooks sound redundant.
  12. ryansliao
    Jul 8, 2016
    9
    On of my favorite R&B albums ever. I just love the atmospheric production. It just gives this album a unique smoothness that is so rare to find in R&B. Jhene Aiko has such a beautiful voice, and I love the lyrics' overarching theme. Can't wait for her next full length LP.

    Favs: To Love & Die, Eternal Sunshine, Limbo Limbo Limbo, Lyin King, Wading, Spotless Mind
    Least Favs: It's Cool
  13. Recon97
    Oct 2, 2017
    9
    I did not expect much from Jhene AIko. She was just another R&B singer who sounded kind of boring. Then I heard this album. GODDAMN, this album was great. Nice, trippy production, beautiful vocals from Ms. Aiko, and... honestly, lackluster lyrics. But thats my only problem. Good job. I love this album. 9/10
  14. vitormuniz
    Mar 21, 2021
    10
    A masterpiece... a really good and deeper album. One of my favorite albums.
  15. MeLikesMusic
    May 10, 2021
    8
    Anything that paved the way for Chilombo has my respect. The album has some great songs, good song-writing and smooth, soft production that makes you get involved into the stories she talks about on her songs and her style. Some tracks are worth repeating, some tracks are okay, and although the freestyle at the end of the album (in my opinion) is all over the place, the album manages to beAnything that paved the way for Chilombo has my respect. The album has some great songs, good song-writing and smooth, soft production that makes you get involved into the stories she talks about on her songs and her style. Some tracks are worth repeating, some tracks are okay, and although the freestyle at the end of the album (in my opinion) is all over the place, the album manages to be good (enough) to be a highlight on her short discography.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. The Guardian
    Dec 18, 2014
    80
    She may purr like a revamped Ashanti, but she sounds tough as nails when it matters.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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