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The Light of the Sun Image
Metascore
73

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

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

  • Summary: The Philadelphia native releases her fourth studio album of soulful pop and R&B.
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Top Track

Hear My Call
Here I am again asking questions Waiting to be moved. I am so unsure of my perception What I thought I knew I don't seem to Where is the turn so I... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. 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. Jun 27, 2011
    90
    Her dexterity in juxtaposing genres, infusing her swooping jazz-singing with near-gospel fervor, kittenish moans and shameless spoken exhortations is commanding.
  3. 83
    Here, she returns to R&B like she never left: With its earnest introspection and earthy 
 textures - not to mention guest spots by Eve and Anthony Hamilton - The Light of the Sun has a distinctly early-aughties vibe, recalling an era when tempos were slower and voices less Auto-Tuney.
  4. Jun 20, 2011
    80
    The intimate and the instructive are never far apart for Ms. Scott; neither are lyrics and prose, melody and recitation.
  5. Jun 27, 2011
    70
    At times The Light of the Sun veers towards self-indulgence, and some of its ideas are not fully followed through. On the whole, however, it is a rather lovely, emotional album that provides a beguiling snapshot of the current life of Jill Scott.
  6. Jun 20, 2011
    70
    Scott has reasserted herself as a relevant voice in modern R&B, a voice imbued with the sort of sensuality and worldliness that arrives only with experience, and she proves she's just as willing to experiment as her younger competition.
  7. Jun 24, 2011
    40
    Lolloping along with little desire to vary pace or style, it is ultimately forgettable.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Nov 28, 2012
    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 furtherBeautiful. 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
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  2. Jul 19, 2011
    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 lifeVery 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. Jun 30, 2011
    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
    HA. 73, huh? For a rock-steady Jill Scott record?

    Well, perhaps relatedly or unrelatedly, there seems to be a disappointing number of white listeners 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.
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  4. Oct 27, 2011
    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.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