On March 6th, Jhené Aiko released her much-anticipated album, ‘Chilombo’.
It is laced with her biggest singles from the past few months: Pussy Fairy, None of Your Concern ft Big Sean and Triggered.
This album is much different from her previous one, Trip, which focused on the emotional and psychological effects of drugs and psychedelics.
‘Chilombo’ is an ascension and dissension of hills and valleys throughout. It starts with Lotus which is a melody about a young woman who seems to be coming of age and realizing her actuality.
The song makes you think that the album is going to go one way, but Aiko quickly switches it up with a string of more upbeat and women empowering songs like Triggered, B.S (Feat Her), Pussy Fairy, and Happiness Over Everything.
B.S is more than capable of becoming the new break-up national anthem with lyrics such as “I really thought it was love but you’re so fucking wack” and “I just met your roommate, put him on my to-do list; doin’ me, back up on some new shit”
The album changes gears again when Aiko sings Define Me(interlude). It is short-lived but you gain so much in under two minutes. It is slow-moving, features healing bowl sounds, and smooth humming.
When you hear it you can easily imagine yourself laying in a garden surrounded by peace.
The remainder of the album, much like the first half, is hit after hit. ‘Tryna Smoke’ describes almost everybody’s mood after a long and stressful day and Lighting and Thunder is definitely the best love song I’ve heard so far this year.
If you’re looking for an album that has a mixture of sounds, attitudes, and riddled with healing, then ‘Chilombo’ is exactly what you need.
