Rating: NNNN
Jill Scott’s fourth album opens with the Philly-born R&B singer, poet and actor in the recording studio. “This is the last take of the night,” she declares on Blessed, a jazzy ode to the post-relationship meltdown and post-legal drama that erupted when she split with her old label, Hidden Beach. (She’s since started her own imprint through a deal with Warner.)
The line perfectly distills the lively improvisational vibe that pervades the ensuing 15 songs, in which Scott pours out a self-affirming stream of autobiographical lyrics over a range of timeless beats, melodies and genres (hip-hop, spoken word, R&B, Broadwayish ballads).
Scott’s one of those rare performers whose technical skill improves with spontaneity. Many of her vocals are reportedly first takes, and, in a way, it shows. There’s nothing cerebral about her lyrics she’s a captivating, blunt performer, here emphasizing classic arrangements and raw emotion over poetic invention.
Top track: Shame
