Album Review: Jhene Aiko - Souled Out

After a series of unforgettable guest appearances and a well-received EP, Los Angelean singer Jhené Aiko’s debut full-length album finally arrives on Chicago producer No ID’s Artium label.

Possessing a heavenly, almost folksy-soul voice, simultaneously sexy and innocent, Aiko has put together a suitably dreamy listen; the antithesis of today’s EDM-dominated R&B. Not to say there aren’t rougher, more synthesised joints, including the occasional trappy hi-hat, yet it’s all very tasteful and restrained. Aiko rarely pushes her delivery, mixing up organic, inspirational righteousness with a cheeky hint of hood-ratchetness to create an hour of pure escapism.