LYFE JENNINGS ALBUMS FULL

Rather than being just another ‘record,’ “Gods” is truly a song with profound meaning behind it – the substance is there. While it stands out, “People” could’ve lasted longer with even more development, it ultimately represents a worthwhile moment.Īnother testament to ‘songwriting’ is “Gods,” which is thoughtful in its conception.

LYFE JENNINGS ALBUMS FULL

Jennings sings memorably, “You’ll always be pretty because / you’re still full of love.” Aw – so chivalrous! “People” is another respectable moment from Tree of Lyfe considering Jennings pays ode to Marvin Gaye and channeling Gaye’s socially conscious brand of music. “Right Now” is rock solid and well produced, but “Pretty Is” is the showstopper, thanks to its positivity. As for the duets, both are respectable without necessary representing the crème de la crème of Tree of Lyfe. Both guests are terrific vocalists, though unsung by all means. “#Hashtag” is followed up by two duets – “We’re Not The Same” featuring Algebra Blessett and “Talkin About Love” featuring Demetria McKinny. Authenticity really drives “#Hashtag” home. Vocally Jennings excels, with his signature rasp at its best.

“#Hashtag” ranks among the elites, finding Jennings balancing real talk (no filter), contemporary production, and creative, sound songwriting. “She Don’t Wanna” keeps the momentum flowing, embracing a slightly more ‘contemporary’ adult R&B sound – if that makes sense! Ultimately, Jennings doesn’t change-up his formula, he just keeps on flexing what he does proficiently. Jennings infuses his best, delivering the increasingly rare chivalrous contemporary R&B record. Though “I Love You” is old fashioned, it doesn’t feel archaic or anachronistic by any means. “I Love You” kicks off Tree Of Lyfe with an old school, neo-soul vibe. Oh and by the way, he’s back on a major – label that is (RED is distributed through Sony).

Regardless of his commercial fortunes, on album six, Tree Of Lyfe, Jennings still does his thing – deliver honest, straight-talking R&B with great songwriting to match. Following his biggest successes, his album sales dwindled and he went from major label to independent label – yep, basically the story of many a R&B artist and artists in general. The Phoenix is a crazy, big, flawed album, but it's a trip, and a riveting one that anyone who loved his debut will want to take.Like so many artists, R&B singer/songwriter Lyfe Jennings had his ‘run’ in the game. On top of it all, he pulls off the tricky 'sexual abstinence' song ('S.E.X.') without a hitch, throws out enough bold ideas and grand statements for two West records, and his raspy voice is as rich as ever. As part of the whole, it works beautifully, as do the outlandish lyrics dropped into 'Biggie Nigga' ('I was breast-fed by Godzilla') and 'The River' ('I'm cursing the vagina that gave life to me'), since they're surrounded by eye-level views of Lyfe's past and his delivery is always convincing. The chitter-chatter undermines this killer trilogy of songs, but if you want a really strange move, check out how the tougher-than-tough 'Slow Down' (with G-Unit member Young Buck) uses the Gilligan's Island theme for its hook. The interludes that bridge 'Goodbye' (excellent and achingly poignant), 'Let's Stay Together' (silky smooth), and 'Biggie Nigga' (uplifting and fascinating) are especially clumsy, with Lyfe explaining how he faced the 'making up is easier than breaking up' conundrum and made the more difficult choice, then made the easier choice, then dumped his lady for another girl who made him feel like the Notorious B.I.G. First off, there's a song-explaining interlude between practically every track, something that wears out its welcome in three listens or so. Legend's emotional, piano-driven style rears its head often and West's elaborate ambition is all over the place, but a couple listens in, it's obvious that Jennings is responsible for all the unique moves and doubtful that Sony told him, 'We need you to be our Kanye.' The fact Sony gave the man's debut plenty of time to sink in with the public - they worked it for an eternity by 21st century standards - is a clue, but the proof is all over The Phoenix, a giant of an album with giant rewards, giant flaws, and grand swoops of unbridled creativity that somehow got Sony's stamp of approval. Listening to his sophomore effort, The Phoenix, the question could be raised as to who is responsible for the album's heavy Kanye West and John Legend influence.

What's surprising about Lyfe Jennings' career is that not only does his soulful music recall the freedom the soul genre experienced in the early '70s but how his major label, Sony, gives him that freedom in the rather stilted 21st century.

Lyfe jennings albums