Celebrating 10 Years of Jhené Aiko’s Breakthrough Album "Souled Out"
Introduction
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Jhené Aiko’s breakthrough album "Souled Out", we are releasing the project on colored vinyl for the first time, featuring a special opaque blue lagoon 2LP with the original Deluxe tracklist. This release is a unique opportunity to explore the album’s first reissue since its original release in 2014, and enjoy two bonus tracks available on streaming platforms for the first time.
The Making of "Souled Out"
Released in 2014, "Souled Out" is an album that demonstrates Aiko’s ability to write emotionally transparent lyrics and cultivate rich sonic atmospheres. With No I.D. contributing dreamy soundscapes, the LP plays out like a meditation, exploring themes of fragmented love, personal catharsis, and the impermanence of relationships. The atmospheric instrumentals offer a gentle backdrop for Aiko’s soothing vocals and introspective lyrics, balancing lightness and broaching with nuanced emotions.
Track by Track Analysis
- "Limbo Limbo Limbo" opener sets the tone for an ethereal fairytale, where Aiko relates tales of fractured love, personal growth, and newfound introspection.
- Tracks like "Spotless Mind" offer an atmospheric contrast, shifting between serene ambient textures and yearning synths to paint a cohesive picture of vulnerability.
- "To Love & Die" takes an abrupt U-turn from Aiko, shifting from crooning softness to rapid-fire verses, offering a candid admission of extremes in romantic exploration.
- "The Pressure" delivers an exercise in reassurance, where her lithe tone evokes intimacy, understanding, and vague frustration, painting vibrant emotions through tone and prose.
Commercial Success
The album’s commercial breakthrough was substantial, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 charts in 2014, generating 70,000 copies sold in the first iteration. Today, "Souled Out" remains refreshing, even more so thanks to a gold certification gained in 2020 and its testament to Aiko’s steady growth as a singer and songwriter.
Conclusion
The 10th anniversary edition of "Souled Out" affords the perfect opportunity for fans and new listeners to rediscover Aiko’s breakthrough project, which embodies her masterful fusion of ethereal sounds and authentic emotion. Order the two-LP opaque blue variant now to immerse yourselves in an immersive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions