The Real Thing: Words And Sounds Vol. 3

Jill Scott was introduced to the world on her aptly titled, brilliant, neo soul debut Who is Jill Scott? (Words and Sounds Vol.1). She co-wrote the classic Grammy winning "You Got Me," performed by The Roots with Erykah Badu, and we've been discovering more of her ever since. With soulful, hip hop poetry style here on her third proper studio release, she continues the trend, but with more jazzy flourishes. Having experienced the vagaries of fame, as well as a brief marriage in the last few years, her lyrics as ever are cathartic, and the sound more mellow.

Opening things is the brief, hip hop styled "Let It Be." The title track is full of wailing electric guitars, giving a lite-rock feel, with Jill declaring she is the real thing. Lead off single "Hate On Me," also guitar and horn driven and set to heavy hip hop beats, is her retort to those hating on her because of her fame. The airy, bouncy, bass heavy "Whenever You're Around" belies the lyrics of the song: "cause I'm lonely/whenever you're around." Other standouts are the quiet storm of "Come See Me," the brooding, spoken "Epiphany," bass heavy "Only you" and, as its name implies, heavily blues styled "Celibacy Blues."

Another classic from Ms. Scott, who always gives her fans the real thing!

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