GeoReview: Jill Scott, Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol.2

She's back!

Jilly from Philly b.k.a. Jill Scott returns after a couple years and brings us her second studio album Beautifully Human: Words And Sounds Vol.2 .   We don't need to stop a think of what Jill Scott has brought to the game because it comes so naturally.   Scott is a beautiful, conscious person, with amazing singing ability and artistic integrity and that is just saying a little bit!   Is that enough? Probably not but you can think of some yourself.

The Executive Producers of the LP are Scott herself, Jazzy Jeff Townes, Steve McKeever and Lyzel Williams this is Scotts second studio album.   The tracks are produced by music's best that you know and don't know: Raphael Siddiq, Kelvin Wooten, Omari Shabazz, Anthony Bell, James Posner, Keith Pelzer, Darren Henson, Ivan Barias, Carvin Haggins, Pete Kuzma, Andre Harris, Vidal Davis and Robert "PNutt" Frost.  

Let's quickly get into her new LP and give it a GeoClan.com Global rating.

"Warm Up" is just that, a brief refresher course and change to get loose.   The intro leads into I'm Not Afraid, a track talking about facing your fears and joys with confidence. Scott talks about standing by someone no matter what the consequences.   Especially when it comes to being in a relationship.

"Golden" is the first single off the LP and you can feel the sun when this track plays.   It's warm and you can hear the joy and pride in Scott's voice.   She talks about using her freedom for positive change and personal satisfaction.   This song has the ability to mean something on multiple levels especially give the current climate of the United States.   People are walking around like zombies so Jill's light will probably break the trance.

"The Fact Is (I Need You)" is a song about needing the little things now even after having the money.   The song has a beautiful intro and continues with strings and outside sounds all played and produced by Pete Kuzma.   She talks about being able to buy this and that but still needing another presence and needing men.   She states in her liner notes that this song is a call to action.   Nuff said, fellas we have to step our games up!

Raphael Siddiq and Kelvin Wooten produce "Spring Summer Feeling" a song about the basics needed when in a relationship.   It's not about jewel and money. It's about a spiritual and mental connection.   The song with strings arranged by Larry Gold and guitar work by Siddiq this song sounds like a bright afternoon. Almost like the classic Mike Jackson track "Lady In My Life".

"Cross My Mind" is poetry on music as Jill talks to an old friend and what makes him individually special.   She effortlessly goes from talking in a sultry voice to blowing it down.   At the end she eventually comes to a conclusion about her ex-beau that is true but at the same time a bit painful.

Jill talks about the type of man she has/wants at the house in "Bedda At Home".   This track lets show her singing pipes on a funky track and she gets animated when talking about the relationship she has and the passion in it.

"Talk To Me" deals with the lack of communication in a relationship and how it can kill a very good thing.   Scott talks about trying to hold on and it being better to say what you feel instead of holding it back.   In the middle of the track the song talks you to the 1900's and the old school as you hear the big band sound.   Jill does this so smoothly and James Poyser creates a sound that anyone 25 and up should love.

"Family Reunion" is about family dynamics and the different scenarios going on at the same time like pregnancy, illness, the love of food and drink.   This track reminds you of the reunion and was produced by Ivan "Orthodox" Barias and Carvin "Ransum" Haggins.   Jill makes you feel like you're in her family and at the same time think of the beauty/beast of your family.

On the track "Can't Explain (42 nd Street Happenstance)", Jill talks to a former love that she dogged out. She lays down all the mistakes and then tells him she was in a different perspective and time.    She then goes into explaining that she got back what she gave and her growth as a woman and someone in a committed relationship.   What goes around comes around.   Whoever has gone through this (who hasn't) will feel this.  

"Whatever" is a sexy song as Jill talks about having great relations and the effect of it in the short term. Ronald "PNutt" Frost produced this laid back cut and Jill with passion gives it wings to fly off the CD (or Tape) and into our minds.  

"Not Like Crazy" is a bass laced track with Jill talking about the love she has for that special person and how it still shocks her how amazing it is. You listen to the track and feel seduced.   She talks about the moon, stars, trees and all sorts of nature in comparison to this guy.

"Nothing" is an interlude with a not so stunning admission by Jill Scott and it leads to a song with a definite message called "Rasool". This song is about the corner hustler who got caught up and paid a price.   Most urbanites know people like this but Jill makes sure more will know as she begs for people to make change in their lives or they could end up like Rasool.   This song is one of the realest songs I've ever heard.   Classic material.

"My Petition" is another social commentary piece.   Set up in love story format Jill talks about the direction that the United States is going especially under "Dubya".   The lies, lack of movement for the people and not his own interests are mentioned in the most beautiful voice.   She states that she wants to have faith in the country but the faith has run away the more and more the policies and actions of the administration in office are questionable.  

"I Keep" is about moving on and moving strong.   Jill talks about the backstabbers and haters who want to see you fail or want use you.   She tells people to never give up, cry if you have to but be strong and do what makes you happy. All of this over an Andre Harris and Vidal Davis track.  

"Still Here" is the last cut and Jill compares her strength to other power sights, thoughts and natural happenings.   Over a Pete Kuzma track, Jill talks everything that makes her special and a definite presence in music and life in general.   It's a fitting track to end the album on because this was a strong, powerful album.

Overall this album was everything you ask from an artist.   Jill is a strong confident black woman who willing an able to shed light on the good and bad of life and especially of our current struggles.   Songs like "Family Reunion", "My Petition", "Rasool", and "Can't Explain" are just like reading a novel or a collection of fine art because she paints a picture.   She can do all of that and yet still be sexy, funny and not pompous.   She remembers her beginnings and how she got to her current stature.  

She does all this and does have to run to the hottest artist out the time for a first single or wear questionable clothing.   The fact that she is still isn't your type A: miss petite is great for music because her confidence gives many other people strength and beauty is beauty. She, like this album, has the total package.  

I'll give this album 4.5 globes. It's a very impressive second studio album and Jill proves that she is running at her own pace. She is a voice that continues to change the game.      

Any questions, comments, suggestions email Clayton Ruley at clayton@geoclan.com.

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