Reviews (page 4 of 8)
not bad!!!
I liked this album a lot! Sexy, smart, deep as all hell. Not a bad moment. Even the interludes were like music. Just bopping!
THIS ALBUM IS SOOO GOOD. Viva Female Sexual Empowerment! It directly counteracts the machismo energy put out into the universe with the release of KISS’s 1998 abusive album “Psycho Circus”. Someone must have broken Gene Simmons’ heart for him to put out such pointless trash. Jazmine Sullivan gives words to love, sex, lust, breakups, one night stands, and self worth that I don’t think I had found before hearing this record. It’s well written, it flows superbly well, and kept me riveted the entire hour. Will definitely be listening again, especially in times of heartbreak.
I went into this unfamiliar with Jazmine Sullivan’s work, and I was genuinely impressed. The album feels more like a conversation: raw, honest, and told unapologetically from a woman’s point of view. It explores sexual freedom, vulnerability, and the complexities of love and self-worth with striking confidence. Calling it a “concept album” makes perfect sense, as it plays like a narrative journey, weaving personal reflections and spoken interludes into something cohesive and powerful.
Sounds like every other R&B album
I liked how story driven it was, wouldn't put it on with someone else in the room, but really interesting listen. Music was deeply enjoyable, fun snippet-of-life voice memos.
This is actually pretty brilliant. The different perspectives and points of view are enlightening. It almost makes you understand and/or justify the way some of the worst types of people are the way they are. Very introspective and deep, all set to a neo-soul backdrop that is really top notch. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
“Heaux Tales”, huh?? Yeah, I’m sure this is empowering for women somehow. Nah, this is not it fam. This is the latest album to be added to the book, and I’m sure when they did so they probably figured it would become a classic at some point. While I can’t vouch for how it’s held up myself, I can tell you personally that I just did not care for it at all. First of all, I don’t get why every one of these Hip-Hop albums has to constantly be interrupted by these annoying ass skits. I hadn’t realized it before, but I guess that’s just integral to the genre, so while I can’t hate on that aspect specifically, I still just don’t like it. Second, I find this to be wholly generic, and unfortunately don’t enjoy Jazmine’s singing style very much. When I don’t like someone’s voice, it’s always going to make the album substantially less enjoyable. I really don’t think this album was made for me. That’s ok, but this one was pretty hard to get through. An occasional good song or 2, like “Pick Up Your Feelings”, but I couldn’t last the day listening to this one. Ironically, the best part of this album was the feature where someone else was singing instead of her. It’s nice and short at least, but the length just draws attention to the skits that much more. Not a questionable choice to add this album, I get why they would feel the need to do so, but it just wasn’t for me. Oh well, on to the next one I guess. Sorry Jazmine.
I’ve had a good run of late so was probably due something crap. Maybe 1 starring this is harsh but I can’t help thinking, as the second most recent album currently on the list, how does this get the nod over, say, Mark Lanegan or Tame Impala who have zero entries? By all means insert your own baffling exclusion. I also have to wonder which album lost its place to make way for this.
Based on the music alone, I give it a three.
Raunchy was cool for a second, but then it got repetitive and annoying. I don't really know how this is essential to hear.
Not sure why this was included. I hadn’t heard of her (although I do know most of the featured artists like Anderson Paak and H.E.R) and it’s too recent to have cemented any kind of status or influence. Her voice is nice but the content of the songs I found pretty cliche and actually kind of off-putting, like it’s not particularly feminist or sexy or anything I think it’s going for. (1.5 stars)
The best point of that album is that unlike of most boring contemporary R&B it's not a hour long. I've read that this is supposed to be a concept album, I don't know what it's supposed to be about but musically it's pointless
This is one of the most disgusting albums I have ever heard. It is crass, obnoxious and lacking in even the smallest shred of integrity. The sexual references are crude enough, but the societal and cultural message this sends to young women and girls is appalling. The writers and producers should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. Sadly, such morally bankrupt individuals won’t feel an ounce of shame. Unsurprisingly, this album won a Grammy Award. We all know they have been worthless for years now, but Heaux Tales must be the final nail in the coffin for the credibility of that award ceremony. Money can buy trophies, but it clearly can’t buy class. The lyrics exacerbate the myth that if a man is unable or unwilling to pay for his vapid girlfriend’s wannabe lifestyle, he is worthless and she should give him the boot. If he is stupid enough, able and most importantly, willing to pay for her wannabe lifestyle, he should be rewarded. Not with love and commitment, but with a sexually submissive life partner who openly admits that they are giving up their bodies, souls and happiness to settle for a comfortable life with a few material perks. But they will call it love. Even though it’s not and everyone involved knows it. You see the problem. In what universe is this a feminist message? It’s not just destructive for women though. In what universe is this not incredibly damaging for the mental health of young men who are naive enough to fall for this abhorrent rhetoric? In the social media age, it could cripple their sense of self worth beyond repair, and for what? So that a third rate singer can make a few dollars and think she’s special. Trust me fellas, she isn’t special in any way, inside or outside (just look at the album cover!). Any woman worth even a second look (let alone a second date) would never even think these thoughts, much less record an album of them. Faux feminism aside, let’s look at the music aspect. It’s awful. The songs are mundane, like you’ve heard a thousand times before on brain rotting reality TV. The vocals are uninspired, insipid and bland. The spoken word skits serve no purpose whatsoever; they are not funny or interesting in the slightest. I have had 24 hours to consider my feelings after listening to this drivel. I don’t use the word lightly, but I am not exaggerating when I say that I hate this album. I hate the decline in modern music of which it is a symbol and I hate what it stands for culturally. Only a sick person with emotional problems could find any value in Heaux Tales. Everything about it is repulsive and listening to it was one of the most depressing experience of my life.
2.5
I think she likes penis.
1/5 When the only things you can sing about are spending money and having sex with lots of guys to then cut in takes about getting abused, you're officially a very dumb bitch. A pretty good representation of what's wrong with today's society. Stuff like this explains why so many people are so superficial and stupid. Seriously wtf is wrong with today's feminism? It was about fighting for rights and opportunities women didn't have before. Nowadays it seems that all these "feminists" care about is to sexualize everything and dump on men because they're men. They don't understand the concept of actual equality and that pisses me off. That's not the way, girls. Learn some fuckin self-respect. Would've given it a higher rating if everything would be instrumental, but it's not. Back into the trashcan with this basic bitch.
No me ha llamado demasiado la atención, aparte de que el estilo de música me gusta
RnB, Rap, 2021 ->1-2
Not my vibe but well-produced and interesting concept.
Can’t think of anything redeeming about this one… in the conversation for one of the worst I’ve had in this project so fae
I hate spoken word tracks. If I wanted them, I would be listening to a podcast instead This album has SIX spoken word interludes. The 8 songs of "Heaux Tales" are a bit dull. Most of them sound like stuff on Radio 1. 2 stars for "Heaux Tales".
I'm starting to think the people running this site are starting to throw in some personal picks. According to the official site this generator is based on, at no point has Jazmine Sullivan been included. Gave it a listen anyway and there's some bops on the album for sure. Girl's got some excellent pipes. Pick Up Your Feelings was a good jam.
Already listen to
Looks like this the most current record on this list so far. Never heard of her. I am pleased to see it’s under 40 minutes long. Feminist hip hop. She puts the pussy on a pedestal.
I enjoyed this, but I didn't love it
An album that's been coming up frequently in recommended and Best of the 21st century lists in the last week, this is one that I tried at the time of release but I wasn't quite ready for. I think I was more prudish at the time, and this is definitely only for those that are more sexually open minded! It was a real treat listening to it and it's the first that I've listened to 3 or more times on the day specified (easy as the original work is only 32 mins, though I do recommend the deluxe which has no drop in qualify).
I can do with out the talking interludes. I like the songs a lot though. Although, I miss the days when R&B songs were sexy rather than sexual. I like the honesty on Price Tags and of course Anderson.Paak is awesome. I'm really liking this album (except for the chit chat). Two solid guest spots from Anderson.Paak and H.E.R. Maybe it's something to do with female empowerment with all the periods?
One of the lessons here is that men are sexually aggressive, as well as inattentive, while women are treated as if they are not sexual beings but at the same time they claim sex is a superpower. And a big fuck you to any man that doesn’t hustle or have money. The stories told here have absolutely no connection to my life.
Not 4 me
Not my style
No, no, no, no, no way, absolutely not, no, not even once, no, no, never, no, no, no, ho, no, no, no, one millions times no.
I really really want to like this. It should've stayed in the vault a little longer. the production is just not it. but I like it nonetheless for what it stands for.
Don’t really want to review this and be negative, as it’s just not for me. Im about as far from the target audience for this as you can get. It gets millions of streams so guess it’s popular, if people like it good for them, so maybe it’s very relevant. It’s got a social message it appears, which is it’s 1 bright point for me, more power to you. But social context don’t make it music for me. On a musical level find it as bland as fuck, it just sounds like all the rest of this type of shit, lifeless hyper processed vocals that are undistinguishable from everyone else, the same simple as shit beats and rhythms, each track starts and ends at the same tempo and same key and never changes in between. I mean the dialogue track Donna’s tale had the same number of variations as the other tracks, zero. Why did songwriting devolve so so much.? As said not for me, and don’t need to hear this type of bland basic music. Well I have now heard this so won’t be wasting those 32 minutes again. 1 Star
Its a cool album but nothing new. Its a early 90s type of vive. Still cool she bringing something that was good back. Nice vibe to the music.
bodies- 5 Antoinettes tale- 5 pick up your feelings- 6 aris tale- "that dick spoke life into me" okay girl. 5 put it down- 6 on it- 5 Donnas tale- 6 price tags- 5 Rashidas tale- thank God, a lesbian one. 6. and then shes the one that cheats, bitch I needed you 😭 lost one- 5 precious tale- 5 the other side- 5 Amanda tale- 5 girl like me- 5 this is actually pretty fire and I'm a little mistrustful of anyone who dislikes it. I'm not saying you have to love it but I keep seeing all these bad reviews on an album all about black women's lives and that makes me 🤨. again I'm not saying that not liking this album immediately makes you racist but maybe think real hard about why you don't like this or other rap albums.
nuts to the haters, this was fun!
cool, modern, soulful sound but the skits and lyrics were very hit and miss. this gets points for being such an open and candid exploration of what it's like to be a woman of color in today's society, but i could've done without all the songs about online dating and dick. favorites: bodies, pick up your feelings, price tags, girl like me
een half puntje extra omdat het maar 30min duurde
Beautiful album, I’d heard things about it but never checked it out before. Short and to the point - no bad tracks. Fave Tracks: Pick Up Your Feelings, Rashida’s Tale, Lost One, The Other Side 4.4/5
Not my style of music
It seems I might be in the minority of people who have listened to this album via the project, because I really like it. I like everything about it, from the premise to the execution, and even if I didn't need to listen to it before I die, I'm glad I did. Sure, there are a couple of tracks on here that could do with some polish, and much of the spoken interlude material is arguably unecessary, but that didn't put me off enough to bar the album from my Tidal library.
Idk who the terrible man is that she's singing about, but the D must be insane. Great vocals, horrific content. 2.4.
Personal enjoyment: 2/5 Relevance to this list: 1/5
Cover 5 Some great beats. But generally, as for the topic of many of the songs not for me. I just don't personally have an interest in the subject, even though I can see the catchiness, etc
She really doesn't like men
Solid listen. Makes some valid points about sexuality
Totally not my style of music, but I can appreciate that it's a good album: The music is interesting, the singer is good, the production is pretty creative (though not always landing for me), and the album itself is braving into conceptual territories despite being a pop r&b album. I'm curious what R&B listeners make of this, whether this is "yet another" album, or really a standout album that should be included in this list. I am not familiar enough with the genre to make this call. In the beginning I was leaning towards 4 but as the albums progressed the appeal kind of wore out.
Another cheaper version of Ms. Lauryn Hill to enter the list. The music is pretty cool though. Real vibes throughout with nice harmonics and an effortless flow.
My favorite part was when it ended.
Interesting. The format of skit then song about skit was done well. Musically, I found the album to be lacking, but it was overall okay. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again
really do be ho tales
not for me
Not my favorite. Surprised I had never heard of this before.
Buh, did really not much for me. Objectively I don’t think it is a bad album, but it’s not for me.
Bof
Very cool very sexy femme power. I'll need to listen to it a few more times. Jazmine has a way with delivering these songs with such confidence. Wish I had listened to it more.
Some ok moments, but didn't really feel this
Музыка: 7/10 Разнообразие: 6/10 Тематика и вайб: 8/10 Цепляемость (отдельные песни зашли): 5/10 Реиграбельность (можно ли рандомно врубить на фон): 7/10 Итог: 6.6
Nicht mein Ding
What a pile of woke BS. A disgusting display of complete lack of self respect. This doesn’t empower women it degrades them. Needs a negative score.
Pure trash
Actually painful to listen to. The worst kind of R&B/soul. Awful
R&B that glides and rolls
Pretty cool songs mixes and vocals but not for me
Finally, an album! By a female R&B singer! About sex! And relationships! I was prepared to hate this after the preachy intro. But Sullivan spends the next half hour examining the Problem (which might as well be her nickname for the hung dude she sings about on "Put It Down") from all angles in an honest, vulnerable, angry, self-deprecating way. I don't know that this album deserved all the ballyhoo it got at the time - if you come for the Miseducation, you better not miss - but it's good at being what it is, and that counts for something. I just don't know if I'll be back anytime soon.
r&beuty the last third of the album is magnificent, but lyrically the whole album is a bit not enough for me in terms of depths, yet it still very sensitive 4.5
Another album that, as a white middle-aged aged man, I just can't understand or appreciate very much. But even if I could, I really disliked the spoken interludes and the view into the sexual lives of these women. And the songs were boring and generic and went in and out of my ears barely registering. Seems like there were better representations of modern female soul/R & B that could have been included on the list
I can find at least ten other albums from 2021 alone that are more deserving of a spot on the list than this one.. its not altogether bad, the vocals are quite good most of the time, but it lacks real emotion, and the lyrics are pretty mediocre. I just cant see how this is essential. Its not like its the first album to be about empowering women, and even then, the empowerment is twisted..to be a strong woman you need to find a millionaire rapper? Not exactly a feminist take. Inclusion of this one is a head scratcher
3.4/5 I might be rating this a little unfairly, I'm just personally not too into this sound and can't relate to the theming. A lot of the insturmentals end up feeling pretty similar and there's not much vocally or lyrically that gave these songs a ton of staying power. That's not to say this is poorly made, the vocals are great and the mix, production, and overall sound is very clear. It just doesn't really leave an impact on me, some of the harmonies were nice though.
Jesus. this won r&b album of the year at the Grammys? and a ton of magazines and newspapers picked it as album of the year? lyrics like "that dick spoke life into me" and "money make me cum, that money keep that pussy wet" yeah. pure fucking poetry. there's no damn music on here, just samples and drum machines. usual same old-same old. this shit won't be remembered in a few years. seriously thinking about quitting this "1001 you should hear" because a lot of it is pure horseshit.
This is kind of the worst. When you have zero talent, resort to filthy songs about sex.
Not one that I'd listen to regularly, but chill vibes!
Not bad, she can definitely sing, but I didn't really enjoy. Pick up your feelings was pretty good.
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Nothing particular novel here. Not terrible. Not essential.
Nothing about this blows me away but there are consistently good songs on this album. I love all the collabs, Ari and Paak are good stylistic choices for her. I was surprised to see that this album came out in '21. It sounds a lot more like the speed of the early 2010s. If anything, it seems to be a going a bit back in time rather than throwing down something innovative for the decade.
This album is fresh (as in new, not in cool). I'm a firm believer that fresh albums should not be on a list of must-listen albums until they have some time to gel. But for the sake of this project, here I am… and I'm not impressed. This album came out at a time when everyone was stuck at home. If this is such a must-listen, why have I never heard of this album or even Jazmine Sullivan. Big strikeout from the authors on this one. 1/5
Can appreciate the artistry, just not my jam
Genuinely repulsive. Probably the worst lyricism I've seen on the list so far.
Good story
Surprised to see such a recent album on here. I know I’m decidedly not the target audience for this album, but I’m glad I was able to listen in. The songs are great (despite some lyrics that leave more than a little to be desired), but I think overall, the “message” of the album becomes a little one-note and ultimately detracts from the high-level artistry and talent obviously on display. I feel like this could’ve been great, but came off as just ok. 4/5 Highlights: Bodies - Intro Pick Up Your Feelings Put It Down Last One Girl Like Me
Way short, not bad
It's short, which was nice. Other than that, there were like a million things that sounded like this that came out around then. Wasn't really into this style. This is them trying to be more hip after adding a bunch of nonsense for the 21st century. We're a quarter of the way through it and these editors are still dinosaurs.
Didn't expect to see such a recent record from a recent artist on this list. Jazmine has a good sound to her and classic R&B soul sound. She embraces her sexuality and self on this record and it has some good moments throughout. Not my favorite type of R&B as it sounds like a lot of the recycled sounds that make up modern R&B, but this one is pretty good.
I tried. I tried. I knew I was in trouble when I saw the genre (love older R&B, but not 2020s), title, and cover, but I thought those could all be personal feelings. I ignored that, and I tried. No. It just doesn't make sense on this list, and I shudder to think what got pushed off to make room (I'd hope it was Limp Bizkit, but it was probably Gorillaz or The Killers). I still wanted to give it at least 2 stars, but I couldn't even justify that.
Post-Condé-Nast-Pitchfork-core
I just don’t love all the explicit lyrics. Innuendo is sexier. I get the amazing voice. After the album Spotify gave me a duet she did on a different album. Gorgeous.
mmm... maybe y'all should take this off the list for the next edition i had higher hopes for this but sadly, i shut this off halfway through. i feel like i heard all there was to hear at that point. aside from maaaaybe a song or two, this just wasn't giving the messaging in her music is admirable, but good social commentary does not automatically make an album good. i can see some potential for a good artist with some more polished production tho
Э. Лучшая песня - Lost One.
Okaish R&B. Meaning the music has a hazy, introspective tone through a combination of zooming synths, a finger-snapped beat, and Sullivan's distinctive, slightly slurred and emotive vocal delivery.
Structurally, it calls to mind the talking head inserts of Spike Lee's first joint, She's Gotta Have It, mixed with the Cindy Shermanesque character portraits of Tori Amos' Strange Little Girls. However, it lacks the depth of either of those, reducing human sexuality to the transactional and desire to objectification. While the record ultimately admits the sadness of such a viewpoint, it gets there after much wearying, distancing, dehumanising language and without any seeming sense of how depressing the whole thing is. Why is it the generalised, objectified "That money keeps that pussy wet?" rather than the specific, humane "Your money keeps my pussy wet?" Maybe this is just an observation on the materialist vernacular of much contemporary r'n'b, but Audre Lorde was very clear that the master's tools will not dismantle the master's house. Especially if your master is R. Kelly: filling up every inch of sonic real estate with vocals, believing so completely in your voice that you will sing anything, however unmusical the meter. I kept hearing the cramped and indulgent I Admit It throughout, which I'm sure isn't what Jazmine Sullivan wants. But, then, I'm not entirely sure what she wants: not the banal, nihlisitc worldview expressed by her characters but never challenged. 2 Well, it’s 32 minutes long and I can’t say I was bored exactly. Insofar as its quality is staked on its music, I can say I don’t think very much of this album. This style of RnB with its showy vocal sophistications of dull, stock melodies, can fuck off generally, regardless of the technical quality of whoever is doing them and the number of overdubs. It’s not good music - this is posing. Insofar as this album’s quality depends on the power and boldness of its presentation of a multifaceted account of female experience of sex and relationships, as many glowing reviews of it suggest…well I still don’t think much of it. The half-formed ideas and utterances that appear in the ‘tales’ along with the half dozen songs that riff on their themes would seem to me to add up to an account of human experience that is, while not exactly niche, definitively an American experience. The sadness of this account of destructive hedonism and transactional sex as ‘empowerment’ - briefly glimpsed at in the final ‘tale’ - is underpinned with a sort of body horror. There is an almost Cronenbergian fusion of the female body and capitalist accumulation, especially in the second half of the album: ‘ima take all I can get/ that money keeps that pussy wet’ (Price Tags) ‘To be honest…money makes me cum’ (Precious’ Tale) ‘Ima find me a rapper/ He gon' buy me a booty…/ I’m hoping these titties can get me out the city’ (The Other Side) While this is territory long acknowledged in RnB and Rap (TLC’s No Scrubs and Missy Elliott sprung to mind) it is striking here both for its viscerality and its nihilism. Nothing is ironic (as far as I can detect) and nothing is analysed or problematised. It is simply all dumped on the listener as someone’s ‘truth’. This album, itself product and conspicuous branding/re-branding exercise (‘Heaux’), might perhaps make itself ridiculous trying to supply meaningful critiques of the soulless, dehumanising feeding-frenzy in late stage Capitalism in America. Nevertheless - that is plainly the major antagonist in this horror film of a record and utterly, horrifyingly unacknowledged. Perhaps I am being naive here, forget that I have heard very little RnB from the last 20 years - I have heard very little popular music at all from the last 20 years. Is it all this depressing? 2/5
A smooth rap album with a great flow despite the spoken parts. I was pleasantly surprised that it was released that recently.
"Why, why, why is this on the list?" If I add a few chords to my last line, I'll make a better song than this entire album. Every time I listen to albums like this, I secure another piece of my spot in heaven, because this can only be a damned punishment.
Not sure how this managed to get recorded let alone make the greatest album list. Terrible.
Mediocre rap
I find it difficult to rate this type of R&B because I really don't like it. I suppose she can sing. AS a "concept" album I find it quite weak - yes it has a concept which I quite like (emancipation, sex, etc.), hence an extra star, but it's implemented in a too pubertal and unpoetic way. Musically, nothing going on that piques my interest. Struggled to make it to the hole (pun not intended).
Surprised by all the negativity here. Not usually my thing but I kinda dug this, for the most part. Also super short. 7/10
Enjoyed the first half
Kinda some good jams, but not really my thing.
I don’t need to hear someone narrate their sex life, set to music while I’m driving around town, cooking in the kitchen, working out at the gym, or pretty much ever. This artist has a nice voice, R&B stylings are nice (but standard), rap flow is good (but not special) — the subject matter just not something I’m gonna be singing around town. This is not very interesting or creative. I’m giving it a 1 and now I’m gonna go back and downgrade that Sza album, which i gave much the same review.
Hated it.
Nice album
Utter rubbish. Stopped listening 3 songs in
Pleasant R&B album. A few too many intros, not enough songs, but it plays into the theme of each song exploring female sexuality in a different way.
"Heaux Tales" is the fourth studio album by American R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan. R&B and hip hop are the Wiki-listed genres. Yeah, much more R&B. The album was identified as a concept album, a successor to "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." High praise to live up to. The album structure has six spoken word interludes followed by songs that fleshed them out as character studies. Themes include feminism, sexuality, classicism and body-shaming. The song had wide-spread critical acclaim. Commercially, it reached #4 in the US and #79 in the UK. The album opens with "Bodies." Definitely in the R&B category with a soulful vibe. Sullivan is telling herself to get it together as a girlfriend. The interlude "Antoinette's Tales" stresses women have to take ownership of their bodies. Both women and men should be blamed for so much stress being put on women's bodies. A hip hop beat anchors "Pick Up Your Feelings." Speaking of ownership, Sullivan's tells a guy she's had enough and he needs to pick up his own pieces. Anderson.Paak guests with Sullivan on "Price Tags." No, fooling around with the theme here; money keeps her p#^$y wet. Great rapping by Paak. The first single "Lost One" shifts the dynamic. An echoing acoustic guitar. She's lost her girlfriend by sleeping around on her. She's depressed and down. H.E.R guest with Sullivan on the closing song and ballad "Girl Like Me." Her man has left her for another women. Maybe she should change her appearance but she won't do this good girl shit. Great vocals. This album did have similarities to the Lauryn Hill album especially with the interludes and ensuing songs but is much shorter at 32 minutes and not such a wide scope. There are hip hop aspects with some of the beats and rapping but the majority of this album is R&B, soul and more chill. The stories are compelling and varied. She takes different perspectives and pokes at both men and women. Overall, this is a very good album. Anyone who is an R&B, soul or hip hop fan should find something to enjoy in this album.
Pleasant and easy-listening enough to absorb, though not much that I'd specifically want to listen to for musical enjoyment's sake
Not big on R&B, always dismissed it as daytime radio music. Quite enjoyed this though, the beats were great. 'Pick Up Your Feelings' and 'Put it Down' were the highlights. The spoken word interludes grew on me, the EP is meant to be listened to as a whole.
I actually find this insulting. The selection of music from the 2020s on this list is already extremely limited, and *this* was chosen to be one of only two albums to represent the year 2021? Couldn't have instead picked an album by Little Simz, JPEGMAFIA, Wolf Alice, Injury Reserve, Parannoul, Billie Eilish, Black Midi, Shame, Japanese Breakfast, Magdelena Bay, Tyler, The Creator, I could go on. All of the artists I mentioned as well as many others, all released an album in 2021 that was better, and more impactful than this. This is genuinely one of the most bland and generic hip hop records I have hear in a while, and it technically isn't even an album, it's actually in EP. As if there needed to be even more reasons it doesn't belong on this list over all the others I mentioned.
Objective 4
Better than I thought
Like Mary J. Blige but better
I think I went into it expecting rap, so my opinion may need to be adjusted... but it was pretty good.
This type of album never does it for me….no matter how lauded it is. 1.5/5
Any more modern album really needs to be out of the park in a different way to end up on this list. This album isn’t that. It’s not bad, has some standout tracks, but I already had Miseducation of Lauren Hill and that knocked this style out of the park. This is just a pretty good album.
Appreciate the importance of the message for young WOC, but I'm an old white dude. Not meant for me. I didn't need to hear it and I don't really like this type of R&B.
cool to see a newer album on here!! good listen, very insightful and well-arranged
I don’t really think this is an album you must listen to before you die. It doesn’t sound bad and has a few stronger tracks but it’s unmemorable and doesn’t really achieve anything new. I get the idea, it’s great, the themes that are explored are worth talking about, but that’s not enough to make something lasting. It kinda falls flat for me bc it lacks any distinct character and charisma. Don’t remember it having and relevance for the time period it released in either. Maybe it’ll grow on me - I don’t think i’ll never revisit, but for now it’s just for the background to me.
I guess I should know about this person? She's pretty good.
I was really relieved when this was over.
Eh. It seemed fine. not to my taste though.
Gode numre men ALT for meget SNAK
Når næsten at føles som en lang halv time fordi der er så meget spoken word som gør *intet* for mig (kæmpe chok, I know), men jeg synes overvejende at musikken er rigtig fed. Lost One og Pick Up Your Feelings are virkelig gode sange.
I really hate these hypersexualized lyrics. It doesn't really matter if it's made by a male or a female artist - It just never sat right with me.. I don't need to hear about dripping pussy (or dicks). The entire genre isn't really for me.
Good messages. but the music isn't for me.
Not that I know everything about every artist who’s ever won a Grammy, but this person has won 2 and I’ve never heard of them. This album includes a broad range of styles across R&B and hip-hop and is not unpleasant, though songs about wet pu##y are not among my favorites. Any artist that collaborates with H.E.R. deserves some credit and Anderson.Paak is another fun addition. I’m all for strong women in the world and the arts, glad she’s empowered to create this and that she’s been recognized for her work, but it’s not for me.
pedrada mais uma vez que o usuário médio desse site se prova um escrotinho de marca maior
ou, gostosim demais! super sexy, o r&b como espaço para mulheres negras falarem sobre sua sexualidade!! importante e chiquérrimo, bem feitim demais!
Listened December 2021. Pleasant, jazzy neo-soul influenced songwriting. Good album, surprised to see it on this list.
Well, obviously not my thing. The album kicks off with horrible autotune-vocal sounds (can't call that singing). The music is as far away from what I like as is theoretically possible. Songs like 'Put it down'... come on. I can't find any highlight. I want to give some credits to the concept as a whole, the alteration between women's tales and songs. And yes, possibly for the message, but I never give any attention to lyrics. Second positive remark: for the genre the songs are rather varied. Just enough for a two star review or 3/10.
I was feeling a little uncomfortable with the sexual level of this album but was still receptive to its artistic style and quality of music, which is good. I was overall unsure until Lost One came on… wow… bare bones, brutal, vocally complex, and a heart breaking masterpiece. This song lead to overall more introspective second half of an album. The presence or true artistry propels this to a new level. She’s a mix of SZA, Beyoncé, Lizzo but much better than the last 2.
This is a really decent album, kinda sounded like SZA but with more classic r&b
Nah. Not for me. I tried it but didn't get on with it.
4/5.
Eh, not too bad, but SZA just does it so much better, that I just really don't see any point in ever listening to this again.
Was an okay listen, enjoyed the beats. Not super into spoken word interludes every so often. 3/5
This fucking sucked
You’ve heard of the Booty Jam. Now get ready for its enlightened and empowered cousin, the Dick Jam
I’m four songs in and I hate it. I wanted to like it. The production, the rapping, the features…I mean, does every song have to have a feature? What if I just wanted to hear her sing? Finished it, because that’s the goal… listen to all of the albums and give everything a chance. I can’t tell if some of these songs are supposed to be funny, like On It and The Other Side. But I’ll never listen to this again. And I’m well aware that I’m not the target audience for this album. I also can't tell if some of these songs are supposed to be funny...like "On It" was hysterical. So was "The Other Side." Only thing that’s keeping me from giving this a 1 is her voice. She’s got a really nice voice. But too many features, poor production, stupid intros to every song…can’t give it more than a 2.
What an uncomfortably long 32 minutes.
It’s hard to review music that isn’t your style, especially if you don’t have much exposure to that musics style. That being said, I didn’t hate this album. I thought it was well made and told an empowering story. It’s not my thing but I don’t feel like it deserves all the hate. It’s pretty good.
I like the intention here, and Sullivan's voice is good, but ultimately I did not find the music here to be particularly memorable. Price Tags was the track I enjoyed most.
I mean it’s not the worst out there… but nothing about this I NEED to hear before I die right, kinda ridiculous
This was a refreshing album albeit not the greatest.
No me desagradó, pero tampoco me interesó.
A really good snapshot entry for modern R&B and im surprised the list goes this current (3.5/5)
Not as bad as some of the reviews suggested, and I remain skeptical when fairly recent albums appear on this list. So, is this an essential album? Assuredly not, but that doesn't mean it's not worth a listen...
Not for me
I’m totally down for some newer music on this list, but this doesn’t totally do it for me. I think there are better examples of the genre on this list, but there’s nothing here to dislike.
Gosh! Well, I listened to this, even though I am very much not the intended demographic and have never really been into R&B. Musically, I quite enjoyed it though the modern sound made me feel old. The lyrics and skits made me feel a bit awkward. I felt like an old scruffy indie kid who stumbled into the wrong club. So I was relieved to leave even though the music was quite nice.
Need to revisit to gove another try…
i like the thought behind this album but not the end product
The music itself isn't great. Some of the beats of the earlier songs, whilst minimalistic, are quite pleasant. But some songs are just shit. On It and Lost One are utter wank. I cannot listen to someone signing about how wet her pussy is for a great deal of time to be honest The messages are good though. I love how Jazmine's put small samples of different women talking about their experiences before each song, and what they talk about gives a little preview into what the next song will be about. In short, great messages, pretty poor music, but I've heard worse
Ass
Strong voice but musically it didn’t hook me. It’s somewhat telling that the interludes were more memorable than the actual songs after one listen. 3 stars
really not my thing
*Fun, but there are a ton of way better female hip hop acts out there. RATING - 5.5-10
Never heard of her. Like the tempo and style. Just not for me ⭐️⭐️ /5 Bodies is my top
Awful caterwauling vocals and naive lyrics. I'm surprised this made the 1001 albums list.
It was ok, it was nice to hear a more modern sounding record for a change, considering this list was made by an 80 year old whose music taste peaked in the 60s. It wasn't the best album but I actually enjoyed it. And the vocals are just mental.
I liked this album a lot, I listened to it multiple times, I will probably incorporate it into my playlists. She has a beautiful voice and I liked her concept and telling a story/giving her perspective on sexuality through the album. Reminded me of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Not for me
I listened to this twice. I found it equally grating and entertaining. The music was hit or miss, but I liked Jazmine's voice and the stories told on this album. Is it essential listening? Probably too soon to tell. But did I like it? Yes.
Fun - not sure why it's getting the hate. Maybe some people want to listen to the boring white guys sing folk music from 70s all the time. 4/5
Decent. Good grooves. Interesting production.
Ooh, yes! I may be misremembering but I’m pretty sure Mr. Tabor recommended this one to me. Am I misremembering? Regardless, very nice stuff.
I remember this album. I listened to it when it came out. Once. Upon another listen…it’s alright. It is well performed and fun to listen to. It’s overall not my thing, but I appreciate it for what it is.
I did not listen to this all the way through. I really don't think this is my jam.
Probably wouldn’t have listened to this if not for this journey. Not bad very different viewpoint.
And another Tale track to skip And another Tale track to skip And another Tale track to skip And another Tale track to skip yeah the songs are good but shut up and play some music. i got audible for spoken storytime
SO HORNY but I like it. Maybe someone out there CAN match my freak
Decent, nothing stuck with me.
Really?
This was a revelation for me - an extraordinarily frank and smart hip hop album talking about life, sex and relationships from a woman’s perspective. Each song has a short spoken word section that introduces the themes and they are the polar opposite of the painful skits that are usually found on albums like this. The music is mainly down tempo with gorgeous vocal harmonies showcasing the lyrics. My only quibble is that this technically an EP rather than an album, but I’ve just seen that there’s a deluxe version that is immediately going on my playlist.
She does have a voice, she does have a flow, and she does have something to say. But at many occasion, I was really annoyed by the background music, sometimes sounding like cheap RnB from the naughties. Sometimes it's more ambient and low-key and actually better. I might have liked it better with better music supporting the artist.
I believe this is the last album on the most recent edition of this list!! Her honesty and sense of self-awareness is cathartic. We get that self-awareness right away on the opening track, the dive into a very autobiographical set of songs ranging from hyper-sexual fantasies to personable life stories. I’m not as huge on Anderson.Paak as every Grammy voter seems to be, but he did great additive work with Jazmine on “Price Tags”. Fantastic storytelling! “Lost One” is a heartbreaking tale of coming to terms with one’s bad decisions. Lastly, there are many spoken word moments on here, and “Amanda’s Tale” was one of the most striking. Jazmine once again approaches the topics of her songs with a really balanced perspective that I think we can all hope to have. Though nothing dropped my jaw, this is a very thorough album worth your time. Somewhere between a 3 and 4 stars for me. I wish to see more albums from this year added in, but this one deserves its spot. And the many people saying it doesn’t probably can’t handle the fact that good music can be made by women that use vivid lyricism to talk about themselves and their experiences
i hate the lyrical content in this album. maybe it’s cos i can’t relate, but i don’t think this is the kind of music for me. feels very victim mentality.
## In-Depth Review of *Heaux Tales* by Jazmine Sullivan Jazmine Sullivan’s *Heaux Tales* is a landmark R&B project that fuses raw storytelling, powerful vocals, and contemporary production to deliver a nuanced exploration of Black womanhood, sexuality, vulnerability, and empowerment. Released in January 2021 after a six-year hiatus, the album immediately resonated with critics and listeners, debuting at No. 1 on the R&B Albums chart and earning widespread acclaim for its honesty and artistry[1][2]. --- ## **Lyrics** Sullivan’s songwriting on *Heaux Tales* is unflinchingly direct, intimate, and conversational. The lyrics tackle themes of love, lust, insecurity, betrayal, and the pursuit of self-worth, often through the lens of Black women’s lived experiences[3][2]. The album’s structure is unique: songs are interspersed with spoken-word interludes—real-life tales from Sullivan’s friends and family—which serve as both narrative bridges and thematic deep-dives[4][5]. - **“Bodies (Intro)”** sets the tone, with Sullivan’s internal monologue reflecting on a night of excess and regret, questioning her choices and searching for accountability: > “I keep on piling on bodies, on bodies, on bodies / Yeah you getting sloppy, girl / Gotta stop getting fucked up”[6][7]. - **“Pick Up Your Feelings”** is a biting, self-assured anthem about reclaiming power after a breakup, blending clever wordplay with emotional candor. - **“Girl Like Me” (feat. H.E.R.)** explores the insecurity and self-doubt that can follow heartbreak, interrogating societal standards and the idea that “hoes be winning”[7]. The interludes—such as “Antoinette’s Tale,” “Ari’s Tale,” and “Amanda’s Tale”—offer candid, unfiltered perspectives on sex, relationships, and self-image, giving the album a communal, confessional quality[5][2]. Rather than sensationalizing or judging, Sullivan’s lyrics humanize her subjects, presenting their stories with empathy and complexity[4][3]. --- ## **Music and Production** Musically, *Heaux Tales* is rooted in contemporary R&B but incorporates elements of soul, hip-hop, and gospel. The production is understated yet sophisticated, allowing Sullivan’s vocals and storytelling to remain front and center[8][7]. Producers like Key Wane, DZL, Cardiak & Wu10, J Mo, Dev Hynes, Dave “Pop” Watson, Dilemma, JoeLogic & Gee, and Bongo ByTheWay contribute to a cohesive yet varied soundscape[5]. - **Instrumentation** is often sparse, with warm keys, subtle basslines, and crisp percussion providing a modern, moody backdrop. - **Vocal arrangements** are a highlight: Sullivan’s voice is rich, expressive, and technically masterful, moving effortlessly from soulful belts to delicate runs. - **Collaborations** with artists like H.E.R., Anderson .Paak, and Ari Lennox add texture and variety, with each guest complementing Sullivan’s style rather than overshadowing it[5]. Notably, the album’s production avoids overcomplication, instead trusting the strength of the songwriting and vocal performances to carry the emotional weight[8]. --- ## **Themes** *Heaux Tales* is a concept album that interrogates the “good girl/bad girl” dichotomy and the ways in which women—particularly Black women—navigate sexuality, agency, and societal judgment[3][2][7]. The project is as much about the stories of “hoes” as it is about the people affected by those labels, challenging the stigma and double standards that persist in both mainstream culture and within Black communities. **Key Themes:** - **Sexual agency and empowerment:** Sullivan and her collaborators reclaim narratives around female sexuality, refusing to be shamed for desire or experience. - **Vulnerability and insecurity:** The album does not shy away from the pain and confusion that can accompany relationships, self-doubt, and societal pressure. - **Materialism and survival:** Songs like “Pricetags” explore the intersection of money, love, and self-worth, reflecting on the ways women may seek security or validation. - **Solidarity and sisterhood:** The inclusion of multiple voices—through both song and interlude—creates a sense of community and shared experience, emphasizing that these stories are not isolated but part of a broader tapestry[3][2][7]. --- ## **Influence and Impact** *Heaux Tales* has been widely recognized as a classic work of Black feminism, giving voice to experiences often marginalized or misunderstood in mainstream music[3][2]. By centering the stories of Black women and presenting them with nuance and honesty, Sullivan has become a new vanguard of feminist storytelling in R&B. The album’s influence extends beyond its lyrical content: - It has inspired a wave of artists to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in their music. - The project’s format—blending songs with spoken-word interludes—has been emulated by other artists seeking to create more immersive, narrative-driven albums. - *Heaux Tales* has contributed to broader conversations about respectability politics, sexual liberation, and the importance of representation in music[3][2][7]. Commercially, the album’s success—topping R&B charts and earning critical accolades—demonstrates the demand for music that speaks honestly to the complexities of modern womanhood[1]. --- ## **Pros and Cons** | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Unparalleled vocal performances: Sullivan’s voice is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant[7][8]. | Some listeners may find the interludes disrupt the album’s musical flow, preferring more traditional song structures[4]. | | Honest, relatable songwriting: The lyrics are raw, vulnerable, and deeply human, offering perspectives rarely heard in mainstream R&B[4][3][2]. | At just over 32 minutes, the album’s brevity may leave some wanting more, especially given the depth of the stories presented[4]. | | Cohesive concept: The integration of spoken-word tales with songs creates a rich, narrative-driven experience[5][7]. | The understated production, while effective, may not appeal to those seeking more energetic or experimental musical arrangements[8]. | | Innovative format: The use of real women’s stories as interludes sets a new standard for authenticity and narrative in music[3][2]. | The album’s focus on the specific experiences of Black women, while a strength, may feel less accessible to listeners unfamiliar with those contexts (though this is arguably intentional and necessary)[3]. | | Social and cultural impact: *Heaux Tales* has sparked important conversations about sexuality, feminism, and respectability politics in the Black community and beyond[3][2][7]. | Some critics have noted that the album’s title may be misleading, as the content is less about “ho tales” in the sensational sense and more about real-life struggles and triumphs[4]. | --- ## **Conclusion** *Heaux Tales* is a masterclass in modern R&B: it is bold, vulnerable, and fiercely honest, balancing personal confession with universal resonance. Jazmine Sullivan’s ability to channel her own experiences—and those of her peers—into a cohesive, compelling narrative is unmatched. The album’s strengths lie in its lyrical depth, vocal excellence, and innovative structure, making it a touchstone for both feminist music and contemporary soul. While its brevity and reliance on interludes may not appeal to every listener, these elements are integral to the album’s vision: a tapestry of stories, woven together by a singular, powerful voice determined to speak truth to power. In doing so, Sullivan has not only redefined her own artistry but has set a new benchmark for what R&B—and music at large—can achieve when it dares to be both vulnerable and unapologetically real.
Feminist music 10/10
Yuck.
Standout Songs: Pick Up Your Feelings The Other Side Musically, this album is fine, but lyrically, it is one of the worst things I’ve ever heard. 90% of it talk about “I use my pussy to get what I want”. It’s not good music.
Sexy and hot!!!!!!!!
what bergen said
another instance where I genuinely cannot tell what the creators of this list were thinking. This album did not feel special to me in any way
Pretty crazy songwriting, on some of the tracks it felt like she just had new hook after new hook yet for some reason it didn't really grab me? But overall enjoyed listening to it so idk Fav song: Pick Up Your Feelings
Very sexual album, unexpected for this list, but I'll listen again, with the lights turned low and a few scented candles...
Not my kind of music.
This couldn't be over with fast enough. I had to follow this up with 5 straight hours of death metal to purge it from my brain! Need a zero stars option! 0/5 #92
Another album that I kinda forgot I was listening to while listening to it. Never garbage me. 2/5
It's risque, for sure. Lovely voice.
Yet another fairly difficult album to score. I try to start at a baseline of 3, and if an album annoys me it starts to drop, and if it impresses me, it starts to raise. The first several songs of this album looked to be trending towards a really poor score. It seemed like a boring, recycled R&B/soul album with a strong - graphic - focus on sex from a woman's perspective. Then I hit song 8 with Anderson .Paak, whom I quite enjoy, and something seemed to click. Then I hit the song Lost Ones, which is one of the simplest, most effective, heartbreaking breakup songs I've ever heard, and I was all in. The album's structure took me a few songs to properly grasp, but once I got it, the genius of it really resonated with me. A real story by a real person, followed by a song that explores the preceding tale. I'll be honest - some of the tales annoyed me, but the writing of the songs, and the storytelling overall is incredible. I think this is another example of why this project needs half stars, but the writing on this album alone means it deserves more than the standard "it's fine" rating of 3 stars.
I am certainly not the target audience for this album, and my rating will reflect that. 1 star or F- for me.
I found it so dull, background R&B music that I kept wondering away and doing other things. I rewounded a couple of times but I honestly can't remember anything other than the fact that she kept talking about how much she likes dick.
01) Bodies (Intro) - 6,0 02) Antoinette's Tale - / 03) Pick Up Your Feelings - 7,5 04) Ari's Tale - / 05) Put It Down - 7,0 06) On It - 7,0 07) Donna's Tale - 1,0 08) Price Tags - 6,5 09) Rashida's Tale - 1,0 10) Lost One - 6,5 11) Precious' Tale - / 12) The Other Side - 6,5 13) Amanda's Tale - / 14) Girl Like Me - 6,5 TOTAL: 5,55 (56/100) Current ranking: 488/570 I don't rate songs shorter than a minute. Luckily, Rashida's and Donna's Tales are a bit longer, so I can happily lower this album's rating to 2.
wasn’t really my thing. leaned too heavy on the spoken word parts and i didn’t really like them when they were happening. would be fine for background music so i want to say 3 but i know it’s really a high 2
Happy it was only half an hour
Heaux Tales is definitely an odd one for me when it comes to my opinion on it. This is one of the most recent albums on the whole list as this album closed the 2021 edition of the book this whole list was based on. As for my opinion, there are things i do and don't like about this album. Musically, it handles things pretty alright with the production and instrumentals being decent at best and mediocre at worst. The lyrics though, i have some pretty conflicting feelings. At some points, they could feel pretty cool and deep but at other points, they could just be pointless swearfests. This album is one where my feelings are all over the place but i didn't hate my time with it. Best Song: Put It Down Worst Song: Ari's Tale
So good
This is okay. Pretty smooth. Easy enough to listen to. But I just can't stand all the little skits scattered throughout the album. 14 tracks, 6 of them are filler, so there are really only 8 songs on the record. I didn't mind this listen, but I won't likely be returning in a hurry. 2/5
Interesting. I respect what she's doing.
hyviä kultaisia tidbittejä kesken albumin, muutama pikku mietintätuokio kesken albumin. peukkuja ylös. anderson paak , kendrick lamar from temu :( Tiedäthän kuinka monta kertaa minut on vuosien varrella nöyryytetty. Ensimmäisestä yhteenottosodasta selviäminen oli ihme, he sanoivat minun olevan sankari. Tunsin vain olevani onnekas selvitessäni hengissä. Joten ehkä Kai Leng voitti sinut, joten mitä sitten. Muistutus siitä, että vaikka epäonnistuisitkin, saat silti tehtyä kaiken, mitä teet. Viesti kaikille nuorillo iso perse naisille: meikäläisen politiikka ja diplomatia betting ura on lähtemässä kovalla tahdilla käyntiin.. im not a broke nigga.. lsot one
Not my usual style. But an amazing concept and an interesting listen
Empowering lyrics, and nice melodies.
I don’t care for the talking in between each song — just not my thing.
Mostly fresh and different, which you can't say about a lot of contemporary R&B. Still, just because it's your truth doesn't mean you should share it. Ultimately I found it a bit boring but appreciate our editors branching out a bit.
This album isn't really to my taste, but I feel like it should get a *lot* of credit for several things: it's remarkably brief and tightly focused, always an accomplishment but especially given that it was released in 2021; it's a genuine album (semi-concept even), a rarity in the 2010s onwards; there's actually singing on the non-narrative tracks, something missing from most of the male hip-hop albums in this collection (e.g. quite a contrast to a recent album for me, 2Pac's "Me Against The World"); and most of the musical tracks are relatively insightful without invoking excessively explicit lyrics (with a few exceptions like "Price tags"). I know I'm not really a target audience for this album (music- or otherwise), so I don't mind at all that it didn't really speak to me, but I hope there are plenty of people that enjoyed it as it seems like a worthwhile project.
Nope. Jazmine, you can do better. I feel like the guy who compiled this list doesn't really like female artists so just picks whoever someone said was good.
Meh. Not terrible. That's not a ringing endorsement, but I didn't hate it. Just not my bag.
pass
Gear: DCA ÆON 2 Noire Artwork: 😐🔞⬛ Production: 🤷♂️😐👍 Music: 🍆🍑🤣 Rating: 🍌/5
i listened to it twice in a row and then the deluxe edition. can't remember the last time i had an album like that.
Voor de eerste helft echt een kansloos album. De tweede helft valt beter te doen. Ik erger me aan de tekst. In theorie lijkt het me een concept album dus moet je misschien de tekst niet at face value nemen en de ironie van de teksten inzien, maar als dat het punt is dan is het te simpel gedaan om effect te hebben, het blijft dom. Je kan beter Joss Stone of Chrisette Michele luisteren, instrumentaal beter, en zij hebben daadwerkelijk wat te vertellen.
R&B. Dit is het gewoon niet voor mij. Te simpel te saai.
I kinda thought it just took a while to ‘get going’ but no this REALLY isn’t for me
I had really high hopes for this album but sadly it is incredibly short. And that’s coming from someone who likes and prefers shorter albums. This album I felt didn’t get enough time to get warmed up. In fact I normally really love creative interludes but I feel in this album those interludes take away from the rest of the album cause then there is less time for actual songs. And that being said, there were ALOT of interludes. I did really like the two songs that I saved from the album but sadly those were the only two songs that I liked. I do think this album has an audience but it is not me.
Blind album and artist. Why is this on the list? "Bitch do you know what google says? Yes I do yes I do but I also know what that dick said that dick spoke to me".
Bro, wtf is this
A fresh R&B album, affected by Andy P's Midas touch!
Love her runs. This is fun in that it’s like sang rap. Never heard of this artist before, very soulful. Super short album only 30 mins and some songs were just brief talking. 2.75 rounded to 3
It isn't terrible but I wouldn't listen to any of it again. Just not my genre, not much going on musically that I find interesting. I can respect that it's a woman saying interesting things about the modern female experience, and the vocals are great, so two stars for that. Also doesn't outstay its welcome.
De muziek is wel aardig, afwisselend en muzikaal genoeg voor mij om te waarderen. Maar die preken tussendoor zorgen voor een punt aftrek. Wil je muziek maken of kletsen?
Moderne R&B van deze dame. Wij vinden het altijd fijn als een album niet te lang duurt. Met een half uur een groen vinkje op dit punt. Maar dit album leunt, zoals de hoes al uitstraalt, toch sterk op de hiphop-cultuur achter R&B. Het album staat dus ook vol skits. Dan blijft er ook wel weer weinig muziek over... Toch iets te weinig van het goede... Maar goed. Wat vinden we van die twintig minuten muziek? Het is modern, maar vrij toegankelijk. Het biedt binnen de grenzen van het hokje best wel wat variatie. Er is muzikaal gewoon niet zoveel op aan te merken. En als je die zin schrijft, weet je eigenlijk al dat er ook niet zoveel plusjes te beschrijven zijn. Een harde vergeetbare 3.
"Hiphop" in een half uurtje, het kan dus wel. Wat een voorbeeld is deze vrouw! Al vult ze het halve uur wel veel te veel met een soort van womansplaining tussen de muziek door. Het is redelijk soul-achtige R&B, ik zou dit niet onder hiphop scharen, zoals wiki er wel bij zet. Het is veel muzikaler voor mijn inmiddels iets minder ongeoefende hiphop-oor, al vergelijk ik het dan vooral met de 80s en 90s hiphop natuurlijk. Ik denk dat een plaatje zoals dit er met name in staat vanwege het verhaal, de air en de lulkoek eromheen, meer dan puur vanwege de muziek. Of het uiteindelijk dan echt invloedrijk is geweest, daar is het nog veel te vroeg voor, dat moet nog blijken. Ze heeft hier blijkbaar wel een grammy mee gepakt, al is de waarde van die prijzen echt zwaar gedevalueerd de laatste jaren naar mijn idee. Dit is echt zo'n album dat heel goed in de volgende editie van de snoblijst al weer verdwenen kan zijn. Ik zit nog een beetje in de shock van Joni Baez, wellicht dat dat mijn cijfer beinvloedt. Ik kan dit wel beter luisteren, maar het doet me helemaal niks. De autotune begint me te storen. Volstrekt overbodige muziek dit.
Very groovy, soulful R&B album. I especially liked Put it Down & Lost One.
Good, but not my personal favorite. It did feel very heartfelt, and it is definitely well-made
3.5 stars. Fairly simple musically (basic beats) but memorable for it's themes. Explores femininity, relationships, sexuality in an honest and blunt way. Has a half dozen short, spoken-word interludes breaking up the tracks.
Didn’t love this. There are some enjoyable beats and vocals, and I respect the uniqueness of the concept, but overall it’s not great. Some of the lyrics are flat out bad. Even at only 32 minutes this felt long and dragged at times. I have to imagine there are better R&B albums from the 2020s than this that should have been on the list instead.
Rimelig nice, fede features, meget sex
Good R&B vibes Good skits Her voice is good so idk why she uses autotune in that one song
3/5
not my thing
The feminist message did not hit for me, in fact I feel it went the other way, honestly by over emphasizing sex. Kind of unmemorable too. 2.5
Just your average 2020s pop album I guess. Never heard of them, not really into it.
Hard to imagine picking this up without it being in the list. Formulaic in the music, the slanted themes became rather tiresome even though were were some lighter moments. The set-ups really only work the first time through. Not the slickest in the way of production.
I feel like I need a shower. My playlist recommendations are FUBAR'd now.
Trying to have an open mind since this is not my genre.. but I’m two songs in and want to give up. ETA: I did give up. Sorry. Can’t.
This is a female empowerment album that skirts R&B, Pop, and Soul. The music is well done and the lyrics tell a story of female relationship challenges along with female perspectives on sex. I enjoyed it even though it’s more poppy than the soul and R&B I enjoy. Favorite songs are “Pick Up Your Feelings”, “Price Tags”, and “Girl Like Me”
Modern R&B has never done anything for me. The old stuff from the 60s and 70s - absolutely! But the newer stuff just doesn't click with me. I gave this album a try, having never before heard of the artist, and, still not my thing. She me be talented, but to my middle-aged ears, it was just generic background noise.
The best thing about this album is it was only 32 minutes long. Modern R&B/Hip Hop is just not my thing.
This was anything but "required listening." The 7 R&B tracks that were sprinkled in between 6 interludes was unnecessary. I hate to say this, but I am anything but this artist's demographic.
It's amazing that I have never heard of Jazmine Sullivan after all the praise and awards she's seems to have garnered since 2008. This is just nothing amazing at all. I could have never have heard any of this, but still know exactly what it sounds like since it's the same as all the other hip-hop/R&B that existed before and after it. Trailblazing lyrics like "I want to spit on it" and "I want to sit on it" really change the musical landscape.
Good album so far, little bits of commentary are great. She has wonderful vocals.
The quality of the music is very high. This all sounds great. It makes me feel old / stupid to say this, but the lyrics are so sexually explicit that I feel like it really limits the timelessness of the album.
Interesting. Like the vignettes and how this is all put together.
Not for me. 1/5
Initially felt a 'kids these days' review coming on but after finishing it this isn't like Frank Ocean where it does seem like there might be something there I'm not getting. This was just a bit vapid musically and fairly depressing thematically. Can't help it because I'm on my way to being an old man but in my day the sort of music that made people clutch pearls was angry and shocking. To me telling kids to think about money and sex in these terms is far more insidious and damaging. Kids these days ey. The half hour runtime was about 5 minutes work of chatting which was a relief but a pisstake if you actually like this. The Other Side was alright, best track, everything else was terrible. 1.5 but more a 1.
Totally devoid of merit. She sings as if she's utterly bored of what she's saying. Price Tags is particularly misogynistic. Really boring beats, slow tempo for all the songs. Rotten.
Thought this was pretty awful. I don't like RnB at the best of times, but this wasn't helped by the completely inane content. She clearly likes dick though. More power to her 1
Too much obsession with "D's" and her own looks for my tastes, which isn't my kind of Jam in a song-writer. I think she'd be a great artist if she could change up the subject matter a bit. Not too much to like on this Album. I enjoyed "The Other Side" the most, and it will make the 1001 playlist. But to rank this album as a whole, 1.5 Stars. Rounding up for it being different.
This likely wasn’t in the top 1001 albums of 2021.
Cool production not for me
Not for me but I get the hype
Loved this when it first came out. Where is she now??
Didn't know anything about this - on first impression I really got into it. I know I'll be checking it out again.
Really well put together album. Can't personally relate to most of the content but I admire how coherent it is. The interstitials are compelling bad argumentation. Production is top-notch and the songs feel varied while still managing to stay in the same general tone and genre mix. I don't know that I'll ever spin it up again but I am gladly surprised by it in general.
First couple of songs, I thought this would be outright atrocious and was baffled at why it was mega-acclaimed; luckily there are some solid tracks in the middle that keep this afloat. nevertheless, there's a reason most rappers gave up infesting their albums with skits and the musings on love and sex don't go deep enough for how impressed with itself the framing is.
Not my style but some decent stuff here
I don't hate this but It's not for me. I admire the ambition of it, even if I won't listen to it again.
listen.. it wasn't my favorite (also though it WAS fun and sexy, i'm not mad about it), but i am just so overjoyed to not hear an album by a white man that sounds like the album i got the day before that and the day before that and the day before that and the day before that and the day before that....
Crazy that I already knew this one in full! I'm a fan.
Thank goodness this one was only 30 minutes long. I forced myself to listen to all of it, but it was a chore.
kind of repetitive, redeemed by the ending songs
RnB sure is fucking boring.
I feel like my picks lately have been more r&b focused but maybe I'm just lucky and the random selection is trending more r&b lately. I know nothing about Jazmine Sullivan at all and have probably heard her name before so that's about it. I've been enjoying the first few tracks. She's got a great voice. Love the idea of an entire album of "Heaux Tales" or maybe it's just a great title. ha. I really enjoyed this! Fun and a little complex.
Is it R&B or is it Hip-Hop or some sort of weird hybrid. For me it just doesn't work. The most annoying feature of the album are the spoken interludes between some of the tracks.
It was fine. Fairly uneventful rnb
I'm floored. This is an absolutely outstanding album. What an amazing exploration of modern female sexuality, crafted with a unique interview style that flushes out each story in the subsequent track. And not just that, but every track is so smooth and hooky as hell. Bodies is amazing opening track (which will be stuck in my head for the foreseeable future), and Girl Like Me is the perfect closer. Honestly, I have no complaints and will likely buy this vinyl. 5/5
If there is a new issue of this book coming out in the near future, this album will be replaced by a Kendrick Lamar album.
There are albums on this list that I don't really enjoy but I agree that they belong on the "Albums to Hear Before You Die" list. Unfortunately, I didn't much enjoy this and don't quite understand how it made the list. It feels generic.
Loved the interludes and the vibes were stellar.
Choosing hip hop shouldn’t give me soul/r&b.
so far it's so good I love her voice so much this is the type of rnb that I loveeeee
Not for me
Some cool beats but this didn’t need to be listened to.
Beyonce like r&b but a bit more musically nuanced than a usual pop/rnb album
This is fine, but it's not really my style. Didn't care for the interludes much.
Most of the songs are really nice. Replace the Tales with proper songs like the rest and you'd have a solid album, but I know they're pretty much the point of the album. She's a very pleasant singer.
Decent album about terrible women
No
not good for Christian radio
Good
Ish. Not for me.
Love her look on the cover and this was a lot better than I expected after reading the ratings! Some of y’all just don’t like black women.
OVERALL: I heard of this album before, a video was talking about "best new artist" nominations and mentioned this album. They said it was pretty good, but wouldn't beat Adele in 2009. After listening, I think I agree. It's good I guess. The actual songs are pretty good, but the skits take away from the listening experience. Also, the genre is not really for me. The instrumenals are often not that good, but when they do they're often above average to pretty good at best. The vocals are absolutely incredible. The lyrics are freaky as hell, but it's literally called 'stories about hoes' so I can't really hate on that. The features are fine. I don't think this should be on the 1001 albums, despite the message. There are way better albums from 2021 and 2020 that are still very popular, such as RTJ 4, Alfredo, Folklore (I guess), Circles, LP!, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, For the first time, Call Me If You Get Lost (NO TYLER IN 1001???), Mercurial World (ig it's not popular), Silk Sonic, Happier Than Ever, Sour, and 30 (the last three are maybe stretching). My point is that this doesn't really need to be in here, and the amount of skits are not helping. I still liked some songs, though. SONG AVG: 8.5375/10 (no skits) PERSONAL RATING: 6.5/10 Bodies (Intro): Fire. Great vocals, surprised it's only an intro. Nice dissonace. Pretty sure "Heaux" means hoe, so I'm kinda expecting horny. 8.75/10 Antoinette's Tale: Slay. This album is reminding me of Alligator Bites Never Heal but if it's only the R&B songs. SKIT/10 Pick Up Your Feelings: Fantastic vocals and delivery, pretty good lyrically. I like the production, but it kinda sounds like Spaceship by Kanye at some parts. Actual banger. Feels surprisingly short. 9.25/10 Ari's Tale: ok. I do like the production. SKIT/10 Put It Down: Freaky as hell. Also, is she using a trap beat? The delivery is kinda like a rap song, probably because I think it's supposed to be one. Pretty catchy, and the chorus is pretty nice. I'm just gonna ignore the lyrics when I listen to this (for example; "My girls ask me what it is, I say, 'It's the D'" and "But he's so big, call him King Kong"). Still sounds good despite being freaky. Also, every song so far uses a fade out outro. 8/10 On It: Also freaky. PLEASE elaborate on what they are sitting/spitting on. The vocals are incredible, and the instrumental works, but it's surprisingly boring. I wouldn't regularly revisit this song, but I wouldn't mind it if it were playing in like a restaurant or something. 6.5/10 Donna's Tale: Okay, the amount of skits so far make me think this is a rap album. I think the concept is that each tale is supposed to be a different hoe, and the songs after are from their perspective. SKIT/10 Price Tags: I feel like the beat goes nowhere, the only interesting thing about it are the backing vocals. Also, Anderson .Paak is on this???? His verse is pretty good, it does the expected thing of being from the other perspective pretty well. It's also fire. Quite literally the only bad thing about this is the boring ass beat, which I guess gets slightly better. It's also freakier than the other songs. 9.3/10 Rashida's Tale: Just realized that 6/14 songs are interludes. Pretty nice story. SKIT/10 Lost One: Great atmosphere, the instrumental is objectively trash but is unexplainably unnerving. The vocals are incredible, and the lyrics are really good. Unfortunately, the instrumental is objectively dogshit. 7.5/10 Precious' Tale: On youtube, some fucker put a 7 minute long "interlude" before this that wasn't on this album, called "Interlude IV" by some guy named Paul Del Bello. Anyways, starting this interlude with "To be honest, money makes me cum" is wild. I guess it's a good skit? SKIT/10 The Other Side: Sure. Freaky, but that's to be expected. The only real problem I have with it is that the pre-chorus is kinda bad. Other than that, the instrumental is surprisingly good, the vocals are great, and the lyricism is pretty good. 9.5/10 Amanda's Tale: LAST SKIT LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOO. I am NOT listening to the deluxe, and if I do, I'm skipping the extra 5 skits. SKIT/10 Girl Like Me: Really good. The bridge at the end is a bit too loud imo, but it's good regardless. Everything is really good, and H.E.R.'s contributions are surprisingly minimal. I really like everything about this song except for the bridge at the end, the lyrics, instrumental, and vocals are very good. 9.5/10
REALLY not my thing haha I enjoyed Pick Up Your Feelings, theaux!
Pretty good R&B I think? My ear for genres is still developing. She tells a story about love and life and career, it was good.
This was ok. A very confessional album. Not really my thing, however Anderson Paak was cool.
This is fantastic and reminds me (the feeling anyway) of Liz Phair. Loved it!! Might be a 4.5 for me eventually.
A good theme doesn't make a good album. The positive thing is that it's short
“In one way it’s empowering, in another way it’s sad.”
Never heard of this, not bad.
1.9 What was that. Felt like an album made for horny teenage boys. Not normally that prudish but most of it seemed unnecessary. What were those numerous tales about? It's as though she was trying to show women also have experiences of sex and romance. We know? Who doesn't know? Horny teenage boys who objectify and one-dimensionalise women. Putting the lyrical content aside, the music itself was also pretty naff. Very basic beats. The only redeeming feature was her voice is actually relatively nice. That's about it.
Not a style of music I enjoy but enjoyed the concept and found it thought provoking. Favourite tracks: Lost One Probably not one to revisit. 2/5
Not my jam.
Its different than most albums on this list. Also its not really an album, being 32min long. Interesting themes that you dont hear much in this list. I really liked anderson paaks part. But nothing else makes it go higher than middle of the road for me. I doubt this album would remain in future iterations of the book.
Better than expected
Can't get into it
I feel like this is kind of unremarkable R&B. I’m amazed that this was album of the year for NPR in 2021. I perked up when I heard Anderson Paak come in, but that was about it.
I really liked this album. Solid grooves, lyrics and hooks.
Really digging the feeling of this album. Great soul music that I haven't heard before. I closed my eyes and starting swaying along with the music and then the album was done. Gonna go listen again!
I'm definitely not the demographic for this, but it's got some solid jams mixed in. Has a few tracks I've gone back to. Damn girl, get it!