Customer Reviews

Experience: Jill Scott 826+

5 star:		(83)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Jill Scott has done what very few artists in recent memory have done, even in the last 10 years: she has given us the best R&B record of the year 2 years in a row.

This disc gives you WAY more than you're paying for. At 2 discs, one of which is live (with one of the tightest groove bands I've ever heard) and the other comprised of 9 new tracks (11 if you count the embedded hidden tracks on #9), you're getting a MASSIVE amount of Jill at the top of her form for very little cost. Considering you paid more for the last uneven Maxwell record, the had-to-grow-on-you Badu "Mama's Gun" and about a dozen or so other pointless exercises in R&B today, you're not only getting a bargain, you're practically set for the next 6 months.

I know what you're thinking: "I'm really only paying for 9(11) new songs, so what am I actualy getting new?"
Oh, ye of little faith. Because she didn't hit as many cities as some artists this past year, you probably didn't get to hear her live. If you had, you'd realize how nuts a notion it is to believe that you're buying "Who Is Jill Scott?" twice. Jill revamps her debut album's tracks in such a way that there's practically a party in every track. These songs prance, slyly grin, wink and pounce all over you from all sides, and they don't skimp, either: of the 11 tracks on the live disc, 8 of them are over 6 minutes in length, with bridges, solos and silky grooves slipping in and out of the tracks throughout. It had to be one of the best shows to come down the pike in a long time, and she'll sell out from now until she retires 20 years from now if she keeps the quality of records at this level.

The CD of new stuff is also pretty darn amazing, even if there are a few "huh?" moments there. The sister is a sassy chameleon of styles, out-Baduing Badu on "Gotta Get Up"(#2) and out-Graying Macy on "Sweet Justice"(#4), but almost to the point of sounding exactly like them, which isn't all bad, since her songs are stronger than almost all of the songs on Badu's "Mama's Gun" and both of Gray's albums put together with the national anthem thrown in. The songs flip from excellent smoothed out groove to sly hip-hoppy-ness to a pretty good live poem recitation. Her messages are clear, her voice strong and her production and unit tight as a new bongo head. Do the tracks dig in you like the first record? Not in the same way and not as deep upon first listen, but they stick with you and you'll be pulling your hair out trying to decide which disc to play for at least the next 4-6 months, no matter how much you play it. Sister Jill slips out of 2001 with the best R&B record of the year...maybe the best record of the year.

I have had the privelege of seeing ms. scott perform b4 her debut album dropped, first time she came back to Philly to perform after the cd had won extreme critical acclaim (with Music Soulchild), and at Radio City Music Hall. Each of those performances were different. This album gives fans the opportunity to relive their repective concert experiences with jilly. Even those who have not had the privelege to see her live get a chance to feel the energy from the live performance. The bonus cd, which features 4 new tracks, a poem (performed in philly - the one I attended :-D), and two remixes (one of Gotta Get Up and a club version of He Loves Me). Pay attention to the poem (Thickness) people. I am so happy that they decided to put this on the CD. A definite eye opening poem. "Gotta Get Up" is going to remain in my cd player for me to wake up to everyday - the perfect morning inspirational song. Only reason I didn't give this five stars is the waiting for the last track on the second cd to begin, leading me to search for the song. Note to jilly and her production team: please stop adding these blank parts. It's just plain annoying.

In the tradition of her debut Who Is Jill Scott, Jill has continued her journey of making love feel good again. She is definitely a preserver of pure R&B while innovating with the times, through the life and truth of her poetry and poetic song-writing. She exclaims on "Thickness" that she is a poet first and foremost. Like many poets, there is that balance between beauty and misunderstanding that intrigues us and disturbs us. What intrigues us about Jill is her endless passionate vocalizing, the solace of her songs, and the deep earth-like thunder of how she makes feel. What disturbs us about Jill is....well, better yet Jill is disturbing the current trend of bland pop confection splattered all over the radio, making all the cutesy manufactured R&B acts take notes about true musicianship. The feeling of any good live album is evoked here. That intimate feeling of being there, even when you're in your car or home, while Jill and the audience trade energy and excitement. Plus not to mention, be blessed with 9 new tracks from our soul mama savior, is just a journey beyond our wildest dreams. New tracks like "Thickness", "High Post Brotha" feauturing the genuine word-doctor Common, "Be Ready" and the ethereally magnificent "Sweet Justice" make you obsessively yearn for more, because Jill is a rare gem. Often compared to neo-soul contemporaries like Badu, India, and what have you, Jill has something that is her own, like the aforementioned. Jill has transcending soulful craftsmanship that is relevant to the lovers, the struggling 9 to 5er, the stressed-out college student, the sophisticated Wall Street types...everyone who has a heart that loves, pains, saddens, and elevates...Jill is representing the beauty in our laughter, love, and pain.

I knew I had to get Jill Scott from DAY ONE! Her music as they classify it, is neo-soul. The girl is off the hook. I had to force myself to stop listening to her CD. The CD is so tough that even 10, 20, 30 years from now I will pop the CD in and listen to it, like its brand new. Jills Scott music is deep, its not just some artist making up songs for people to dance to. She wants you to feel what shes feeling, and believe me, she sings her heart out. The LIVE CD and the 1st CD ARE THE BOMB. I do find myself listening to the live CD more. Its a RARE to find a CD where you like every single track.. Jill..when is the next CD coming out??

Jill Scott is great Live. This CD can give a taste of what it is like to Experience Ms. Scott. If you have Who Is Jill Scott Vol. 1, this album complements it very well. In addition to the live Disc, there is also an disc that features new material. Disc 2 give you a break from some of the songs that you have heard for the past year and a half and shows Jill in a different light, including songs with 4 Hero, and Eric Robertson. Check it out, it's Jill and that could never disappoint.

Peace & Blessings

Yeah, Yeah, I'm not a avid fan of today's R&B but I picked up this LP for my girlfriend as a gift plus she is a big fan of Jill. Anyway, she loves it!!!! She plays it everyday of the day. Well I listened to it and I have to say that my girl should be excited about this LP because it is very, very good. To those who feel "it's a live album, you heard those songs before", has the right to feel that way, but we never heard it live (especially if you haven't seen her live to perform. The album captures all the essence of Jill on stage, singing, or just giving us a deep thought provoking poetry, plus giving us unreleased until now material. I don't know the songs by name like that but from beginning to end I kept listening and enjoying it. She is a true artist and I know she will continue to florish!!! This LP is a winner!!! So, stop playa hatin' those of you who feel that she shouldn't have a live album yet!! Jill didn't win Grammys for nothing!! You can't stop the shine!!!

Let me just say right off that bat that I think Jill is a great singer/poet/artist. She is very good at what she does, but Erykah Badu will always have her niche in this market. All this talk about how she robbed Erykah of her crown, blah, blah, blah is just unnecessary. They are two totally different artists. Further, Erykah is a trailblazer -- she was the first of this crop of neo soul artists to release a live set after only having released one CD. But enough about that.

I enjoyed Jill's live CD, but I think that the studio releases on the second CD are much better. Further, those live songs are being played to death, whereas I have yet to hear radio play one single from the latter. To her credit, Scott does a bit improvisation and attempts to breathe new life into the songs from her debut CD, and you do feel like you are right at one of her concerts. The live version of "He Loves Me," is interesting, but I prefer the operatic overtones of the studio version. Nonetheless, Scott gives a good performance. I especially liked her cover of "Find My Way," by a Tribe Called Quest.

The bulk of the new songs are kind of mellow and jazzy from the "Free", "Gotta Get Up," my workday anthem, "Sweet Justice" and the duet with Common. This CD also contains two hidden tracks, a reprise of "Gotta Get Up" and house remix of "He Loves Me," that I've been playing on the regular. I discovered this one night after I'd fallen asleep on the couch with this CD playing and it reached the end. After several minutes of silence, the first hidden track begins. I never really liked house music, but I am really feeling this version because it's funky.

On the whole, this set is a bargain because you are getting two CDs from a talented artist. I can't wait to hear what Ms. Scott does next.

I never really got into Jill Scott. The first time I heard her was on "The Roots Come Alive". She gave an incredible performance on "You Got Me", that left me singing, "My name is J-I-L-L-S-C-O-T-Teeeeeeeeeeeee!", but still I wasn't moved to buy her first album. Even after reading the incredible reviews of "Who Is Jill Scott?", and hearing a couple tracks...I never bothered. I'd rather hear something with a Timbaland beat and a nasty MC.
Just to check it out, I downloaded this album from my favorite IRC channel. I'm so hooked! I immediately ordered both of her CD's for myself and as a gift for a friend. Damn, it's so great to hear some real GOOD music!
If you, like me, have kept putting this CD back on the shelf so you could afford to grab then new [Insert Artist Here], delay no more. You've gotta hear it to believe it.

I was a fan, but I am now a devotee of Jill Scott. She is the most innovative and soulful music artist to come around in a very long time. In my opinion the only one who comes close is Erika Badhu.(Who like Diana Ross has taken an unusual voice, alluring sensuality and big eyes and turned it into a successful career) This CD is simultaneously erotic, inspiring, humorous and soulful.

Ms. Scott has a very expressive voice that has a heavy bottom range and yet has the ability to soar to mezzo soprano when necessary. It seems apparent that she has had some formal vocal training. This artist is able to engage her audience with spontaneous banter and admonitions to participate fully in the concert. She even giggles and squeals when her largely female audience anticipates the lyrics they know so well.

With her talent and down to earth persona Jill Scott should carve out a long term presence in soul, r&b and even some crossover pop; if she chooses. This girl is a serious triple threat. She sings, she writes and she oozes sensuality with a natural beauty that exudes from the right place; inside/out.

My only disappointment was that the entire project wasn't live. That would've made the project perfect. If you're tired of canned, pre-fabricated and electronically generated music with overly produced background vocals give this a try. It'll take you back home. Put your feet up. Get a hamhock sandwich and some sweet tea. 'Cause Jill Scott will lay it down for you. This is hot. Buy it.

I've never written a review before, though I'm usually interested to see what other folks have written. However, this time I'm actually going to take a moment to add my 2 cents. Whenever someone has asked me who my favourite artist is, or what my favourite CD is, etc, I've never had an answer. A musician myself, my tastes are so varied that I can never pin it down to one thing. At least, I never could in the past: as soon as I heard this CD I was blown away. It is tight AND entertaining from start to finish. Jill is just amazing poetically and musically, and her band really rises to the top as well. Kudos to Jilly from Philly and her amazing crew. I never get tired of listening to this, and I've been listening pretty regularly since I got it 2 years ago.