Customer Reviews

Fearless

5 star:		(70)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Jazmine Sullivan caught my ear for the first time when I heard the exceptional first single from FEARLESS, "Need U Bad". The voice for me resurrected Lauryn Hill, who is one of my very favorite singers. Jazmine possesses soul in every song that she sings on FEARLESS, whether it is contemporary R&B or full on neo-/retro- soul favoring say Amy Winehouse. Face it, Jazmine can blow! This exceptionally consistent debut album that will probably be underrated as far as commercial sales ultimately is one of my favorite urban releases of 2008. Jazmine has successfully blended a plethora of styles and maintained sultry alto vocals all in the mix. There isn't a "flat" or bad song on FEARLESS in my mind.

"Bust Your Windows" opens the album brilliantly given and old school vibe the Mark Ronson could've easily produced for an Amy Winehouse album. In fact, here I believe Sullivan somewhat tries to embody that Etta James, Winehouse sound with her "extravagant" vocals. She sounds killer here that for sure. On "Need U Bad", Missy, as much as I hate to say it, isn't necessary at all as far as appearing on the track (yes she helped to write that brilliant song). Jazmine sounds fantastic with the tropical inspired beat supporting her. With that aside though, the track still sounds as if it could've easily appeared on a 70s soul album. "My Foolish Heart" keeps the momentum going with its great production work and with Jazmine's phenomenal vocal performance. "Lions, Tigers & Bears" keeps up the pace putting production absent of drums behind Ms. Sullivan. The result is vintage soul.

"Call Me Guilty" is great also, while "One Night Stand" is absolutely one of the best of FEARLESS. "After The Hurricane" is one of the best R&B ballads I've heard for sometime, while "Dream Big" is vintage Missy Elliott songwriting genius. Sure, it's a big clunky compared to some of the tracks, but it is still "great". "Live A Lie" is also strong, mostly because it is one of those R&B tunes where it is "out there" as far as the music theory behind it (for all the music nerds like me). "Fear" floats on by, though it is the soulful "In Love With Another Man" that steals the who as perhaps the VERY best ballad of FEARLESS. "Switch!" ends the album on a soulful, 70s pop-inspired high note.

This is nearly the perfect debut. The production doesn't sound cheap, even if it does sound like say, an Usher album. This album lays very well and vocally, Sullivan is phenomenal. Fantastic home run for Sullivan!

Jazmine Sullivan has a wonderful voice, it's rocky, deep and has a very extensive range. It sounds like nothing on the radio these days, especially when a voice such as hers at times takes on a soulful operatic quality as on "Bust Your Windows," with it's layered strings and handclaps. To take note of that production is to take note of the whole CDs nuances of sonic tweaks and bleeps that don't overpower her voice or the material. More often than not, the writing verges on excellent, especially on "Lions, Tigers & Bears." That song and the contemplative and deceptively simplistic "Fear" has hit written all over it.

There has been such a deep void of expressive women that have the ability to utter more than what women have been reduced to on radio, we've been reduced to nothing more than begging or whoring around ... in the really popular song, we do both at the same time.

Sullivan has made a great debut, at such a young age, and hopefully she continues to make amazing music, she's needed.

I think Jazmine Sullivan is a fantastic breath of fresh air for those of us who are hankering for young female R&B artists who don't feel the need to be half naked to sell an album. Her voice is beautiful, the first album is a solid stepping stone for breaking into the industry as the CD as a whole is strong. As she develops as an artist she will become stronger and stronger. As a side note, this CD is really funny to me because she's just so damn HONEST! And that's what appeals to me. Come on, don't get high and mighty like you never busted a dude's windows (or thought about it) or wanted his best friend instead of him? LOL, she's just being real. Keep at it, Ms. Sullivan. I see you doing big things. :-)

I'm a male in my early 20's and I can honestly say I don't listen to many female R&B artists because many of them are male bashing artists that market their music to women, and women only...which isn't much of a problem because I think men take it a step farther, male artists usually slander women, call women out of their names, and market to men...so men market to men, women market to women, with a few that market their music universally. I guess it comes down to who's right and who's wrong....with that out of the way, lemme get to the review.

I had no intentions of listening to this CD, I must admit. I bought the Jadakiss CD and heard the collaboration with Jazmine and Jadakiss and I was really impressed. A few nights later I went out with a girl and she left some CDs in my car and this was one of them, so I thought "lets see what this girl's about". So I put it in my CD player and put it on shuffle...the first song I heard was "Call Me Guilty", and I was really blown away! I couldn't believe the raw emotion she showed in the song...she painted a lyrical image that was so blatant that you could almost feel hear pain just by listening to the song. The next song I heard was "Fear" which I thought was extremely real. The way she laid that song out was really creative and unique, it was easy to relate to because some of the "Fears" that she talks about are fears of many people...and things that a lot of artists avoid to speak about, in "fear" of losing sales. I honestly didn't hear any of her songs prior to listening to her CD, I don't listen to the radio because I'm strong against mainstream music, it's either "cocaine rap", "commercial rap", "R&B artists that can't hold a note", "men calling women out of their names", and "women attacking men for being liars and cheaters". But I'm really happy I listened to this CD, Jazmine is extremely unique and very deep. The flair and passion in her music is incomparable to most artists in the music industry today. I looked through the ratings for this CD and could not believe that someone could actually rate this lower than a 4/5 but like I said this CD is very deep and many people look for songs like "Single Ladies" where they can bop and dance to. And in my opinion that's fine but there aren't enough "dance songs" with content and a purpose. I'm really looking forward to Jazmine's next album, I will definitely pick it up the day it releases!

I wanted to point out, I've heard a few people compare Jazmine Sullivan to Lauryn Hill...(not to take anything from either of these GREAT artists) but to me the comparison isn't there to make. I think Lauryn was more influential, deep, and intelligent but Jazmine's vocals blow Lauryn Hill's away. The artists aren't similar enough to compare Lauryn Hill has made her mark in the industry and Jazmine Sullivan is soon to do the same. Lauryn is Lauryn, Jazmine is Jazmine. They're very different.

There are very few female singers that I would listen to from the beginning of the CD until the end. Too many female singers oversing the song to the point of shouting (ex. Jennifer Hudson) or add way too many syllables with runs (ex. Fantasia), and some are trying too hard to fit into other genres instead of being comfortable in her own (ex. Beyonce). I find myself listening to the oldies a lot or listening to rappers who can truly sing (ex. Lauryn Hill and Queen Latifah), but I'm more likely to check out an old Staples Singer, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Janet Jackson track. (Note: I like Janet's late 90s stuff better than her new work, especially "Anytime, Anywhere, Anyplace," "Again" and "Got Til It's Gone"; she's my first favorite female singer.) And then came Jazmine Sullivan.

I knew she had something going for her when my then-boyfriend at the time turned the volume up on "Bust Your Windows" of all songs. We joked about the craziness in the song and complimented her voice. (Note: The folks who have problems with this song and her singing about violence probably have no qualms about rapping along to Biggie when he's saying "kickin' the door, wavin' the four, four, all you heard was Poppa don't hit me no more." If we're against violent lyrics, why pick and choose?) I jammed to "Need U Bad" before that and I dig reggae. When I saw her live on 106 & Park, I thought she was an excellent performer, but when I heard her on the radio today with "Lions, Tigers, and Bears," I whipped my car around and went straight to a retail store to buy her CD.

I adore her voice. It's strong, powerful, and she knows when to stop and start the emphasis on each word. She doesn't oversing songs. Her voice will wake folks up. And as for the lyrics, she has DEFINITELY had a rough time with men. No rougher than R&B great Mary J. Blige (I dig the "happy" Mary, but I couldn't get into down-on-her-luck Mary) and Keyshia Cole (I like "happy" Keyshia too). It's odd because I couldn't get into unhappy Mary and Keyshia, but Jazmine is having some pretty bad luck with busting windows from cheating, speculating on whether she wants to kill her mate after hitting her, and the surprise of lusting after a "One Night Stand." Her music is human, and she admits to being imperfect. There is a vulnerability in her lyrics and the "mmph" in her voice that made this CD a nonstop playing one. But all of her songs aren't hysterical. She has other cuts about just being in love with a man no matter his flaws and another about following her dreams. I can't recall the last time I let a full R&B CD by a female singer play throughout. I usually skip through songs, but not with her. I definitely appreciate "Fearless."

I love the cd now, but the first few times i listened to it, i wasnt quite sold. the lyrics are pretty elementary, but her voice is very grown so that made up for it. this woman seems to have gone through a lot in her love life and most people dont want to hear about depressing stuff like that (good thing im not one of those people).

The tracks are ridiculous and the beats range from the late 60's and 70's to doo-wop. Thats another ear-catcher. Overall i give the cd 3 stars with a potential half a star the more i listen to it. maybe her sophomore album will get her 5 stars.

I was one of those people introduced to Jazmine Sullivan thru Youtube. So when I first saw the Need you bad video I was really happy to hear this talented sister had come out with a nice single. If any of you out there caught her Resentment rendition you can easily recognize her talent (even if that wasn't the best song for her). Unfortunately that was my issue with the album. Great voice on top of a bunch of mediocre songs. Its decent viable R&B but half of the album is forgetable. (The songs, not the voice.You won't forget the voice.) The subject matter is nice and the overall album does a good job of placing her age where her mature vocals might mislead you.The ablum is fun, and young and probably will be enjoyed by alot of Keyshia Cole fans.

Hot Tracks: Need You Bad, Lions Tigers and Bears,In Love With Another Man
Warm: Live a Lie, Bust your Windows, Fear, My Foolish Heart
Cool: The Rest of the Album

If it wasn't for Glee, I would have never heard this amazing album. When I first listened to it, I thought that Bust Your Window was going to be the best song on there but the more I listened to the album, the more I realized that it was just one side of her. I love how she sings with such emotion. I'm looking forward to her next effort.

Every year brings about a few notable newcomers to the music scene, although the longevity of them is often questionable. Like Keyshia Cole three years before, 2008 saw the debut of a big-voiced, passionate singer whose album proved to be one of the best of the year. Prior to her own release, Jazmine Sullivan was a songwriter, who had written for Fantasia and Christina Milian's single "Say I". Reminiscent of Lauryn Hill, Jazmine crafted an excellent debut, having a major hand in writing each of the tracks (she is credited first on all of them). Between the power of her voice, and the depth of her writing, Jazmine's debut easily indicates her as an artist to watch in the coming years.

"Bust Your Windows" starts things off, showcasing a woman scorned and set on revenge. With its darker, haunting music the track has Jazmine singing of destroying her cheating ex's car in attempt to make herself feel better. Right away, this track allows Jazmine's voice to shine, particularly with the emotion it evokes. The bridge is particularly haunting ("You broke my heart, so I broke you car/You caused me pain, so I did the same"). Despite the vengeance here, Jazmine twists it slightly at the end, questioning why it hasn't made her feel better. "Need U Bad" talks of wanting an ex back, regretting your mistake of letting him go. Although it's not quite as powerful as the first track, it's a great way to show the softer side to Jazmine. It's also one of the most relatable songs, speaking of needing someone's love as much as you need air. Even Missy Elliott's ad libs can't mar this track. "My Foolish Heart" talks about how your heart will do things that you know it shouldn't ("my foolish heart will trust just anyone/it's so naïve"). As far as the album goes, this track is essentially filler, but it's filler at its best. While unmemorable compared to much of the rest of the material, it is an enjoyable listen and does play to Jazmine's strengths. There is nothing wrong with the song per se, other than the fact that there are much stronger ones on the album.

One such strength is the highlight, "Lions, Tigers and Bears", which talks of fearing heartbreak more than other generally fearful things. The instrumentation is excellent, as are Jazmine's powerful vocals. Unlike other singers with big voices, Jazmine never feels the need to oversing, instead allowing for the emotion in her voice to speak for itself. This also showcases Jazmine's writing at its best, with relatable lyrics and the clever interpolation of the classic line from The Wizard of Oz. The bridge in particular is a highlight, where Jazmine decides that in spite of her fear, she's willing to try. "Call Me Guilty" is another highlight as well as another of the darker tracks, with Jazmine contemplating killing an abusive partner. Here she talks about knowing that he'll kill her if she stays, and says she's not sorry for killing him first. It's a creepy track, but brilliantly done, truly showcasing how cornered abuse can make someone feel. The album then goes to a much lighter note with "One Night Stand", which talks about a man who was supposed to just be for one night, but ends up becoming much more. Tracks like this show Jazmine's versatility, showing that she's just as strong on the fun songs as the deeper, darker material. The bridge is stunning.

"After the Hurricane" is a stunning ballad about knowing that a break-up is imminent based on how your partner is behaving. This track has more subdued instrumentation, giving room for Jazmine's emotive vocals to shine. This is also one of the more fresh-sounding Stargate productions in a while, although that may be more of a testament to Jazmine's writing than the music itself. "Dream Big" is a fan favourite, possibly due to its much brighter sound than the first half of the album. This track talks about Jazmine's taking opportunities as they come, inspired by Jazmine's own journey getting into the music business. While not a personal favourite, this certainly makes a nice change in the otherwise darker tone of the album, without sounding out of place. Along with "One Night Stand", this helps to maintain a balance in styles. "Live a Lie" is one of the less memorable tracks here, describing how sometimes it's better not to know the truth of a situation. Jazmine sounds good, and the track is written well. It's another case of there being nothing wrong with the track in itself, it just becomes overshadowed by the rest of the stronger material. However, like "My Foolish Heart", it is filler at its best as it is generally a good song.

"Fear" is another standout, and seems like a companion piece to "Lions, Tigers, and Bears" as it carries on the theme of being afraid. Here, Jazmine lists things she's afraid of, but then goes on to assert that we're not human without fear. This is a highlight due to the rather unconventional style of the lyrics, as few artists would write such a list, particularly since it seems very repetitive on paper. However, the delivery combined with the instrumentation make it work excellently. "In Love With Another Man" is another of the few ballads here, where Jazmine sings of being in love with someone other than her partner, even though she knows she shouldn't be. It's another relatable song, describing how sometimes people can be drawn to a person even when they themselves do not know why. The subdued instruments here allow the power of Jazmine's voice to shine. "Switch" brings things back to the lighter tone, telling of going on a double date and being more interested in the other guy instead of the one you came with. Jazmine goes on to suggest that she date his best friend instead. It's a funny song, and as with many others here, one that most people could probably relate to.

Overall Mark: 4.5/5

As a debut, this album easily puts Jazmine in the running as a new artist to be on the lookout for. At its best, it showcases powerful vocals and considerable emotional depth while maintaining a balance with more light-hearted material as well. Even at its worse, the tracks are consistent and strong, only suffering by comparison to others that precede or follow it. It's rare for a new artist to put together an album so solid, and rarer still for that album to not have a single track which is weak on its own. Jazmine's performance calls to mind many other performers, namely Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, and Lauryn Hill, yet never in a way that makes her seem unoriginal. Rather, she has crafted a brilliant debut showcasing her as a true powerhouse with talents for singing, writing, and creativity in general.

It took me awhile but I finally bought the CD. I was pleasantly surprised about how good Jazmine Sullivan sounds and how good the CD is. I love 'Fear' and 'Switch!'. She sounds like a mix of Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys... Good combo! I'm anxious to hear what she comes out with next.