Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds, Vol. 2

Jill Scott

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 31, 2004)
• Original Release Date: August 31, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hidden Beach
• ASIN: B0002S94RK
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (281 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,607 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

While most neo-soulsters crank out albums like their hip-hop counterparts, Jill Scott takes a more traditional approach to her craft. Four years after the release of her debut, Who Is Jill Scott, Words & Sounds Vol. 1, Scott returns with the masterful Beautifully Human: Words & Sounds Vol. 2. The album features a collection of lush and hypnotic songs that will make you want to fall in love, live life, and be a better person all at the same time. Lead single "Golden" is a prime example of this. Set to a midtempo groove made for the dance floor, "Golden" is a shiny, beautifully-written narrative about living life to its fullest. The old-school R&B ballad vibe of "Petition" is reminiscent of Minnie Ripperton or early Chaka Khan. However, "Bedda at Home" is anything but laid back. Combining elements of jazz, soul, and old-school hip-hop breakbeats, Scott extols the greatness of her man with a swagger that can only be described as cool. Other highlights include "Family Reunion" and the socially conscious "Rasool."

The album's only flaw may be that it ends too soon, but then again it's always better to leave a listener wanting more. For Scott, being "Beautifully Human" means just that--finding the allure in all that life has to offer and that's well worth the wait. --Rashaun Hall

Product Description

European pressing of the neo-soul singer/songwriter's 2004 album includes one bonus track 'Bedda at Home' (Acoustic). 17 tracks in total. Epic. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I "Can't Explain" How She Does It... (4.5 Stars), September 2, 2004

By	Andrew Jacob (Brooklyn, New York) - See all my reviews

Four years after the classic "Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds, Volume 1", Jill Scott comes back with an outstandingly exceptional album that surpasses all of my expectations. A lot has happened in those four years, most notably, Jill Scott getting married to Lyzel (You're reminded of it in the intro "Warm Up", when the ending of "He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)" is played). "Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds, Volume 2" is full of lush, hypnotic, and intriguing melodies, once again fusing R&B with Jazz effortlessly. While the album might not be as instantly intriguing as songs on the debut, it is equally compelling. Highlights include the self-empowering lead single "Golden", the bass heavy "I'm Not Afraid", the hip-hop vibe of "Bedda at Home", the self-realization of sorrow in "Can't Explain", the soothing feel of "My Petition", the addictive riff of "The Fact Is (I Need You)", the bonus track "I Am Here", and the best song on the album, the smooth sensualistic ballad "Cross My Mind". The only minor complaint I have is the track "Rasool", which sounds like an obligatory filler and also breaks the "laid back-groove" feeling. But as a whole album, I could not have asked for anymore. With this sophomore album, Jill Scott furthermore establishes herself as a true artist that is both consistent and beyond her contemporaries.

55 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb Sophomore Set - Jill Is On Fire, Baby!, October 16, 2004

By	Busy Body (London, England) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

I'm a latecomer to the genius that is Jill Scott, first and foremost. After buying her modern classic debut album "Who Is Jill Scott? Words And Sounds Vol. 1" in August 2004, I learnt about her second album, which was released the following week. I instantly knew that it was a must-have. I needed that album, and nothing was going to stop me from getting it. As I promised myself, I bought her second album about two weeks ago, and while not as stunning as her debut, it is still an extremely enjoyable and brilliantly produced follow-up.

That second album is "Beautifully Human: Words And Sounds Vol. 2" and crashed into the Billboard charts at No.3. In the UK the album hasn't really made an impact, but that is due to lack of single releases and just society's ignorance to truly amazing soul/R'n'B music - they'd rather go for Usher or 50 Cent, for some stupid reason! It's been four years since Jill wowed the world with her debut album, and Beautifully Human has been a long time coming, but it's finally here, and it was definitely worth the wait for her millions of adoring fans.

Beautifully Human opens with "Warm Up," which is a short interlude featuring a clip of "He Loves Me" from her debut. Heard over the 'radio' it sounds positively haunting, before leading onto the gorgeous "I'm Not Afraid." This song has a hypnotic and seductive beat and sultry, confident lyrics about not being afraid to be a man's everything. "Golden" is the album's first single, and whilst commercial and repetitive, the message is one of positive empowerment - a real feel-good anthem that I'm sure everyone can relate to. "The Fact Is (I Need You)" is a bit slower than the past couple of songs, and Jill really chills the listener out with her "Do do do do, do do" chanting. The beat is absolutely beautiful and Jill's vocals absolutely stunning. Her rap midway through is the highlight. "Spring Summer Feeling" has a charming beat and the percussion work wonders with Jill's soft vocals. Her "tweet tweet!" chants at the end are loveable and enticing.

"Cross My Mind" is a really soulful and relaxing ballad, with many spoken sections that evolve into singing seamlessly while the piano provides the soul in copious amounts. After the chill-out section the album picks up with the stunning "Bedda At Home." Jill's vocals on this song are unbelievable and the old-school beat highlights this. The woman is high on love and nothing is gonna bring her down! Her screeching and whooping in the last minute of the song have to be one of the highlights of the entire album. "Talk To Me" slows the pace down a bit as Jill sings about her lover who bottles things up. She wants him to talk to her, but she doesn't demand it, she does it in a more compromising way which is much more happy and tuneful. "Family Reunion" is definitely an album highlight because it's a song you will definitely not forget! The strings in the background really make this song amazing and very sleek as Jill sings about a family reunion and how she feels so much at home in their company. The family banter and hollering in the background add the atmosphere, and the chorus has such a sing-a-long feel to it. Pure, undiluted happiness!

"Can't Explain (42nd Street Happenstance)" continues the pure beauty of the album. I'm finding it hard to describe this song as I listen to it, because it just captures everything so beautifully. Just listen to it yourself and you'll understand me. "Whatever" has a very sexy intro that melts like chocolate as Jill sings about an amazing night with her lover. She isn't afraid to go into detail, and by this we are not disturbed, but raised in our spirits by her confidence and positive attitude. It's like a mix of "Exclusively" and "Honey Molasses" from her debut! "Not Like Crazy" sees Jill crazy in love, despite what she might say, with church bells chiming for a small section of the song! "Nothing (Interlude)" is another beautifully sexy short interlude where Jill sings of nothing is more beautiful than making love to her man. "Rasool" is a socially conscious song where Jill sings the story of a man named Rasool, whilst her voice fills with emotion, rising in time with the beat and intensity of the song. "My Petition" sees Jill singing about the US presidential govermenment, and how they constantly lie to her and cover things up. Some people thinks this is the best song on the album, but whilst I agree with the subject matter, it's not my favourite. "I Keep/Still Here" closes the album, and opens with a beautiful and hypnotic sound that is very vivid, creating images of desert islands baking in the sun. Okay, so the song's subject doesn't have anything to do with desert islands, but that's the kind of imagery it evokes for me!

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

Jill Scott has gone on to become a legend with this second album. She could never release another album and she will be forever remembered in the school of soul/R'n'B. Once you take the CD out of its case, you'll see a long letter written by Steve McKeever (Hidden Beach records executive) who proudly boasts and presents this new album to the listener. This confidence he feels is real, and that is because Jill's talent is raw and beautiful. The cover of the CD features a childhood picture of Jill. She looks so cute, but I fear this might be because she is not too confident about her appearance that she could be on the front of her album (her debut only featured her lips/nose). I've read about this in interviews, but Jill has nothing to worry about. She is an absolutely gorgeous woman! The picture on the inlay of her with an orange top on is stunning, she has nothing to be afraid of! This album is a masterpiece, buy it now.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Piece of Art..., September 1, 2004

By	James E. Dow "jaydowser" (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In an industry full of R&B posers/producers who ride the latest hooks and studio gimmicks and rely on ghost writers to carry them to glory, Jill Scott has once again proven herself to be a breath of fresh air. Believe it or not, there was once a time when artists (male and female) actually wrote their lyrics, produced their tracks, and stood by albums which boasted track after track of wonderful heartfelt music. (See Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, etc.)

The bottom line: Jill Scott is a throwback.

Granted, she is not alone...but in my humble opinion this latest CD dashes any speculation about a 'sophomore jinx', and puts her in a class among the most talented singers/songwriters working today. 'Beautifully Human' (as a whole) is at once moving, inspirational...and above all - personal.

Bravo Jill Scott.

P.S. - I thought Jason Alexander's review was completely inappropriate for a site of Amazon's stature. I fail to see what an artist's weight/physical appearance has anything to do with the quality of the music. Shame on you for having the audacity to write such a shallow review, and then being brave enough to attach your name to it. Enjoy.