He’s dropped the “Soulchild” from his moniker and can now be just called Musiq. The name change perhaps is an evolution that can be evidenced throughout his sophomore album Juslisen. Another product of the neo-soul music revival, listening to Musiq’s music makes you want to burn incense, get a lava lamp and just chill.
Juslisen is an album that celebrates life and love, and is full of positivity. It stays far away from the tired R&B clichés of sexing women up, and sorry I dogged you out. Juslisen can be broken into a few parts. You meet the woman, you fall in love, you break her heart, you reflect, you regret, you reconcile. There are a few curveballs thrown in but it never really messes up the storyline and continuity of the album.
Newness is the first track and personifies the feel of the entire album. Innocent and flirtatious the song deals with a new relationship and the giddiness that it brings. On this track Musiq sings all the questions he wonders about his new love and the interest of his affection is the sweet sounding Ayinke from yet another Philadelphia music group by the name of Aaries. Religious is just that a gospel love song. What makes Juslisen different from Musiq’s debut album Aijuswanasang is a very key element. Apparently more secure in his vocal talent and with a stable fan base, it seems to me that Musiq isn’t trying so hard. The results are songs that sound effortless and down to earth instead of out of reach and forced.
Babygirl is another album standout. Similar to Sunny (Just Friends) from the debut album, it’s about approaching a woman in a way that lets her know you like her without coming off as a player or a scrub. With this album, Musiq has a whole new breed of song – he’s an artist with range, depth and an undeniable talent. Halfcrazy was the lead single for this album and a good pick. Not the best song on the album, but definitely one of the stronger tracks. About crossing the line from friendship to romance – lyrically simple, musically complex and excellently produced: ”I’d hate to walk away from you/ As if this never existed/ Cause when we kiss, the moment after/ I looked at you different/ Lately I gotta watch what I say/ Cuz’ you take things personal nowadays/ You used to laugh, now you get mad/ Damn – I just want my friend back.”
Time reminds me of Donny Hathaway - one of the most generous comments that I can give to Musiq because it’s obvious that Hathaway is one of his influences. About the regret of lost love, this will undoubtedly be a single. Staying in the vein of Hathaway, Future is Musiq’s equivalent to Young, Gifted and Black. About keeping your eye on the prize and following your dreams – well done and everything from the beat to the scratching in the background will draw it’s target audience into the message.
Previouscats is my personal album favorite. About trying to love a woman who’s damaged from past relationships – I think it shows a different part of Musiq’s voice. I like that he’s taken things down a notch – he does a great soprano and falsetto but I like where he’s at on this song. Bestfriend is another of my favorites. A back and forth play with a new vocalist Carol Riddick. An amazingly done duet and Riddick has a beautiful voice a la Phyllis Hyman.
The windfall of Juslisen is that it drags towards the end, perhaps due to the length. 17 tracks long, towards the end the momentum of the album slows down significantly and you have to wonder if he should have just saved some of these tracks for the next album. Motherfather is another gospel-tinged hymn. A thanks to Musiq’s Mother and Father (duh), it really is just a bit too much. The lyrics are special and meaningful I’m sure – but it still stinks. Something is a remake of a George Harrison song that goes wrong – really wrong. And for the last time – I’m not going to say it anymore: I really NEED people to stop using the “Stay With Me” sample. More familiar to you and I as a beat EVERYONE has used, the most recent rip was from Ashanti on the please stop playing this song now “Foolish”. The next time I hear this sample, no matter how modified – I’m automatically not listening.[end rant now]
All things considered, Juslisen is head and shoulders above its peers. Better in subject matter, vocals, lyrics and production – I think he’s set a good example by which many others should pace themselves. R&B like most other music has started off slow this year and is in a really odd place, but artist like Musiq give you something to look forward to when the light is dark.
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