The minute-long intro track, “Lotus,” sets the album’s tone perfectly. That being said, Chilombo ’s flaws are markedly absent throughout the first several songs. And while the album’s organization theoretically complements the journey of healing that Aiko attempts to create, its structural merits are easily forgotten because of its drawn-out length (the album is 20 tracks long and runs for more than an hour). The album’s merits, however, are obscured by salient stylistic and structural issues.Ĭhilombo has several highlights that are reminiscent of Aiko’s successful past works, but these tracks are muddled by a number of lyrically repetitive and stylistically dull songs that detract from the album’s progression. The record incorporates everything that Aiko has done well in the past: She is known for exploring difficult romantic themes with a signature sensuality, and she successfully accomplishes this on Chilombo.

The singer sets out to fulfill this image throughout the record, crafting each song with the goal of allowing listeners to experience all of the pain and beauty that she associates with love and heartbreak.Īlthough Aiko seems to have a clear idea of what she hopes to accomplish with Chilombo, the artist doesn’t quite reach her potential. The name, which, according to Aiko, means “wild beast,” traditionally exudes images of strength, confidence and grace. The title of Jhené Aiko’s latest album, Chilombo, is an homage to the singer’s actual surname.

Jhene aiko album cover