Beautifully Human - Words and Sounds, Vol. 2

iTunes Review

When Philly’s Jill Scott released her head-turning debut in 2000, the neo-soul movement was peaking with the success of artists such as D’Angelo, Maxwell, Erykah Badu, Macy Gray, and Lauryn Hill. When she returned four years later with her second studio CD, the landscape had changed greatly. No matter: Beautifully Human is another persuasive testament to her talent, independence, and character. “I am not afraid to be your lady, I am not afraid to be your whore,” she sings on “I’m Not Afraid.” On the uplifting “Golden,” she celebrates her freedom and individuality: “I be high-steppin’, y’all, lettin’ the joy unfold.” “Bedda at Home,” a riveting paean to her man, unfolds slowly atop a funky hip-hop beat and oozes sexuality. “Family Reunion,” with its ‘70s-style string arrangement, is an enchanting, disarming, lighthearted, and almost sentimental celebration of aunts, uncles, and cousins--complete with tales of drinking, adultery, potato salad, lemon cake, and Frankie Beverly. The tasteful, engaging music skillfully blends jazz, soul, and hip-hop, and Scott struts confidently across these 16 silky, hypnotic tracks, revealing her inner strength and courage by being seductive and intelligent, not bombastic or confrontational.