About this album
Sound:
"Soulful melodies and spoken word intertwine, creating a rich tapestry of love, identity, and self-empowerment."
Where they were
Released on July 18, 2000, 'Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1' marked Jill Scott's debut album, establishing her as a prominent voice in neo-soul. At this time, she was transitioning from performing poetry to recording music, blending her literary roots with R&B and jazz influences.
Why it matters
This album received critical acclaim, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. It played a significant role in shaping the neo-soul movement, influencing artists like Erykah Badu and D'Angelo.
Essential tracks
- "A Long Walk" — This track encapsulates the essence of the album with its reflective lyrics about love and connection, showcasing Scott's lush vocal delivery.
- "Gettin’ in the Way" — With its catchy hook and upbeat tempo, this song highlights Scott's ability to blend emotion with infectious rhythms, epitomizing her style.
- "He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)" — The song's intimate narrative about love resonates deeply, featuring a beautiful arrangement that complements Scott's storytelling prowess.
- "Brotha" — Celebrating Black men, this track's heartfelt lyrics and smooth production showcase Scott’s commitment to uplifting themes within her music.
Release Date
July 18, 2000
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Jilltro 1:03
- 2 Do You Remember 4:43
- 3 Exclusively 2:05
- 4 Gettin’ in the Way 3:56
- 5 A Long Walk 4:41
- 6 I Think It’s Better 1:42
- 7 He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat) 4:45
- 8 It’s Love 5:54
- 9 The Way 4:15
- 10 Honey Molasses 2:41
- 11 Love Rain 4:12
- 12 The Roots (interlude) 0:57
- 13 Slowly Surely 4:35
- 14 One Is the Magic # 3:49
- 15 Watching Me 3:48
- 16 Brotha 3:27
- 17 Show Me 4:11
- 43 [silence] 0:05
- 44 Try / Love Rain (remix) 10:07
