I Still Believe cover

I Still Believe

Lyfe Jennings · 2010

44 min · 13 tracks · soul

A blend of soulful melodies and heartfelt narratives, capturing the struggles and triumphs of everyday life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Still Believe — This track embodies the album's core message of hope and perseverance, resonating deeply with listeners who seek inspiration amidst adversity.
  • →
    Mama — A poignant tribute to maternal figures, this song reflects Jennings' vulnerability and deep appreciation for familial bonds, highlighting the emotional weight in his songwriting.
  • →
    Done Crying — In this track, Jennings confronts themes of loss and healing, showcasing his ability to articulate complex emotions through rich vocal delivery and introspective lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends personal narratives with soulful melodies, creating a cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features mid-tempo tracks that explore themes of love and resilience, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word segments that provide context to the narratives, enhancing the storytelling aspect.
  • The title track is positioned as the penultimate song, creating a build-up that emphasizes its thematic significance.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • heartfelt narratives about everyday struggles
  • short tracks for focused listening
  • uplifting themes of resilience
  • emotional reflections on love

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer high-energy party tracks
  • want abstract or experimental sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'I Still Believe' was released in 2010, Lyfe Jennings was building on his established reputation following his previous albums. This release came after his 2008 album 'Lyfe Change', marking a period of artistic maturation as he sought to deepen his lyrical themes and connect with listeners on a more personal level.
Stylistic neighbors
Anthony Hamilton· Dwele· Joe

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Statistics 3:25
  • 2 Love 3:20
  • 3 It Coulda Been Worse 3:31
  • 4 Spotlight 3:22
  • 5 Busy 2:59
  • 6 Whatever She Wants 3:53
  • 7 Mama 3:14
  • 8 Hero 3:17
  • 9 I Still Believe 3:23
  • 10 Learn From This 3:43
  • 11 Done Crying 2:55
  • 12 If I Knew Then, What I Know Now 3:35
  • 13 If Tomorrow Never Comes 4:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata