What makes Jimmy Lee by Raphael Saadiq notable?

Jimmy Lee received widespread acclaim from critics, earning spots on numerous year-end lists. The album was praised for its raw honesty and intricate production, illustrating Saadiq's influence within the neo-soul genre and beyond, reinforcing his role as a significant artist in contemporary music. Released on August 23, 2019, Jimmy Lee is Raphael Saadiq's first album in over eight years, following his critically acclaimed work on the 2011 album Stone Rollin'. At this point in his career, Saadiq was solidifying his status as a leading figure in modern soul music while also reflecting on personal themes tied to family and loss.

How many songs are on Jimmy Lee?

Jimmy Lee has 13 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Jimmy Lee

Raphael Saadiq · 2019

39 min · 13 tracks · soul

A poignant exploration of love and loss, woven through lush neo-soul instrumentation and heartfelt storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sinners Prayer — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its deep emotional resonance, addressing themes of regret and hope through a soulful melody and reflective lyrics.
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Rikers Island — A standout moment that tackles issues of incarceration and systemic injustice, it combines personal narrative with broader social commentary, showcasing Saadiq's lyrical depth.
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Something Keeps Calling — This track exemplifies the album's exploration of longing and desire, featuring a captivating blend of rhythms and harmonies that highlight Saadiq's vocal prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional soul with modern elements, showcasing strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate interludes that serve as transitions, affecting the overall pacing and flow of the album.
The lyrics often reflect personal experiences and storytelling, with recurring themes of love and loss throughout the tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Sinners Prayer 4:34
2 So Ready 4:19
3 This World Is Drunk 4:24
4 Something Keeps Calling 4:44
5 Kings Fall 2:46
6 I'm Feeling Love 3:04
7 My Walk 2:16
8 Belongs to God 2:05
9 Dottie (interlude) 0:06
10 Glory to the Veins 2:05
11 Rikers Island 3:39
12 Rikers Island Redux 2:57
13 Rearview 2:28

What to play next

Go back to

Stone Rollin'

2011

Full Raphael Saadiq discography Artists like Raphael Saadiq

neo soul soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata