The Light of the Sun cover

The Light of the Sun

Jill Scott · 2011

72 min · 18 tracks · rhythm and blues

A vibrant blend of soul and R&B, infused with elements of hip-hop and spoken word that showcase emotional depth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Blessed Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    So in Love (feat. Anthony Hamilton) — This track features lush vocal harmonies alongside heartfelt lyrics that explore the complexities of love, showcasing both artists' vocal prowess.
  • →
    Shame (feat. Eve & The A Group) — With its catchy hook and strong rhythm, this song addresses issues of self-identity and empowerment, bringing a powerful feminist perspective to the forefront.
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    Womanifesto — This brief yet impactful piece serves as a declaration of strength and femininity, encapsulating themes of empowerment that resonate throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing various influences while maintaining Jill Scott's unique voice.

What we noticed

  • Several songs incorporate spoken word segments, blending poetry with traditional song structures.
  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • layered, dense sonic textures
  • contemplative afternoon vibes
  • rich storytelling and narratives

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — First number-one album, solidifying her influence in the music scene.
Career context
The Light of the Sun is Jill Scott's fourth studio album, released in 2011 following her commercial peak with The Real Thing in 2007. By this time, she had transitioned from being primarily a singer-songwriter to also embracing acting and broader artistic endeavors. This album reflects her growth as an artist while solidifying her place in contemporary soul music.
Stylistic neighbors
Erykah Badu· Lauryn Hill· India.Arie

Tracklist

  • 1 Blessed Start here 3:26
  • 2 So in Love (feat. Anthony Hamilton) 4:35
  • 3 Shame (feat. Eve & The A Group) 3:32
  • 4 All Cried Out Redux (feat. Doug E. Fresh) 2:57
  • 5 Le BOOM Vent Suite 9:00
  • 6 So Gone (What My Mind Says) (feat. Paul Wall) 4:39
  • 7 Hear My Call 3:46
  • 8 Some Other Time 2:18
  • 9 Quick 1:49
  • 10 Making You Wait 4:08
  • 11 Until Then (I Imagine) 3:41
  • 12 Missing You 4:11
  • 13 When I Wake Up 4:13
  • 14 Womanifesto 2:03
  • 15 Rolling Hills 4:47
  • 16 The Light of the Sun 6:26
  • 17 Love Soul Bounce 3:34
  • 18 I Love You 2:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata