Trip cover

Trip

Jhené Aiko · 2017

85 min · 22 tracks · contemporary R&B

A kaleidoscopic blend of ethereal vocals and introspective lyrics, enveloped in lush, experimental soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sativa — This track features dreamy production and sultry lyrics that encapsulate the album's exploration of pleasure and escapism. Its collaboration with Swae Lee adds a playful dynamic that highlights Aiko's versatility.
  • →
    While We're Young — A standout single from the album, this track combines catchy melodies with reflective lyrics about living in the moment, showcasing Aiko's ability to blend pop sensibilities with deeper themes.
  • →
    Trip — The title track serves as a culmination of the album's themes, where Aiko delves into self-discovery and the complexities of love, wrapped in a hypnotic soundscape that invites contemplation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental sound and introspective lyrics create a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Many tracks utilize layered harmonies and ambient soundscapes, creating a dreamlike atmosphere throughout the record.
  • Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more fluid arrangements.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

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

  • wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
  • introspective exploration of self-discovery
  • ideal for late-night reflection
  • kaleidoscopic soundscapes for daydreaming
  • short tracks for quick immersion

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, linear albums
  • seek high-energy, upbeat vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on September 22, 2017, 'Trip' is Jhené Aiko's second studio album, following her critically acclaimed debut 'Souled Out' from 2014. At this point in her career, Aiko was solidifying her unique voice in the alternative R&B scene and expanding her artistic boundaries through more experimental production choices.
Stylistic neighbors
SZA· Erykah Badu· Kehlani

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 LSD 1:45
  • 2 Jukai 4:16
  • 3 While We're Young 3:56
  • 4 Moments 2:58
  • 5 OLLA (Only Lovers Left Alive) 5:48
  • 6 When We Love 4:22
  • 7 Sativa 4:36
  • 8 New Balance 4:39
  • 9 Newer Balance (Freestyle) 1:05
  • 10 You Are Here 3:39
  • 11 Never Call Me 4:30

Disc 2

  • 1 Nobody 4:16
  • 2 Overstimulated 5:19
  • 3 Bad Trip (interlude) 1:59
  • 4 Oblivion (Creation) 5:50
  • 5 Psilocybin (Love in Full Effect) 7:46
  • 6 Mystic Journey (Freestyle) 2:07
  • 7 Picture Perfect (Freestyle) 3:09
  • 8 Sing to Me 2:27
  • 9 Frequency 3:50
  • 10 Ascension 3:33
  • 11 Trip 3:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata