Vivian cover

Vivian

Vivian Green · 2005

66 min · 16 tracks · soul

A lush blend of contemporary R&B and emotive soul, showcasing Vivian Green's powerful vocal range and lyrical vulnerability.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mad — This track showcases Green's vocal prowess, capturing the raw emotions of frustration and heartbreak while blending soulful melodies with modern production.
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    Selfish — A standout ballad that highlights themes of longing and desire, this track reveals Green's ability to convey deep feelings through her expressive delivery.
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    Under My Skin — This song features intricate arrangements and poignant lyrics, illustrating the complexities of love and intimacy that resonate throughout the album.
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    Gotta Go Gotta Leave (Tired) — With its infectious groove and relatable narrative about needing space in a relationship, this track effectively balances emotion with an upbeat tempo.

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

Vivian Green's debut blends R&B and soul with strong vocals and thematic consistency, marking her entry into the genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that showcase a strong vocal delivery, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered harmonies and rich instrumentation, creating a lush soundscape that supports the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The album includes multiple songs with recurring themes of love and self-reflection, allowing for a cohesive narrative throughout.
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

  • emotional ballads for deep reflection
  • cathartic release from personal struggles
  • for late-night introspection
  • soulful melodies for quiet moments
  • vulnerable lyrics that resonate deeply

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party tracks
  • prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2005, 'Vivian' marked Vivian Green's debut album after signing with Columbia Records. The album came after a period of honing her craft, following background work for artists like Jill Scott. This launch positioned her as a fresh voice in the neo-soul movement.
Stylistic neighbors
Jill Scott· Erykah Badu· India.Arie

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Wish We Could Go Back 3:37
  • 2 Mad 3:38
  • 3 Frustrated 3:40
  • 4 Damn 3:40
  • 5 Selfish 4:35
  • 6 Under My Skin 3:53
  • 7 I Like It (But I Don't Need It) 4:10
  • 8 Sweet Memory (Beautifully Young) 4:24
  • 9 Gotta Go Gotta Leave (Tired) 4:38
  • 10 Perfect Decision 3:58
  • 11 All About Us 3:41
  • 12 Sweet Thing 3:36
  • 13 Cursed 4:24
  • 14 Outro (Family & Friends) 2:48
  • 15 Fanatic ( Scott Storch Remix) 4:13
  • 16 I Like It ( But I Don't Need It) ( Poker Face Remix) 7:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata