Album Review: Lyfe Jennings – I Still Believe

Artist: Lyfe Jennings
Album: I Still Believe
Release Date: 8.31.10

Be sure to check out our EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Lyfe Jennings!

After a label switch and a bit of controversy in his personal life, Lyfe Jennings releases I Still Believe, his fourth studio album on his own imprint, Jesus Swings. Like much of his other work, there aren’t many guest appearances or producers on the album, in fact Anthony Hamilton is the only feature of note. Lyfe has a habit of being very blunt with his content so what you’ll find is that his lyrics sometimes relinquish the usual poetic flow that you’d expect from an R&B singer. With that in mind, I Still Believe is a very honest project, intense at times with a running theme of reflection and regret – not so much the hopeful vibe the title suggests.

While Busy was the album’s lead single, Statistics garnered the most buzz, presenting a by-the-numbers rundown of relationship reality in Lyfe’s bold style of delivery. Busy vocally just didn’t translate well for me, and probably works better when performed live. Anthony Hamilton appears on the regretful ‘Mama’ a standout noted for the overall sound on the production including a great guitar rift.  The most sincere offering comes on the latest single ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’, and vocally this track dominates the album examining the things we take for granted. The title track I Still Believe reaffirms Jennings’ faith in basic principles, and it’s a decent song, one of very few with a lighter disposition. Definitely give ear to Whatever She Wants, a love ballad that’s the only one of its kind on the album and one of the best tracks. Other highlights include ‘Love’, ‘Learn From This’, and ‘If I Knew Then What I Know Now’.

The album takes a nose dive on songs like ‘Hero’, a cheesy and corny metaphoric number that sounds completely forced. ‘Spotlight’ is Jennings’ attempt at a baby maker which, again, sounds forced and doesn’t work for me. ‘Coulda Been Worse’ is decent as a song that stands alone, but seems contradictory on an album which is spent mostly complaining about the things he wishes he could change. A lot of the songs on the album, though not totally bad are really just okay, there’s not much here to revisit after the first listen.

If you’re not used to Lyfe’s style, you may be thrown a bit by his delivery. Jennings walks a fine line – he’s  not glazed over R&B (i.e. Bobby V., Tank, etc) but he doesn’t have the complexity that most neo-soul artists give (Dwele, Musiq Soulchild). “I Still Believe” is straight-no-chaser, complemented by harmonies that are warm and tight, subtle production, and an entire project of message music. That being said, he’s definitely had stronger projects. Overall it’s decent, but it’s not something I could keep in rotation.

Sound-Savvy rates I Still Believe with 2.5 out of 5 platinum headphones