Review: Lyfe Jennings – Tree Of Lyfe

Since the release of his first album Lyfe 268-192 with the hit single “Must Be Nice”, Lyfe Jennings has been that cat who talks about real life in a raw and gritty way. He’s a man’s man of R&B, that type of songwriter that nails everyday topics in the most relatable of ways. Keeping it one hundred from album to album, the lyrics that Lyfe tends to write are in every way completely identifiable for people who have been through some things with a little bit more of a hard edge. You want to take a shot of whiskey while listening to Lyfe’s records and really contemplate where your own life is headed. That’s because he speaks a language that is not compromised, and, as an artist and celebrity, he refuses to become something other than his true self. He is self-described as a laid-back, simple, and humble man, but also one who’s disciplined, which is something he, like many who have been incarcerated, credits to his time in prison. Following his sentence, he emerged a more spiritual and thoughtful human being, one ready to go fully after the career in music that is now over ten years in the making.

His new album, entitled Tree Of Lyfe, is about the people who are around him, as well as those who have passed away yet have had a measurable influence on his life. As an artist, he’s continuously writing songs, giving himself time to go through significant experiences so that he’s able to write from a relevant perspective. On Tree Of Lyfe he covers the gamut of relationships and spirituality, social ills and staying true to oneself. “Pretty Is”, the album’s first single, was created to be a conscious song similar to what we expect of Lyfe Jennings. In this mid-tempo contemplative hit he addresses the stripper game as an epidemic and counters the narrative that glorifies and promotes strip culture. He’s said there’s no hate if you really want to be about that life, but wants ladies to make sure the benefit is worth the risk. For this and other songs he lets the melody and beats come to him once he’s found the story. Not wanting things to sound forced, he writes when he’s experienced something related to the topic so that the words come from a truthful perspective.

The album opens with “I Love You” and closes with “Always”, both sentimental love songs that show the admiration and devotion of a seasoned relationship that may have weathered some storms, but is in the right place. On the other side of the spectrum are songs like “She Don’t Wanna” which adds perspective to the complications of having a side chick when you are a man in a relationship and there are families and feelings involved on both sides of the intertwined indiscretion. The song “#Hashtag” follows by exploring the pain of wanting to do right in your heart but facing the reality of doing wrong in deed and action. Consider the hashtags any number of pressures that are just too much to deal with at any given moment. “We’re Not The Same” featuring Algebra Blessett is a tune that provides a less talked about vantage point of trying to steer clear of the public eye. Then there are songs like “People” and “Gods”, which fall into the category of social responsibility and self-accountability, showing off his soulful old-school nature.

By the end of the record, you realize that there isn’t entirely anything new about what Lyfe is delivering with his new release. But let him tell it, the truth is never new – it’s always the same old truth. Therefore fans of Lyfe Jennings will know what to expect from Tree Of Lyfe. The beats are a little more contemporary and urban due to the vision of his production team as he takes the reins on lyrics. His vision is that after he’s long gone, his whole body of work is seen as a soulful reference library for people who are going through something and are able to relate to it and draw words of wisdom to get past the challenging moments. Many times over the years he’s been thanked for helping people get their family life and romantic relationships back on the right path, and that’s likely to continue with his Tree Of Lyfe.

 
Written by Mai Perkins

Originally from Los Angeles, Mai Perkins is living a genuine bona fide love affair with NYC and the music that keeps its spirit moving. While spending the majority of the last decade in Brooklyn, many of her adventures around the globe are documented on her blog: Mai On The Move! www.MaiOnTheMove.com

 
Author’s rating for Tree Of Lyfe

Pop Magazine’s official rating for Tree Of Lyfe

Rating key
MASTERPIECE a must-have
SUPERB for heavy rotation
EXCELLENT a great achievement
VERY GOOD a respectable result
GOOD worth checking out
FAIR an average outcome
WEAK not convincing stuff
BAD an underwhelming effort
VERY BAD quite a waste
FAIL a total failure