Review: JSL - Score

Review:

Born and raised on the south side of Minneapolis, Minnesota JSL has always had music in his blood… and on his doorstep as his family grew up next door to the music legend Prince.

He began composing music on several instruments from the age of the eleven and began performing at every local event possible. Even by this young age JSL had gained quite a perspective on the music scene which would aid him in later life.


In 2000 JSL separated from his prior musical endeavours and went on to pursue a solo career. After releasing his debut EP ‘Just’ in 2003, JSL has gone on to produce tracks for emcees nation-wide and perform at various events.

With the release of ‘Just’ well behind him JSL has been working tirelessly to produce his debut album ‘Score’.

With the album now completed and the lead single ‘Joshua’ doing the rounds on various blogs there’s no better time to review the album.

The sound heard on ‘Score’ is unique. In fact saying its unique may even be an understatement. I can’t say with any certainty what genre would best describe this, but in no way is that a bad thing.

Most of the tracks on the album are purely instrumental, although some feature vocal samples. For example ‘Forgiveness’ features a modified Kanye West rapping ‘the only thing that I pray is that my feet don’t fail me now’ before the beat drops back in.

The album which clocks in at roughly 45 minutes is the definition of an easy listen and is strangely reminiscent of a more ‘Hip Hoppy’ Burial.

Overall, I really did enjoy this album. I went in with no previous knowledge of JSL or his sound and have come away pleasantly surprised.

I do however think that for some this album will be an acquired taste and any newcomer should first listen to his single ‘Joshua’ to get a feel for his individual style.

Executive Producer:

JSL

Recommended for fans of:

Ant (Atmosphere), Justice, Moby, Portishead, etc.

Genre:

Electronica / Hip-Hop

Release Details:

Label - [301STUDIOS]

Release Date – December 29th 2009

Country - United States

Format - CD

Tracklist:

1. About The Author...
2. Innocence
3. Eve
4. The Serpent Deceived Me…
5. Dirt
6. Loss of Abstract Thought
7. Forgiveness
8. Glory
9. Hannah's Song
10. Joshua
11. Angels
12. Letters
13. Marriage

Listen:

Listen to the first single ‘Joshua’ by clicking here.