Four years after the classic "Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds, Volume 1", Jill Scott comes back with an outstandingly exceptional album that surpasses all of my expectations. A lot has happened in those four years, most notably, Jill Scott getting married to Lyzel (You're reminded of it in the intro "Warm Up", when the ending of "He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)" is played). "Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds, Volume 2" is full of lush, hypnotic, and intriguing melodies, once again fusing R&B with Jazz effortlessly. While the album might not be as instantly intriguing as songs on the debut, it is equally compelling. Highlights include the self-empowering lead single "Golden", the bass heavy "I'm Not Afraid", the hip-hop vibe of "Bedda at Home", the self-realization of sorrow in "Can't Explain", the soothing feel of "My Petition", the addictive riff of "The Fact Is (I Need You)", the bonus track "I Am Here", and the best song on the album, the smooth sensualistic ballad "Cross My Mind". The only minor complaint I have is the track "Rasool", which sounds like an obligatory filler and also breaks the "laid back-groove" feeling. But as a whole album, I could not have asked for anymore. With this sophomore album, Jill Scott furthermore establishes herself as a true artist that is both consistent and beyond her contemporaries.

In an industry full of R&B posers/producers who ride the latest hooks and studio gimmicks and rely on ghost writers to carry them to glory, Jill Scott has once again proven herself to be a breath of fresh air. Believe it or not, there was once a time when artists (male and female) actually wrote their lyrics, produced their tracks, and stood by albums which boasted track after track of wonderful heartfelt music. (See Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, etc.)

The bottom line: Jill Scott is a throwback.

Granted, she is not alone...but in my humble opinion this latest CD dashes any speculation about a 'sophomore jinx', and puts her in a class among the most talented singers/songwriters working today. 'Beautifully Human' (as a whole) is at once moving, inspirational...and above all - personal.

Bravo Jill Scott.

P.S. - I thought Jason Alexander's review was completely inappropriate for a site of Amazon's stature. I fail to see what an artist's weight/physical appearance has anything to do with the quality of the music. Shame on you for having the audacity to write such a shallow review, and then being brave enough to attach your name to it. Enjoy.

This glorious experience begins with the adorable elementary school picture of Jill on the cover. Then you open the CD and see what a beautiful woman Jill has blossoed into. Lastly you put on the CD.

Jill, love, this is an EXCEPTIONAL CD!

Jill's poetry is stil down-to-earth, relavtive, inspiring, thought-provoking, exhilarating, poignant, and comfortable.

Her lyrics are equally impressive.

Her vocal performances are quite simply wondrous. The CD covers a wide spectrum of emotions and evokes indelible images of memorable times with family, friends, and loved ones. Her dedication to her craft is quite obvious and she paints an unforgettable tapestry of life.

The production is top-notch and Jill should be most proud of her work here. Standouts are:

Bedda at Home (OFF THE CHAIN!!!!!)

Cross My Mind (vintage Jill!!!!)

Golden (uplifting!!!)

Family Reunion (flaaaaaaaaaaawless)

Can't Explain (yeeeeeeeeessss!!!!!)

Talk To Me (festive!)

Whatever (ahhhhh Jill, thanks for the Marvin Gaye memories!!!),

I Keep (nice record static sequeway into a new vibe!!!!)

Nothing [interlude]- (achingly honest - wish it were longer!!!!)

while the rest of the cuts are merely fantastic piesces accompanied by wonderful sounds!!!!!

Excellent work, Jill. Thankya!!

I was beginning to get a little worried when I first bought this c.d. and then checked Amazon the next day to look at the reviews. Everyone thought that the album was "phenomenal" and some where left "speechless", and I was beginning to think that there was something wrong with me. I have of late however noticed some more, shall I say "honest" reviews, and feel a bit more relieved. I think part of the problem is Jill's both inner and outer beauty. As an African-American woman I respect Jill's positively and the way in which she displays herself in today's music game. She never attempts to try to sell her sexuality, like so many of today's popular artists do. She exudes a sort of confident exuberance, in her smile there is so much happiness and she honestly just makes you feel good after seeing or hearing her. For these reasons, it may have been hard for many people to separate Jill the artist and person, from her latest piece of work. If W & S 1 can be described as daytime, with all of its vibrancy, bright pops of sunshine, activity, and excitement, W & S 2 would have to be the nighttime, a smooth mellow album, devoid of the activity, power, and intensity which we have come to know from Jill's music. The songs on this album lack the distinctiveness of her former work, they simply seem to melt into one another with the same similar sound. Not to say that this sound is bad! This is Jill Scott after all. There is however, just something missing. I have a hard time seeing how this album could produce the same type of high powered and energetic concert album as her first c.d. did. This album does shine on tracks 3, 4, 6, 7 (very good), 8, 12 (another very good song), and 15 (maybe the best on album). If you are a Jill Scott fan, I would encourage you to purchase this album, but I doubt that this will be the one to convert the non-believers. By the way, you really should check out Lizz Wrigt's album "Salt" and Van Hunt's self titled album. These guys are keeping me company more than Jill right now!

To even put Jill in a category with Beyonce & Ashanti shows you know absolutely NOTHING about music. Beyonce & Ashanti wished they could be half the artist Jill is. It's too bad though, she probably wont have their record sales but she has something that they will never had and that's respect for real music & actual talent.