Ranking the Best Jazmine Sullivan Albums
A few weeks ago on the Soul In Stereo Sessions on YouTube (which, if you haven’t subscribed to by now, stop trippin’) I discussed the 10 best female vocalists in R&B today. It was only right – scratch that, it was a REQUIREMENT – that the list included the powerful rasp of Jazmine Sullivan.
If you’re an OG Soul In Stereo reader, you know I’ve been championing Jazmine since wayyyyyy back in the mid-00s. In fact, her debut album was one of the very first reviews on this site. Despite the dope albums that followed, it seemed like her incredible talent was destined to go unnoticed – that is, until she FINALLY made headway in 2021.
Unsung R&B hero no more, everybody now knows that Jazmine is that girl.
By reader request, let’s look back at Jazmine’s album run to date. Since her discography isn’t the biggest, I’m including her Heaux Tales EP – but NOT the Mo’ Tales reissue. Shout out to “Roster” on that one, though, love that song.
I’m glad y’all are finally putting respekt on Jazmine’s name. it’s time to show love to her best work.
4. Love Me Back (2010)
Soul in Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Edd said: There’s a good chance most of y’all forgot about Jazmine’s sophomore album, and that’s probably why it brings up the rear in this list. While I wouldn’t call it a sophomore slump, it was definitely a stumble following her incredible debut. There’s lots of 80s love throughout – long before artists like The Weeknd made that sound their identity – and Jazmine showcases some impressive vocal growth. But there’s a lot of inconsistencies to be found, in both production and writing. Not bad, but certainly not memorable.
Forgotten favorites: “Don’t Make Me Wait,” “10 Seconds,” “Excuse Me”
3. Heaux Tales (2021)
Soul in Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Edd said: Lord knows I’m gonna hear about the placement of THIS one. Though technically marketed as an EP, Heaux Tales still feels like Jazmine’s fourth LP and, arguably, her mainstream breakout record, cementing her as one of R&B’s elite voices. Heaux Tales plays out like a modern Vagina Monologues, with Jazmine weaving in stories of women and relationships throughout the set while showcasing her always showstopping vocals. So what keeps this fan favorite from topping the list? Well, from the short run time, to the sometimes pedestrian production and cringey lyrics, it plays to its audience well – it’s just not always the best showcase of Jazmine’s skillset. But hey, this is the album that finally got the world to take notice of Jazmine’s incredible talent, so I can’t hate on that. Better late than never.
Forgotten favorites: “The Other Side,” “Girl Like Me,” “Put It Down”
2. Fearless (2008)
Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5
Edd said: A few years back, I crowned the best R&B albums of their corresponding years, and Jazmine’s Fearless was the runaway winner for 2008. Consider Jazmine’s debut a concept album that delves into the listener’s personal fears – whether it’s rejection, unrequited love or the struggles of achieving success. Extremely well-written and sung magnificently, Fearless proved that Jazmine is a star in the making. THIS is how you make a first impression and this LP is still in my rotation.
Forgotten favorites: “One Night Stand,” “Live a Lie,” “In Love With Another Man”
1. Reality Show (2015)
Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5
Edd said: Yeah, I know the new crew loves them some Heaux Tales, but for those of us who have been on this journey with Jazmine since Day One, the top spot was never in question. It’s Jazmine at her most raw – her heavy, soulful vocals ache with an emotion that’s foreign in today’s overproduced and underperformed R&B. Once again, Jazmine’s concept albums shine, with Reality Show using individual stories to construct a narrative of life in 2015. Trust me, it’s more “real” than anything you’ll see on VH1 these days. From standout vocal performances to top-tier songs, Reality Show is still the preeminent Jazmine album.
Now WHERE are my videos for “Let It Burn” and “Mascara???”
Forgotten favorites: “Mascara,” “Dumb,” “Masterpiece (Mona Lisa)”
What’s your favorite Jazmine album? Yell at me about Heaux Tales in the comments below.
Heaux tales wasn’t all of that imo, so reality show takes the W.