Jhené Aiko’s Westside Whimsy feels like floating amongst the stars, and honestly, I never wanna leave.

---

STREAM

---

TOP 5 SONGS

5. Neighbors

“Neighbors” made me feel like I was jumping into a rom-com and witnessing a couple’s meet-cute firsthand. Or, maybe an episode of Friends. Either way, picture living in a high-rise in the big city, accidentally stumbling into the most gorgeous person you’ve ever seen and realizing that they live in the apartment across the hall.

The track gives flirty butterflies, but more than that, it gives a sense of respect, gratitude, and community. It’s warm and playful without losing that gentle Jhené Aiko touch, making it feel like one of those little moments that could turn into something much bigger.

4. He Belongs

“He Belongs” cuts deep, but the digs are so pretty and delicate that it almost makes it seem painless. Jhené is singing out a warning, a word of caution to a woman who has her eyes on a man who could never be solely hers.

Fact is, he’s for the streets, and if he ever tells you otherwise, he’s lying. He belongs to nobody and everybody, takes what he wants, and then leaves you alone. And woman to woman, she is telling you that you have more worth than that and deserve better.

This song is for the girl’s girls.

3. Lullaby

“Lullaby” is simple and elegant, giving almost gospel vibes with old-school vibrato in the keys and a soft, simple beat. And it’s painful. Heartbreaking, even.

The track is about love and the internal turmoil that comes with it. It’s something that causes pain sometimes when you’re in it, but causes even more pain when you’re without it. It’s the desire to have that connection with someone, but also never wanting to experience the torment that comes when it doesn’t work out.

The track is filled with eloquent lines and calming undertones, but the sheer emotion packs a big punch. It’s soft without being empty, and that contrast is what makes it hit so hard.

2. Ghost

“Ghost” very much gave me 3 A.M., stuck-spiraling-in-your-head vibes. It’s about the mindset and emotions following a breakup or a major life change, wondering what went wrong and what comes next for you.

It’s constantly on your mind, weighing heavy on your heart, and while you may be physically present, it’s like you’re not really here—not really in it. This track feels like fresh wounds, trying to process, move forward, and find your way on your own.

1. A Living Light

The way Jhené tells a story in this track honestly has me in tears. Her lyrics are impactful while also being vague enough to send you deep into your own mind. Sonically, the track is simple strings and a powerful voice, but the reality is so much deeper than that.

It’s about growth, self-love, and renewal. It’s soul-searching and trying every single day to be closer to your most authentic self. “A Living Light” may be tinged with the pain of the past, but the focus is the hope for your own individual future.

---

SONG BY SONG RATING

Wild Cat(s) (N/A)
Ghost (4.5/5)
Break (4/5)
Love Bomb (4/5)
Ceiling (Freestyle) (4/5)
Nothing Nice To Say (4/5)
He Belongs (4/5)
Like, Whatever (4/5)
You (4/5)
Don’t Be That Guy (4/5)
Lullaby (4/5)
Neighbors (4/5)
Mine (4/5)
So Good (4/5)
Beach Boy (4/5)
Unicorn (4/5)
I Don’t Mind (4/5)
Nami’s Haiku (4/5)
A Living Light (4.5/5)
Golden Coast (4/5)

---

RGM RATING

(B+)

I finally found it, guys. This. This is the album that I want to bury in my purse and carry with me permanently. The tracklist that I’ll sift through and pluck out the perfect song to play in any and every mood. I can see the fate of my children ahead of me, and it’s them rolling their eyes when I connect my Spotify to my car’s Bluetooth and it’s “A Living Light.” Again.

No, but seriously, guys, Jhené Aiko’s Westside Whimsy is exactly what the title promised—whimsical. I gained bardic inspiration just listening to it. It felt like stepping into a fairy ring and waking up in an enchanted forest, just wildflowers and vibrant trees and skies hued with pinks, purples, and blues. The production radiates comfort and tranquility, full-on cozy vibes, while Jhené’s vocals practically grasp you through the speakers and demand you to just feel.

Feel at peace, that is, while simultaneously feeling everything that you’ve ever carried.

Sonically, this album is soft R&B with lo-fi vibrations. Jhené’s voice is the focal point, the centerpiece, and everything else seems to cascade and dance around her. While some songs are more upbeat and playful than others, none of the songs feel overpowering or high-intensity. There feels like a singular goal here: to just lay back and listen.

Overall, Westside Whimsy stood apart from other albums to me. Jhené’s style is creative and unique, and it works really well for her. Only she can manage to make breakup ballads feel like autumn sunsets, and I mean that in the very best way.

Catch me lurking on this tracklist for the rest of eternity.

---

---