By Kashif Stone, Staff Writer

Published in print Apr. 15, 2015

After being on a hiatus for five years, Jazmine Sullivan made a major return to the music industry with the release of her third studio album “Reality Show” earlier this year. Evolved from deep emotion and heartache, this follow-up to her 2010 album “Love Me Back” stands out from her previous works as it depicts the reality of her life while she was away from music.

Sullivan’s fans were surprised with the announcement of this album after facing disappointment in 2011 when she revealed via Twitter that she was leaving the industry because creating music was no longer fun to her. Nonetheless, “Reality Show” is a well-rounded body of work founded upon complex songwriting and vocal performance proving to critics that even after taking a break from music for five years, one can still deliver a satisfying album and reclaim her stance in the industry.

The album’s lead single “Dumb”, featuring fellow Philadelphia native Meek Mill, is the perfect introduction to the more mature Sullivan. Its lyrical composition is incredible, showcasing the attitude and anger Sullivan has towards a man whose cheating ways and ungrateful antics have her dumbfounded.

“I know you, you know, you ain’t right,” is probably the most emphasized and catchiest lyric of the entire song, defining Sullivan’s ability to read between the lines of her boyfriend’s lies. The song was well received by music analysts as it was heard on major radio stations and, from this reviewer’s own experience, club D.J. sets.

“Mascara” highlights the way some women rely solely on their beauty as Sullivan plays on the fact that she never leaves the house without makeup on and always keeps mascara in her pocket, even when going to the “market”. The 808 beat production, infectious chorus and Sullivan’s refreshing vocal range contributes to the excellent decision of making this song a single.

A soothing jazz intro starts off the album’s third song “Brand New” with instrumentation of what seems to sound like a muted trumpet. The song reflects upon how people can change once they start making money and discrediting others’ influence on their come-up. “Silver Lining” is an uplifting song that *captures listeners’ hearts after repeatedly hearing it. On this hip-hip and soul-inspired track, Sullivan sings about how she is searching for her silver lining to happiness.

Perhaps one of rawest tracks on the album, “#HoodLove”, delivers chant-like vocals backed by a traditional Negro spiritual. The song reflects on Sullivan’s love for the hood. The album makes an attempt at 90’s R&B with “Let It Burn” and succeeds with vocals that will set the mood for you and that special loved one. Sullivan sings about how she thinks she found the love of her life and makes a proclamation by letting it burn. “Veins” explores the more seductive side of Sullivan as she sings her addiction to a love that has her losing her mind. The song is filled with sexual vulnerability consisting of moaning and whispering lyrics that begs for a man to hold her close and do her right all night.

“Forever Don’t Last” is the latest single released off the album. This song shines above the rest as the scatting bridge and guitar strings drive Sullivan’s reminiscence of a three-year heartache she sings about. “Stupid Girl” has an Amy Winehouse presence to it alluding to the sounds of the big band era. Sullivan sings about how women should use their heads instead of being dumb when it comes to relations with men. “Stanley” is a track that will take you back to the disco funk era. This song is about a women’s want for appreciation and attention from a man despite how they try to make things right.

The album concludes with “Masterpiece (Mona Lisa)” a powerhouse song that is uplifting nonetheless. Sullivan sings about her flaws and how even with them she is a work of art. The 1980’s Anita Baker-inspired song is motivational to say the least as it affirms how one should own their beauty despite what anyone thinks, deeming this the perfect closure to an album filled with sentiment.