Could be a sister album to India.Arie's Acoustic Soul. Actually, in ways, there's more acoustic soul here than on India's debut - a little more rhythm and teases of jazz, too (like on "Awe" and "Peace"). The standout, for me, is "Jailer," for its catchiness as much as for its writing, but I've got "Bibanke" and "360?" on repeat also.

With the exception of some scratching on "No One Knows," the foundation of this record is choral layers, light bass, sometimes-nylon strings, and Asa's voice. The combination of those elements distinguishes it from a lot of newer soul that relies heavily on borrowed hip hop templates.

"Subway" is carefully reflective, but at times the lyrics are too literal. And the entrance of the flute near the end of "Eye Adaba" is awkward. But you just feel good as you listen, front to back, and that has to count for something, right?