Album Review: Love Me Back by Jazmine Sullivan

There is something to be said for effortlessness in music.  When you listen to Nina Simone sing "I Loves You Porgy" there is a certain effortlessness to her singing.  You are drawn in to the emotions of her voice, the emotions of the lyrics, and you are drawn into the song. 

Now don't get me wrong I'm not comparing Jazmine Sullivan to Nina Simone, just using that as an example, because where Sullivan struggles as an artist is in effort.  Every song, both lyrically and vocally feels like a hard effort for Sullivan.  After about four songs you feel a bit worn down. 

If Sullivan can find a space to relax and sink into her music then she has real potential.  But as it is there is something off. 

I could see pulling a few songs off of here for a workout mix or a mix tape.

Following the Rhapsody rating method I give it 2 out of 5 stars for Not Bad.