Breakup Blues? There's A CHILOMBO Track For That
So Spring is almost here and our good sis Jhené Aiko just dropped her long awaited third studio album “CHILOMBO.” Per usual, it’s EVERYTHING we love about Jhené. She uses her beautiful lyricism combined with features from some our fave artists like Ty Dolla $ign H.E.R, and John Legend to express the intricacies of heartbreak. But one of the other hidden gems lies in the way she structured the 20 tracks. Each section represents each stage of your typical breakup. Anger, Sadness, Regret, Acceptance and Peace. As a matter of fact, I recently went through a tough breakup and found a track for every stage.
Stage 1: “B.S. (feat. H.E.R)”
“It seem like I give so much and don't get nothin' back I really thought it was love but you're so fuckin' whack.”
B.S. is one of the first tracks on the album.. Jhené expresses all of the typical thoughts and feelings that run through our heads during the initial breakup. We hear so many stories about lack of reciprocation in romantic relationships. We go above and beyond for our man only for him to not remember our birthday, not take us out on formal dates, or sh*t even respond back to our texts. When the rug is pulled from under us or when we finally decide to leave we’re flooded with an overwhelming amount of emotions. But naturally, we put on the facade of being unbothered and eager to hop onto our next lover.
Stage 2: “Born Tired”
“Dry your teary eyes. I know you are scarred and torn apart inside.”
The next stage of a breakup is typically sadness. You know, the crying, stuffing your face with Ben & Jerry’s, and sleeping for 12 hours at a time stage. Born Tired explores the tears and heartache that sets in when you realize your relationship is actually over. The feeling of pain you feel in your chest after leaving or being left by the person you love; as well as the hope of a light at the end of the tunnel is vividly expressed by Jhené on this track.
Stage 3: “Mourning Doves”
“The doves weren't cryin', they only were tryin' to tell us to try it again”
“Mourning Doves” explores that stage of heartbreak where we reminisce over the former relationship we had, the good times and the bad. “Where did I go wrong?” This is the point where we may get the urge to see if there’s hope for reconciliation with our ex. If you initiated the breakup, maybe you feel a bit guilty or lonely because you’re so used to FaceTiming and chillin’ with ur ex boo. If you got the short-end of the breakup stick, you’’re analyzing the shit you may have done wrong and romanticize the perfect relationship you could have if given a second chance. Jhenè explores all aspects of this stage with the beautiful “cooing” sounds of doves in the background.
Stage 4: “Pray For You”
“But never will I ever not wish you well. Though we're not together, God bless you still”
“Pray For You” is the resolution and acceptance stage of heartbreak. The acceptance stage is where you dust yourself off and look at your relationship from a more logical lens. There is a reason you guys broke up, whether you agree with them or not. You’ve moved into a position of acceptance and even if you still love your ex, you’re strong enough to wish them nothing but the best, even if it’s not with you.
Stage 5: “Party For Me (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)”
“Look, I'ma need y'all dancin' And when you cryin', don't stop cryin' 'til you laughin.'”
The last stage is the “light at the end of the tunnel” stage and it’s even more invigorating than the acceptance stage. It’s when we finally decide to get back in touch with our wants, needs, and open ourselves back up to life. “Party For Me” is about more than just about “partying in the streets” it represents that exhale and peace of knowing you’ve finally moved on.
Listen to Jhene’s album ‘CHILOMBO’ here