Heaux Tales, Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe — Review

With the deluxe of her 2021 EP, Jazmine Sullivan’s “Mo’ Tales” gives us more to love and talk about — even a week later.

Over a year ago, Jazmine Sullivan graced our ears and sent many on an emotional rollercoaster on her self-described EP Heaux Tales, a cumulation of eight songs and six spoken interludes in which critics claim it to have been the best album of 2021. Truly, it was; whether you based off vocal ability, songwriting or production, it exudes excellence in all forms. Sullivan’s latest release of Heaux Tales, Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe puts emphasis on the more. On this deluxe, there’s more — more to love, more meaning, more vocal acrobatics and, above all else, more honesty.

The veracity of the spoken word interludes makes the messages of each song more apparent and linger with you more verse by verse on each track. Whether it’s rage, pain or desire, the themes of this piece are intertwined through the tales. Regardless of generation, gender, etc., every personal anecdote feels relatable — many points were made and even more truths were bared. (And my emotions were spiraling.)

With “Amanda’s Tale” and “Rashida’s Tale,” heartfelt truths break your heart as much as — if not more than — Jazmine’s warm, yet somber tone and lyrics do on the respective tracks “Girl Like Me” and “Lost One” along with “Hurt Me So Good” which only amplifies the struggles of dating. “Jazzy’s Tale” contextualizes it on a deeper level as she bares her own experience battling being alone. Plus, these interludes serve as the perfect guide across the different sounds of R&B that Sullivan explores across this project and tie together it’s overall messaging with splendid transitions (i.e. “Issa’s Tale” to “Tragic”).

Exploring the different chambers and textures of the instrument Sullivan possesses, the EP opens with Jazmine’s smooth lower register on “Bodies — Intro” which embodies the stern tone we have when we’re trying to put ourselves back together once again. As the intro ends, Sullivan layers that main chorus with harmonies and her raspy, powerful belts and runs which showcase what’s in store. Taking a tonal shift to “Pick Up Your Feelings,” her voice rips across the track singing “Need a ride? Call that b****//Gas way too expensive” radiating confidence stemming from lessons learned. It’s articulated so honestly that it feels conversational and put you in the moment and your feelings.

“I ain’t listenin’

Just for you to go and break my heart again

I learned my lesson (Last time)

Woah, and I ain’t comin’ (Back now)

You’re missin’ what you had now (Had now)

And I bet you I look better, don’t I?” — Pick Up Your Feelings

And that is where the true heart of this project lies: how honest it can be, you can’t help but understand. Songs like “Price Tags” and “The Other Side” flip the perspective of one’s idea of a gold-digger. From each track, it’s admirable — the fact that someone isn’t afraid to say, go after and accept nothing less than what they want. Doing this all while adding another perspective that maybe we’re all doing the same thing but different — shoutout to Donna’s Tale.

“I’m not gonna deal with anyone unless they can contribute to what I’m doing” — Precious’ Tale

That honesty is taken one step forward with “On It” and “BPW” as we enter the more the lustful parts of the project. It raises eyebrows on first listen when you hear Sullivan break down that acronym and harmonize with Ari Lennox as they croon “I want to spit on it” cooling off from their vocal tour de force giving the song a gentle end. It all works in the best ways possible making for stand out moments on the EP. In these moments, you realize how the smallest detail — whether it be in the voice, lyrics or production — can draw the most vivid image. On “Roster,” Sullivan is backed solely by an acoustic guitar, leaving room for a beautiful duet as well as no bounds for where Jazmine will throw and land her voice throughout the song.

With ease, a high standard was set when Heaux Tales was released last year, and that same case could be made for this year with The Deluxe. Jazmine Sullivan can’t and has yet to do wrong in my eyes. With a musical ear like hers, more than likely, she never will.

A Couple Extra Measures:

·Maybe it’s the vocal prowess or the directness of each track, but somehow “Hurt Me So Good” makes “Pick Up Your Feelings” hit harder than I thought it ever could — aside from the live performances.

· I don’t know why Jazmine’s up-tempo isn’t given the same recognition as her ballads, but that needs to change. Not only are “Put It Down” (with the insane bridge) and “Tragic” full of clever wordplay, but nothing is better than insane vocals on a beat that makes you want to move. That’s versatility.

· Never would’ve guessed that Jazmine talking on a jazz production would sound as pleasing to the ear as her signing. — “Jazzy’s Tale”

· Jazmine Sullivan and Anderson .Paak have great musical chemistry and play very well off of each other. That track stands out to me every time.

· Speaking of which “Donna’s Tale” is the superior tale — for the sermon she delivered and the organ behind it. I don’t know who Donna is, but I hope she knows lives were changed and that she’s having a good day.

· First time listening to “Shanti’s Tale” gave me instant chills and was a great transition into “Selfish.”

·If you don’t hear Jazmine’s spectacular riff to scat to belt ending on “Bodies -Intro” from her NPR Tiny Desk, can you really call yourself a Jazmine Sullivan fan?

· Favorite Line (from the deluxe): “I’m done giving up all my love//Lock it up to keep it from//Anyone whose heart is numb” — Selfish