How crystal singing bowls transformed a freestyle session into a platinum R&B album
In short: Recorded on the Big Island of Hawaii, Jhené Aiko’s third studio album, Chilombo, was more than a musical project. It was a deliberate attempt at spiritual resonance, using crystal alchemy sound bowls to activate chakras and create a tranquil, analogue atmosphere that captured the raw energy of a volcanic eruption.
Released on March 6, 2020, Chilombo was conceived as a series of freestyles. Following her 2017 album Trip, Aiko sought to explore relationships—past, present, and future—through a process that began with lyrics in her head and evolved into a 'free-flowing jam session.' To achieve her specific sonic vision, she served as executive producer, working with long-time collaborators Fisticuffs and Lejkeys to produce eighteen of the album's twenty tracks.
The album's unique texture is heavily defined by the use of crystal alchemy sound bowls. Aiko incorporated these instruments into every song to produce a vibrational hum intended to promote chakra balancing and stress reduction. This focus on acoustic, organic sounds led to an analogue recording approach, allowing microphones to capture the natural resonance of the room. This method mirrored the landscape of Hawaii, where the album was recorded, and the volcanic energy Aiko drew inspiration from.
While the album was a commercial success—debuting at number two on the US Billboard 200 with 152,000 album-equivalent units—it also sparked critical debate. Some critics, like Pitchfork’s Stephen Kearse, felt the production settled for 'good vibes' rather than a stronger pulse. Others, such as The Guardian’s Laura Snapes, found the record 'wildly over-long' and noted a lack of variety compared to her previous work. Despite these critiques, the album earned three Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, and was certified platinum by the RIAA in January 2021.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Chilombo (album)
- Also: Wikidata — Chilombo · CC0
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