Jhené Aiko Drops Surprise Album News: 'Westside Whimsy' Arrives Sooner Than Expected!
Grammy-nominated artist Jhené Aiko has announced her new album, "Westside Whimsy," set for release on Friday, September 11th, marking her return after over six years. The project is inspired by '90s music and the laid-back California culture, generating excitement among fans and musical peers alike. "Westside Whimsy" follows her acclaimed 2020 album "Chilombo."
Grammy-nominated R&B artist Jhené Aiko has made a highly anticipated return to the music scene, announcing her new album, titled "Westside Whimsy," on Tuesday, September 8th. Fans will not have to wait long for new music, as the project is slated for release just a few days later, on Friday, September 11th. This marks her first full-length album in over six years, following her critically acclaimed "Chilombo" LP.
Aiko shared the exciting news with her followers, captioning her announcement post with "Westside Whimsy (THE ALBUM) out Friday." The post also featured the album's distinctive cover art, which depicts the singer with crystal tears, hinting at the introspective or emotional depth of the new work. The announcement was met with overwhelming enthusiasm not only from her dedicated fanbase but also from a host of musical peers, including Kehlani, Ella Mai, H.E.R., Amine, Blxst, and Chloe Bailey, all of whom chimed in with supportive comments. Lauren Jauregui, for instance, warmly welcomed Aiko back, stating, "Welcome back, reina!! Can’t wait."
The inspiration behind "Westside Whimsy" was previously hinted at by the 38-year-old artist during a wellness experience event she hosted in April. Aiko revealed that the album draws heavily from the vibrant music of the '90s and, significantly, from her home state of California. "All the music of the ‘90s has really influenced me, but especially West Coast car culture, surfing culture, beach, laid-back," she explained, according to Complex. She added, "When I think of California, it’s just such a magical place and I love a good road trip and I’ve been doing them for many years," painting a vivid picture of the album's foundational themes.
The album title itself was subtly teased earlier in the year when Aiko named her Erewhon smoothie collaboration "Westside Whimsy" in January, generating a buzz even before the official announcement. Her last album, "Chilombo," which arrived in March 2020 just prior to the widespread COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, was a significant success. It debuted impressively at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and earned a coveted nomination for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. "Westside Whimsy" is set to continue Aiko's legacy of impactful and evocative music, released under Def Jam Recordings.