Stimulator Jones - Exotic Worlds and Masterful Treasures

Exotic Worlds and Masterful Treasures (April 27, 2018)

The term “Renaissance Man” originated during the, you guessed it, Renaissance period in Europe. Most notably coined by Italian architect Leon Battista Alberti, the expression represented that “a man can do all things if he will.” Samuel Jones Lunsford, better known by his stage name Stimulator Jones, is an exact representation of this in the music industry. Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, DJ, producer, AND songwriter are all accredited to his name, and all play a role in his career as a musician. Today’s record discussion revolves around his debut album, Exotic Worlds and Masterful Treasures.

On the 2018 album released under Stones Throw Records, Jones blends the sounds of early hip-hop and R&B with funky guitar riffs and electronic synth patches. One of the highlights of this album is how it seems to fuse/layer decades of musical elements from specific eras. Many of the guitar riffs are reminiscent of the funk music we know and love from the late 70’s. Several synth parts feel connected to the 80’s and the heavy use of electronic sounds during that era. Simultaneously, you get the feel of a late 90’s to early 00’s R&B record your parents would play. Exotic Worlds and Masterful Treasures transcends age and is perfect for any crowd. Perfect for dancing around in your room. Perfect for a get-together on a hot summer day. The album is just pure fun and almost evokes a feeling of nostalgia despite being released only six years ago.

This record is best known for its hit single, “Soon Never Comes,” which is how I stumbled upon it and Jones himself. The hit track was first released in 2016 and is responsible for landing him his record deal at Stone Throw. Despite being included in Stone Throw’s compilation album Sofie’s SOS Tape, Jones’ debut album was officially released two years later. Exotic Worlds and Masterful Treasures consists of 11 songs running under 40 minutes. The album centers on a seemingly troubled relationship with some unrequited or uncommunicated feelings. Jones sings of needing a woman, missing her, and being unable to control his feelings towards her. This theme ties in again with that nostalgic feeling previously mentioned. Lyrics explaining a toxic relationship that never works out but can not be left behind fit hand in hand with the R&B/Hip-Hop songs I grew up hearing my parents play. Jones has a special touch, a sort of magic, that makes these songs so likable. He puts in the work. He evidently singles out specific sounds and influences of previous generations in funk and R&B and then layers them together. Something that can be linked to his career as a DJ or just a side effect of being such a busy and dedicated musician.

Essential Tracks

This album is impressive from start to finish, but here are my essential tracks for anyone not ready to commit to a full listen.

The hype is very much real here. This song will have you screaming the lyrics like you are begging for the affection of someone who just won’t look your way anymore. At the same time, you will not be able to stop yourself from dancing because the instrumental is just that good.

The beginning of this song and the use of that bell sounding synth patch reminds me so much of pop music from the 80’s and R&B music from the 90’s. This song is a clear example of how versatile Jones and the album are.

The bass and guitar lines here are reminiscent of 70’s funk, but when the synth comes in you get that 80’s “vibe.” It's a great song overall and another showcase of his range with sound.

What a perfect track to end the album. The lyrics and message here truly encapsulate unrequited feelings and continually trying for someone you know doesn’t feel the same.