Back in the day, when Destiny's Child was in their prime, we all knew because of their success they could or would end up doing good as solo artists. Beyonce' we all pretty much knew would garner the most success solo seeing as how she was the lead singer and got the most attention. Michelle pops up every now and then but hasn't really been seen or done much music lately. But could any of you have predicted that Kelly would have the success she has now? Me personally I didn't quite see it coming. Not saying she doesn't have the talent because she does but let's just say she has become successful to the point where she not in Beyonce's shadow anymore or know as "that other girl that used to be in Destiny's Child". Kelly is now one of R&B's most popular names. Really since 2007 it's when it all began. That's when she dropped her sophomore album Ms. Kelly and that huge summer record "Like This". It's safe to say she's done quite well for herself. Here she is now with her fourth album Talk A Good Game. Now I didn't get a chance to hear her third album Here I Am that dropped in 2011. Just the single "Motivation". But based off of general response it was a okay album. Well this time around it may be the same thing. I thought the album was pretty cool. Again, I can't really say if it's a step up or a step down from her last album because I didn't hear her last album. Kelly continues her heavily hip hop influenced R&B sound mixed with her sultry and seductive vocals. There was a lot of that plus some emotion. Well now let me point out some highs and lows on the album. Right off the back, the song that stands out the most (and a song that's already been heard by many) is "Dirty Laundry". This is where most of the emotion comes from that I spoke of. On this song she speaks on the heartbreak she felt sitting back watching her "sister" Beyonce' make it all the way to the top while she was just kind of in the background. Along with being in an abusive relationship at the same time. She even admitted to feeling jealous about it all. You can really hear the sadness and emotion in her voice on this song and it was really moving. Ironically, the song that follows that is "You've Changed" which featured both Beyonce' and Michelle. Now I thought this song would be in response to "Dirty Laundry" but it wasn't unfortunately. It was just them back on their old Destiny's Child shit singing about men problems. Would have been better if it was a response though. The first two tracks of this album perfectly shows how much of a sex symbol Kelly has become. The intro song "Freak" which has this cool funky uptempo production, and the single "Kisses Down Low" (doesn't take a genius to put two and two together there). She just continues to let out and show off her inner freak. Which honestly I think she had bottled up inside her all these years and now that she's solo she can let it out. I think I speak for every man when I say I'm not mad at her at all. The middle of the album is where the more slower and softer R&B songs like "Dirty Laundry", "You've Changed" and "I Remember". Those and also "Stand In Front Of Me" were the only real slow jams on the album. Thankfully the hip hop features didn't over do it (besides Lil Wayne on the single "Ice"). "Street Life" featured a okay verse from Pusha T. It was okay overall but I didn't like that opening line Kelly said: "Ooooh there go my baby daddy". I don't know the way she said it just sounded all weird and ratchet. "Gone" was also decent but may have gotten ruined by yet another half-assed guest verse from Wiz Khalifa. Kevin Cossum probably had the best guest verse on "Talk A Good Game" which to me sounds like a potential third single. I like the throwback drum beat on "Red Wine". She had really soft and mellow vocals on this one which was alright but I would have liked to hear some more energy from her on a dope beat like that. Well in conclusion, I think the album was pretty cool overall. A feel good summer R&B album. I give it a final grade of a B-. Kelly Rowland has officially reached the point where she is no longer known as the "them" in "Beyonce' & them". While she may not reached the level of fame and stardom her "sister", it's clear that Kelly has the talent, look and attitude for mainstream R&B. Ms. Rowland isn't going anywhere. Personally I'm glad because I'm sure like every male, I'm enjoying this sexy and flirtatious music she bringing to the table. Keep doing your thing. End.
Final Grade: B-
No comments:
Post a Comment