After the numerous delays and title-changes, critics and fans alike could be forgiven for believing Kelly Rowland’s sophomore effort ‘Ms Kelly’ would never see the light of day. However, Rowland dispels any notion of ‘doubt’ on what is a highly sassy, confident and, yet, emotionally vulnerable record. With ‘Ms Kelly’, the Destiny’s Child singer firmly establishes her prowess as a solo artist. Ready or otherwise, Kelly Rowland – the solo star – has arrived.‘The girl that they used to know done changed’, Rowland proclaims on the fantastic album opener and lead single ‘Like This (ft. Eve)’. Indeed, the track- produced by Polow Da Don- is a departure from the more subdue sound Kelly featured on her last solo outing, 2002’s ‘Simply Deep’. Here, Rowland exudes a new found confidence that resonates throughout the album. The Scott Storch produced ‘Work (Put It In)’ – one of many highlights – best exemplifies this; with a pulsating beat and deliberately suggestive lyrics, Rowland doesn’t hold back.
‘Ms. Kelly’ particularly excels in its slower paced offerings. The whimsical ‘Flashback’ and confessional ‘Still in Love with My Ex’ see Rowland reflect on the harshness of love and break-ups. Vocally, Rowland’s delivery compliments the emotional pain and vulnerability the lyrics exude. Refreshingly, an alternate approach is taken to the prominent theme of relationships on the standout track ‘Love’. Produced by newcomers Mysto & Pizzi, Rowland sings ‘Love / It’s a cold, cold world out there/ When it rains it pours I swear’ with a distinct rawness in her delivery. ‘The Show’, a steamy duet with R&B crooner Tank also serves as another standout track.
Other notable songs include the laid-back Snoop Dogg collaboration ‘Ghetto’, whereby Rowland enlists the use of her upper-register to detail what she looks for in a man. Elsewhere, Kelly channels her ‘inner Brandy’ harmonically on the well-assembled ‘Better Without You’.
The album’s shortcomings are few and far between. However, it should be noted that the Storch produced ‘Comeback’ is somewhat letdown by questionable lyrics: ‘I got that Comeback / That Hubba Bubba’. Also, the, otherwise infectious, ‘Every Thought Is You’, may have benefited from Rowland vocally exerting herself more.
On this her second outing, Kelly Rowland has managed to establish herself as a credible solo star. ‘Ms. Kelly’ boasts a collection of great songs which convincingly convey Rowland’s own artistic merit; no longer is she stuck in anyone’s shadow. Sexy, sassy and confident, ‘Ms. Kelly’ is definitely worth purchasing.
‘Ms. Kelly’ is released in Europe June 25th & in the US July 3rd
Will you be buying ‘Ms. Kelly’?
NO
hell yes! hot album! go kelly. that’s a great r&b album!
imo the album is all over the place
YES! The album is definitely hot! It’s what r&b is truly about…
The album is all over the net, but thta’s what happens when u make people wait for soooo damn long!! I will deffinatly be picking up the album, she my chick!! i’m still playing SIMPLY DEEP!!
Fa sho!
Yes I will be buying the album..I’ve been a fan of hers for a while now..no need to stop supporting now!! Love the album cover too!
hell yes times 3 baby!
Yes! Kelly’s album is FIRE! (I have heard the entire thing.) I will be buying 5 copies! It’s one of my favorite R&B albums that came out recently. There are actually a few singles on her CD.
Yep i’ll be getting it
OMG! I wanted to cry when I heard “Love” she really put her heat and soul into this album. I am so proud of mama, I just knew the material would be hott!
I LOVE it. We had so many lil’ snippets before, that i think that has miss a lil’ of the surprises of the cd, but whatever.
I love this CD, Ms. Kelly really puts her soul into it, i’m really proud of this girl.
Luv u Kelly <3
I will purchase this album fo sure! Ms. Kelly is hot!
MOST DEFINITELY!!!!!!!!!
OF COURSE!!! MS.KELLY IS HOT FOR SURE…
I definitely will be gettin’ the album July 3
yea i am buying it today
i live in northern ireland and it has come out today i am goin straight after skul to get it
Yes!! The album is HOT! HOT! HOT! Fire marshals can’t contain it….I’m gettn 2 copies…I LOVE KELLY….excuse me….MS. KELLY….
IT’S KOO BUT SHE COULD HAVE DONE BETTER I MEAN SHE KELLY ROWLAND SHE SHOULD HAVE SHOWED MORE EMOTION ON ALOT OF THE SONGS SHOULDA MADE ME FEEL IT MORE
YEAH I WILL BE BUYING THE ALBUM. THE DAMN ALBUM IS FIRE. I REAL PISSED OFF ITS ALL OVER THE INTERNET. EVERYBODY LIKE IT. SOME PEOPLE ARE TO CHEAP TO BUY IT CAUSE THEY CAN GET IT ON THE INTERNET. SO REALLY SHES PROBABLY SOLD ABOUT 500,000 COPIES WITH ALL THE LEAKS ANDTHE DOWNLOADS. WHEN I SAY THIS ALBUM IS LEAKED. IT IS SERIOUSLY LEAKED.
I guess for the 21 people who brought the album they will be returning it also now because it sucked. BUt MS. Kelly will be re-released in 2008 back to the drawing board Ms. Kelly
I love Kellys album this time around. Her career is slow but steady and she’s definitely getting there after all of this time. I’m so proud of her.