LISTEN: Like A Boy (Remix) (ft. Trey Songz)

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Fabolous – First Time (ft. Rihanna)

As Usher preps his new album ‘The Masterpiece’ (due for a November release), this remix version of one of the earlier leaked tracks has hit the net. Produced by DJ Unique, the ‘Oooh Shawty’ remix is hot; I’m actually liking it a lot more than the original. The beat is on-point, it’s definitely a banger. I’m anxious to see what Usher comes with on this new album, as I don’t think he can top ‘Confessions’ in sales or quality. You never know, though.

1. “Like This” featuring Eve
Produced by Polow Da Don
Co-written by Sean Garrett and Kelly Rowland

We’ve all heard this song by now. It’s our favorite track on the album and definitely was the right choice for the first single. Kelly did another song with Eve last year called “Gotsta Go” which did not make the album.

2. “Comeback”
Produced by Scott Storch
Co-written by Kelly Rowland

Catchy, upbeat song and the first of two Scott Storch produced tracks on the CD. On the hook, Kelly sings: “I got that comeback, that hubba bubba…I got a lifetime warranty, guarantee you’ll never leave.”

3. “Ghetto” featuring Snoop Dogg
Produced by Tank
Co-written by Kelly Rowland and Tank

We were told that it was between this and “Work (Put It In)” for the second single. Kelly and her label were going back and forth and finally Kelly told them that she wanted this to be the second single. The smooth, mid-tempo R&B cut features Snoop Dogg. Kelly sings: “Rock your Timbs, sag your jeans, ice your grills, it’s all good with me…That’s what my baby wants, that’s how we be gettin’ it done.” Snoop has a rap in the intro and the middle of the song.

4. “Work (Put It In)”
Produced by Scott Storch
Co-written by Kelly Rowland

This is our second favorite track off the album after “Like This.” This would get our vote for the second single, but “Ghetto” with Snoop is probably a safer choice. The upbeat, fast-paced song has a drumbeat and is a definite club banger. Kelly sings: “No turning back from this party…See all that you can see…Do it baby do it, get it in.”

5. “Flash Back”
Produced by Charlie and Kenny Bereal
Co-written by Kelly Rowland

You might have heard this song already. It was leaked to the Internet a while ago. Kelly sings: “I wish I could relive the past.” The album version is pretty much the same as the one that’s on the net. The instrumental reminds us of the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland.

6. “Every Thought Is You”
Produced by Loren Dawson and Rockwilder
Co-written by Kelly Rowland

Another song that has already hit the net. This mid-tempo number is one of the more forgettable tracks.

7. “The Show” featuring Tank
Produced by Tank
Co-written by Kelly Rowland and Tank

Slow jam, baby making music. This is a duet between Kelly and Tank where they compare making love to putting on a show. Kelly sings: “I’m getting out my show clothes, so hot when I rock those…I’m setting the stage on fire.” We get to hear a grown and sexy Kelly Rowland.

8. “Interlude”
Produced by Billy Mann
Written by Kelly Rowland

This interlude goes into “Still In Love With My Ex.” Kelly says, “Never thought we’d break up for the better…”

9. “Still In Love With My Ex”
Produced by Soulshock & Karlin
Co-written by Kelly Rowland

We can’t help but think this song is about Kelly’s ex-fiancé, football player Roy Williams. The album version of the song is different than the one that was leaked last year. It’s more upbeat and there’s now a guitar/rock feel to it. “I’m so sorry, please forgive me,” Kelly sings.

10. “Love”
Produced by Mysto & Pizzi
Co-written by Kelly Rowland and Solange Knowles

One of the standout tracks. Mid-tempo love song with lyrics like, “It’s a cold, cold world out there…And when it rains it pours out there…The grass ain’t greener on the other side…I knew you would return once you saw the real deal.” Mysto & Pizzi have worked with Cassie and Nina Sky. Kelly co-wrote this one with Beyoncé’s sister Solange who wrote two tracks on 2002’s Simply Deep. Look out for Solange’s album this September.

11. “Better Without You”
Produced by Charlie and Kenny Bereal

Another song that was probably influenced by Kelly’s ex. Guitar-driven track where Kelly talks about moving on from her past relationship. “I’m pursuing my goals,” she sings.

12. “This Is Love”
Produced by Billy Mann

Love, independence, and maturity seem to be the reoccurring themes throughout the album. This is the third song with “love” in the title. This pop ballad features strings and a guitar. Sample lyrics: “You take my imperfections and turn them into art.”

I’m really liking the tracklist; some of the songs that I was feeling from the unreleased ‘My Story’ album have been left on i.e. ‘Flashback’ and The Show’. The Scott Storch tracks sound like their gonna be hot too. All in all, I’m pretty hyped for this album. She seems to have come hard with this project and I’m hoping she does well. ‘Ms Kelly’ drops June 26th.