Kelly Rowland, one third of former girl super group, Destiny’s Child, has released two solo albums that have received mixed to positive reviews from most music critics. The release of her third project, Here I Am, on July 26th is an album a couple of years in the making, but it is worth the long wait. Preceded by a few singles that did not perform exceptionally well, “Commander”, “Grown Woman” and “Rose Colored Glasses”, the album gained some traction with the release of “Motivation feat. Lil Wayne”, Rowland’s most successful solo single. The album contains a unique mixture of influences from the R&B, pop and dance genres and deserves high praise and many listens.
The album starts off loud and fast with “I’m Dat Chick”, a track that seems to be Rowland’s message to everyone out there that doubts her. The artist loves herself and she is not afraid to say so, the men that want to be with her better beware. The song may be the best way to introduce listeners to the sound that will be heard throughout the entire album, a little R&B mixed in with dance/house music that is ready for the clubs. The first of many featured guests comes up when Lil Playy assists Rowland on “Work It Man”. The song follows in the footsteps on the first two official singles as a track strictly recorded with the R&B/hip-hop audience in mind. The vocals that are heard are some that should be highly commended, but the song itself does sadly stop short of exceptional. For an album two years in the works, the track seems half done. The first single, “Motivation” featuring rapper Lil Wayne, was a track that did not please me after Rowland released a string of up-tempo dance masterpieces. The song is a sexy slow jam strictly about pleasure that has already proved extremely successful, so I guess the American audience is into a different genre of music. There is chemistry between both artists involved, a quality that is surely the reason for its run up the charts. “Lay It on Me”, the album’s official second single featuring Big Sean, shows more talent from the singer than the track that preceded it. With one listen, everyone will know that the song is about what happens in the comfort of the bedroom, but there is nothing wrong with that. I think the track is another hit for the artist, but I do criticize the featured guest for not adding anything important to the record. The album continues with “Feelin Me Right Now”, a song that I would simply consider average, nothing really amazing or terrible. I would listen to the song again to hear the spectacular vocals that come out of Rowland, but the lyrics are forgettable as is the track as a whole. Best aspect of the song is the accompanying piano driven beat, so beautiful; great production and vocal performance, bad songwriting. More dance influences are present in “Turn It Up” when the pulsating beats are heard in the song. The song is catchy and even though the track is louder than anything else that has played before, Rowland’s voice comes out clearer and brighter. The song would not sound out of place in the club and I think that is one reason as to why it was recorded, a great song that does not rely on much. Another slow, R&B inspired track comes through the speakers when “All of the Night” steps up to the plate. The song is another that deals with the activities that occur in the bedroom, but done in a completely different way. Rowland is telling her man exactly what she wants, a tale of sexual freedom and female empowerment. My favorite part of the song is the inclusion of a line from an inappropriate chant I heard in middle school. The only ballad on the standard edition of the album comes in the form of “Keep It Between Us”. The song is very touching and heartfelt and I can feel the emotions that the singer is trying to convey with the track and beautiful performance. I think the inclusion of the song was a smart decision because it shows off the range that Rowland has, she can succeed in everything that she tries. When the project was first announced in 2010, up-tempo track “Commander” was released as the official first single, but its impact was small and mainly felt on the dance charts. The song has to be considered some of Rowland’s best work and it shows that she can have an amazing career in the pop genre. The beat will make you want to dance the night away and the artist belts out some powerful notes. It is a shame this song was not given much recognition. Another highlight off the album happens when “Down for Whatever” plays, a track rumored to be the second international single. The song is a complete head banging, hip shaking, club monster that sounds a bit out of place on the album, but it is some of the best material off the effort. The song is more evidence of the successful R&B/dance fusion that built up much anticipation for this release. The track is catchy and fun, enough said. The deluxe edition of the album contains two more new tracks, the first being “Heaven & Earth”. The song is another beautiful ballad that shows off immense talent, Rowland does not need any help with her vocals when they shine as brightly as they do on their own. Everything about the track works, right down to the writing and production, but the performance speaks for itself. A great track that should not have just been on the deluxe edition, all should hear it. The album closes with “Each Other”, a sultry, unique take on a song that keeps it from sounding like anything that has been done before. The track is quite enjoyable, especially the background vocals that can be heard throughout. The song may get a little repetitive at times, but that does not diminish the quality of it. A decent way to close out an interesting album that was anticipated since its announcement.
Here I Am is an album that saw some bumps down its road of creation, but the finished product is one that Rowland should be extremely proud of because fans will be satisfied by everything that they hear. The album mixes the genres of R&B, pop and dance in a way that had not been done prior to its release. The vocal performances present are some that need to be taken more seriously by critics and I feel the album will be the artist’s most successful. I am sad that some amazing tracks that were previously released were left off the project, but I will survive. For great tracks, beautiful vocals, and expectations met, the album receives an 87%.
Tracks to Hear: "Commander", "Down for Whatever", and "Heaven & Earth"
10. Kelly Rowland-Down for Whatever (The WAV.s)
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