Kelis Rogers is no longer relying on her milkshake to bring all the boys to the yard, instead the talented vocalist has teamed up with David Guetta and a number of other dance music glitterati to create a pulsating dance album which is fast becoming one of my favourite albums of the year so far.
The album was released in the UK on 17th May but is yet to have a strong impact on the album charts. The first single, Acapella peaked at number 5 and topped the Dance Singles Chart so hopefully this will be an indication that the album will pick up sales as other singles are released. Such is the quality of the music, it undoubtedly deserves to.
The album expertly combines Kelis’ beautifully husky voice, meaningful, heartfelt lyrics and imbedded hooks and richly-layered dance music. Acapella, a tribute to her son, is a perfect example of this – a track with powerful lyrics that will strike a chord with the listener if they aren’t too busy raving to the infectious beat.
David Guetta’s production influence is very prominent throughout, never more so than in Scream as the banging chorus is the ideal climax to Kelis’ melodious lyrical build-up. With nine short and snappy strong tracks, the album’s production is immaculate and allows Kelis to display her genre versatility with aplomb.
Kelis’ distinct movement away from RnB to create this dance album is a dangerous path to tread for an artist who has spent close to ten years catering for a wholly different music fan but the apparent transitional ease reflects the confidence and ultimately, the talent, of the twenty-nine year old. Her voice is unquestionably suited to the repetitive vocalisation that is associated with dance music of today and I just hope this album gets the credit it deserves, both critically and with chart success.
01. Intro (03.31)
02. 22nd Century (04.55)
03. 4th of July (Fireworks) (05.40)*
04. Home (04.03)*
05. Acapella (04.28)*
06. Scream (03.30)*
07. Emancipate (04.26)
08. Brave (03.32)
09. Song for the Baby (03.42)
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Kelis – Scream
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