R&B singer Kehlani released her new self-titled album “Kehlani” on Friday, April 24. In this album, Kehlani uncovers many themes, such as growth, healing and vulnerability in a beautiful way. The album may not be the best of her five studio records, but it is definitely a memorable one.
The Grammy award-winning singer consistently pays homage to early 2000s R&B throughout the album. This is a very fitting choice, since the singer’s voice embodies the same energy and tone as many singers from that era.
The album includes 10 features, including USHER, Big Sean, Missy Elliot and Cardi B. Each featured track shows Kehlani took her time when handpicking these artists. They all bring a certain element to the specific songs that make them really enjoyable to listen to.
One that specifically stands out is Kehlani’s song “Another Luva” with hip-hop legend Lil Wayne. The two artists explore the idea of an irreplaceable love by creating a beautiful dialogue that conveys the hardships of moving on. At first glance, Lil Wayne’s style doesn’t seem like it would fit with Kehlani’s; however, each of their verses blends very well, creating a really nice track.
“Shoulda Never,” featuring the iconic Usher, is another brilliant collaboration on the album. The song, produced by R&B legend Babyface and Kris Riddick-Tynes, navigates the regrets of being in a toxic relationship.
It’s a widely known opinion that any track, when incorporating a Usher feature, immediately turns to gold, and this song is no exception. They each provide a rap verse during the bridge of the song that channels back to duets of the 2000s R&B era.
Each track explores something new in such a catchy way. For an album with 17 tracks on it, many of the songs have a soothing vibe, while others are more upbeat and groovy.
However, there isn’t much variety to the overall genre of the album. While it is solely R&B-based, a lot of the tracks have a very similar feel. But something Kehlani made sure to do is have several of the songs carry a different message.
The singer has a very angelic and soulful voice that always makes her songs very exciting to listen to. However, it would’ve been nice to hear a little more range within the tracks, instead of her sounding otherwise the same. Still, Kehlani has the kind of voice that sounds nice with anyone.
Her song “I Need You,” featuring the iconic singer Brandy, sounds lovely due to both of their incredible vocal talent, but the song itself doesn’t really stand out amongst the others.
In the album, the “Folded” singer challenges themes of desire, resilience and specifically growth. Fans who know Kehlani’s backstory and her journey to fame know the hardships and challenges she’s faced. This album really does a wonderful job at recognizing how far she’s come.
During the introduction of the album, titled “Intro”, the artist reflects on her experiences with growth and resilience. This is great because it gives the audience a little taste of what they are about to listen to.
The California native ends the introduction with “you’re about to hear a heart that’s been stretched, healed and reborn; a voice stepping into its truth with no fear, no filter and no apologies, I am Kehlani.”
There was absolutely no better way to begin the journey that is this album than like this. On top of top-notch vocals, she does an absolutely fantastic job at setting the tone for the album with her words.
While none of the songs on the album are inherently bad, some stand out far more than others. For example, songs such as “Still”, “Oooh” and “Unlearn” are among the least memorable of the entire album. The R&B singer does a great job of making each of her songs sound different, but not feel different.
In general, the album as a whole is a very detailed and well-written record. It is very easy to see that Kehlani worked hard and put her heart into this album. The artist shared that the choice to create a self-titled album came from a point of rediscovery in her life and career.
She was at a point in her life where she had found herself, inspiring her to make this project. These elements are portrayed very clearly in this album, exploring the themes of self-assurance and maturity, and definitely making this one to remember and to cherish.
