
Let it be known that I have listened to no fewer than 25 full albums since my last post; I just haven’t had the time or inspiration to share my thoughts. In this span, there have been some surprises but the majority of artists today are down to producing standout singles. I don’t know if this can yet be called an iTunes phenomenon but certainly hope that Microsoft Zune’s unlimited downloads will move people to get more than just the track featuring Lil’ Wayne.
That said, if there is one person my music world (and love life) revolves around it’s Ms. Keyshia Cole, who’s back with her third feature: A Different Me.
On the very first track Keyshia sings “I would like to introduce a sexier side of me,” and while listening to it the only thing I could think was “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Curious, I immediately felt a different her on “Make Me Over” where heartbreak Keyshia displays her newfound swag by strongly singing over a hot jazz beat. It would be quite a night to see her singing this track live in a historic jazz club:
I’m bright as the stars so make me brighter
I’m already the shit baby so make me better
Yeah come on baby show me what you got
Keep saying you can take me to the top
We’re almost there so baby don’t stop don’t stop
Totally Make Me Over
Without delay, the next song on the disc continues a different her because “Please Don’t Stop [Your Love]” definitely leans to the pop world. It’s okay but a strong bridge could have been better complimented by a rap element. After that, the song “Erotic” features one of the sexiest beats I’ve ever heard, which ultimately gave Keyshia a free pass. Apart from the hook, she could have sung about home foreclosures and it still would have worked. “Situations,” off The Way It Is, is the better of both worlds and the sexier choice.
A Different Me pushes towards new boundaries as Keyshia unveils her sexier side while every so often reminding you what made her sexy in the first place. The disc’s first single features an alluring Tupac and vulnerable Keyshia , creating a classic chemistry parallel to any Biggie/Faith collaboration. However, my favorite track on the disc is “Oh-Oh, Yeah-Yeah,” an ultra smooth song over a nice string and high bass drum pattern featuring the living legend Nas, who murders it while Keyshia pleads to a dude to believe in their relationship. This is a must hear.
Another collaboration worth a listen is the heartfelt duet with Monica: “Trust.” Although she can’t match Keyshia vocally, Monica has seen a lot of things in her life and outshines Keyshia twice on this track. More surprising than that though, is the track “This Is Us,” an almost guaranteed single featuring a beautiful but softer Keyshia over a simple guitar melody. Future haters of this song include Jessica Simpson, Hannah Montanah and the winner of the next American Idol. Here’s why:
I’m like a Sunday morning.
You’re like Friday night.
And when we kiss it’s the perfect weekend, no rain in sight.
And when I’m feelin’ incomplete, you’re my missing piece.
And when you need your breath taken away, ill be your thief.
From the start to the end we don’t need to pretend
that we’re perfect all the time.
’Cause we know what we have through the good and the bad
It’s the strength that you cant deny.
I don’t need to find a million reasons why
This is us. This is us. And this is how we love.
Some ways we’re different but together we’re so right.
This is us. This is us. And this is how we love.
Overall this CD has its share of shortfalls and surprises but is a solid progression for a young artist seeking to establish the identity she wants while maintaining her fan base and the soulful MJB comparisons. I was impressed by the disc’s drum patterns and entire production which encompassed a little less hood heartbreak, a little more pop, a little more love and a lot more swag. The final track, “Beautiful Music,” is spectacular song that pulls the whole album and Keyshia Cole’s development together. And in the end, everything feels so right ‘cause no one else can do what she do.
Favorite Songs: “Beautiful Music”, “Oh-Oh Yeah-Yeah” feat. Nas, “Playa Cardz Right” feat. Tupac, “Make Me Over” and “Trust” feat. Monica.
Final Review: Although not everyone will get down with her reality show, Keyshia is taking steps to become a bona fide star. Her singles clearly target the existing fan base but tracks on this disc make crossing over within reach. Wherever you fall, you won’t be disappointed. Cop it.
.:Keyshia, throw me some tickets to the Cincinnati show!:.