It has been four years since R&B Songstress, Kelly Rowland, last released her sophomore album, Ms. Kelly, and here she is, finally, all geared up for her latest offering come July 26th.

Despite all of the countless push backs and delays, Kelly Rowland pretty much had a fantastic year going for her ever since she danced her way to the top of the UK Charts with 'When Love Takes Over', a track she collaborated with DJ David Guetta back in 2010. Since then, she has been producing a string of Top 10 hits in the UK (Commander, Forever And A Day & What A Feeling) and her success has earned her a position as a judge in The X Factor UK.

Her previous efforts may not be worth mentioning with the exception of 'Dilemma' and after much experimentation, Kelly Rowland has finally found her distinctive sound in the industry. Gone are the days when Kelly used to live in the shadows of Beyonce, her ex-bandmate from Destiny's Child.

Unlike her past efforts that did nothing but bore me to death, 'Here I Am' has the perfect blend of Soul, R&B and Dance music and features a different side of Kelly. She's a much more confident singer this time 'round as she sings on the album-opener, 'I'm Dat Chick', on which she brags "Yeah I be the one that they love to mention." But she's still as sexy and sensual as ever (I still can't get over her provocative music video for her hit single, 'Motivation') and her vocals never sounded this good before.

'Here I Am' is filled with plenty of great tracks that's bound to keep you listening to the album over and over again. I love songs with a great piano hook and that's probably the reason why I fell in love with the track 'Feeling Me Right Now' almost instantly, in which she sings about falling in the club and realizing her self-worth. Really interesting lyrics, Miss Kelly. Though this song could easily be mistaken about Kelly singing about another girl she met at a club. She sings in the beginning, "Oh you're just my type, baby" and that kinda scares me a bit.




All in all, this is a perfect album. The addition of Commander and Down For Whatever (Feat. The WAV.s) may be awkward on paper, but it seems to mix seamlessly with the rest of the other tracks in the album. I'm not gonna complain. Though if I had the choice, I'd replace Big Sean with Missy Elliot on the track, 'Lay It On Me'. It's still good. But why settle for good when you can get something that is brilliant?

Go get Kelly Rowland's 'Here I Am' album (July 26th) 'cos right now she commands you to! I know I'll definitely be getting my copy! And hopefully Kelly Rowland finally gets the success she deserves with this release.

Other standout tracks: Down For Whatever (Feat. The WAV.s), All Of The Night (Feat. Rico Love), Lay It On Me (Feat. Big Sean)

Labels: Destiny's Child, Here I Am, Kelly Rowland, Music, Music Monday, Music Review