Ms. Kelly Rowland fulfils more of her destiny (Ms. Kelly - Kelly Rowland)

Member Name: Sunrisesunset

Product:	Ms. Kelly - Kelly Rowland
Date:	09/09/09 (4 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: vocals, variety of music, respectable guest Tank

Disadvantages: slightly underwhelming, doesn't include work remix

Can you name all three of Destiny's Child's members?
Beyonce and...um...

Most people cannot name DC's other two members, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. When the trio went their separate ways for the first time, Rowland and Williams faced an audience who barely knew their names. Rowland's career shot off to a great start. A worldwide hit with the rapper Nelly on Dilemma, and more hits in Europe with the singles Stole, Can't Nobody and Train On A Track. The group reunited and released Destiny Fulfilled, before separating again.

Under pressure to match Beyonce's certified diamond success, get her first solo number one hit, and increase awareness of her as a solo artist, Kelly Rowland released Ms. Kelly. The initial stages were bleak: most of the album leaked almost a year before the release date, the release date was pushed back time and time again, and performances of the first single, Like This featuring Eve, left a lot to be desired.

Vocals: Rowland appears to be pushing her vocals further than she did on her debut, and she is still improving. This Is Love showcases her vocals the best. Her range does not appear to be as wide as Beyonce's, but that is probably due to Rowland being used to letting Beyonce take centre stage in the group. Time will tell whether Rowland is capable of improving her great vocals into brilliant ones as she gains more self-confidence.

Music and lyrics: The lyrics fit into two categories: empty and deep, but the mature songs do outnumber the empty, catchy lyrical numbers. Like This, Work, Ghetto, Comeback and Gotsa Go are the catchiest songs. Only Work and Gotsa Go could be danced to, but the others would also fulfil the need to just listen to music and sing along.

On the other hand, the rest of the songs are deeper. While the songs I discussed before would suit the masses, these songs are for those who want great vocals and content. These 'slow jams' are perfect for easy listening with or without a partner. Love is the common theme: falling in love, breaking up, and the aftershocks of separation. The love theme does not get tiresome because the topic is always a different side of love. For example, Every Thought Is You addresses being infatuated with a lover, the popular Still In Love With My Ex- the title says it all- juxtaposes with Love, which reflects Rowland's own relationship that ended months before her wedding day.

Stand-out tracks: Work, Still In Love With My Ex, Gotsta Go

Overall, this album is a great addition to any CD collection. After many years we finally get to hear what Rowland's voice is capable of, even though fans believe she may still be holding back to her position in Destiny's Child. However, more songs like Still In Love With My Ex would have been necessary to make this album stand out from songs released by other r'n'b singers. I like every song, except for the fan favourite The Show featuring Tank, but some of the tracks I do like are slightly underwhelming. The album is good, but a record by Rowland, who has been producing music since she was sixteen and performing since childhood, should be excellent/brilliant.

A WORD OF WARNING- this album is not the same as Ms. Kelly Deluxe (front cover shows Rowland posing in front of a black background). Unlike with most re-releases, the label removed songs, like one of her best songs to date, Still In Love With My Ex, on the 'deluxe' edition, much to fans disappointment. The Work Remix that took the world by storm is NOT on the original Ms. Kelly album.

Summary: Rowland greatly improves on her debut, but there is still room for improvement