“Kehlani,” the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Kehlani, came out on April 24. A self-titled outing often sounds intriguing and full of risks – we are expecting to see the most extreme, authentic self-expression represented by it. Just one album; it might establish or tear down the artistic identity. It carries weight.
So, who is Kehlani?
This is the question for which we seek an answer in this album.
In my mind, Kehlani is “Folded” at first. The magnificent opening strings, groovy R&B beats and delicate vocal runs. “Kehlani” does not deviate from this impression. It continues and deepens it. Once we hit play, we fall into a current that flows so smoothly and effortlessly. An ear massage, the music keeps grooving at a comfortable tempo, vocal riffs and beautiful melodies adding flavors to the steady pulse.
Actually, before we hear any sound, the feature list is already astonishing at first glance: Lil Wayne, Usher, Brandy, Missy Elliott, Cardi B, Big Sean, T-Pain and Clipse. Each of them brings their own flavor and enriches the texture of the songs. They blend well together, yet none of their voices overshadows Kehlani’s. The album absorbs them all and remains, unmistakably, hers.
A big part of Kehlani is always her voice. The vocal stacks open wide in both ears, filling up your whole brain. Despite the improvisational nature of these vocal sparkles, it is not difficult to notice some harmonic and riff patterns she returns to. These sonic signatures bind the album together into something cohesive and create an “if-you-know-you-know” moment when listeners can secretly smile at heart, saying to themselves: “Hear that? That’s Kehlani.”
The intro takes us into a very intimate personal narrative. “Growth doesn’t always sound pretty at first…but it always finds its way to the light.” It elevates the album when she tells us the album is more than just love songs. What we can see through the relationships is growth, “a heart that has been stretched, healed and reborn.”
The first three tracks take listeners into an old-school hip-hop world, inviting them to groove and dance with her. “Anotha Luva” sets the tone as the first piece of music we hear in the whole album: rich background chanting, dancing groove and addictive hook. Pitched-up vocal samples open it up, with the classic electric piano and strings lying underneath. Lil Wayne talks until the big, warm, tape-saturated kick takes over. Then it transitions seamlessly into “No Such Thing,” the connection made possible by the similar massive, distorted drum groove.
The sweet treats finally led us to the first entree, “Folded.” Suddenly, dull lights and faded colors seem to brighten and we arrive at the present. Even though this track has been out for a year, it still lands fresh when it is placed in the album. No longer just a hit single, it functions more like a revelation that “Kehlani” has been building toward.
“I Need You” continues on “Folded’s” more modern-sounding beats. A nostalgic electric piano tone hovers, filling the room with something warm and intimate. Two consecutive upward key changes push the emotions higher, the “I still need you” chant rising with it – urgent, longing and aching. “Oooh” is not just a preview of Kehlani’s amazing adlibs. The great use of various non-music sounds, here, the intimate whispers, sighs and breath, pictures a dreamy (and a little sexy) space.
“Sweet Nuthins” is the last track with a featured artist. As always, it flows with ease, never forced, never strained. The guitar riff that surfaces softly towards the end carries a “Folded” scent. Towards the end, “Cruise Control” feels breezy and sunlit as a holiday. The honeyed, major melodies touch your face gently, just as the lyrics go “you don’t want to rush me/let’s just keep this on cruise control.”
“Unlearn” concludes the album with an emotional, touching piece. Acoustic piano and saturated drums echo the beginning and start the track simple. The chorus is a sincere confession: “I got a lot to unlearn about me.” Hurts, attachment, trust – after a navigation of relationships, love and desire, it returns to the ultimate subject: Kehlani herself. The gospel style call-and-response chorus is beautiful and uplifting. The strings and brass occasionally place extra sparkles on top of or in the breaks of the vocal, golden and shiny.
An hour flies by without you even noticing it. The album glues together as a whole, but pulling any individual track out, each one is an enjoyment alone. Kehlani’s artistic personality stands out so well. Across 17 tracks, Kehlani’s artistic personality is established clearly and unforgettably. So, who is Kehlani? She exactly answers the question:
“A voice stepping into its truth with no fears, no filter and no apologies.”
4.5/5
