Product Reviews
Kelly Rowland's third album, following a split with manager Mathew Knowles and label Columbia, is as much of a patchwork as 2007 s Ms. Kelly. There s an extensive cast of producers and songwriters, as well as a handful of guest MCs. The set aims at the R&B, pop, and dance markets with clear distinctions, so several songs sound like isolated projects rather than pieces of a whole. That said, there is a little more focus on appealing to hip-hop and R&B radio. Pre-album single Motivation creeps and slinks so efficiently that the Lil Wayne verse and Rowland s vocal -- apart from Go, go, go, go -- are immaterial. The following three tracks straddle pop and R&B with appealingly busy productions, some of Rowland s most forward and energizing performances, not to mention a high level of arrogance that suits her very well. Those familiar with her guest appearances on French house producer David Guetta's One Love won t be surprised by the singer s decision to retain modern Donna Summer as one of her modes. Commander, produced by Guetta with his typical thump-and-whoosh flair, was released as a single in 2010 and topped the club charts in the U.K. and U.S. The newer Down for Whatever, produced by RedOne, Jimmy Joker, and the WAV.s, is a more frictional Euro-dance number that deserves equal attention. Although very eclectic taste is required to appreciate in full, this is clearly Rowland s brightest, most confident album yet. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi
Product Notes
2011 release, the third solo album from the former Destiny's Child member. Here I Am features a host of A-list producers and songwriters including Dr. Luke, Stargate, Salaam Remi, Ne-Yo, Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, RedOne, Tricky Stewart, Esther Dean, Rodney Jerkins and David Guetta, among others. Includes the single 'Motivation' featuring Lil Wayne.