Ms Kelly

Kelly Rowland | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 3, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000QEIM5U
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #70,802 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

For years, a not-insignificant contingent of Destiny's Child fans have been claiming that Kelly Rowland, not Beyoncé, was the diva to watch in that group--the one whose crystalline vocal gifts got piggybacked on. With that kind of underdog love, Kelly could have coasted in her solo career, cranking out batches of classy ballads and midtempo joints designed mostly to keep the faithful convinced they were right. Ms. Kelly, though, has some points to prove, foremost among them that this songbird can rock: "I told y'all I was gonna bump like thee-es," she boasts alongside Eve on the red-hot banger of a first single that is "Like This." Later, she sidles up to Snoop Dogg in the slinkiest way possible on "Ghetto," busts out the funk on "Work," and scissor-kicks expectations about the limits of her clean voice on "Comeback." As the disc rolls on, Rowland's friskiness mellows--"The Show," with Tank, puts the focus on the near-forgotten art of harmonizing and "Still in Love with My Ex" makes a sweet study of romantic regret. The closing track, a ballad a country crooner could have had a good time with, nevertheless gets to the bottom of why this disc is so worth shelling out for: The love Rowland sings about on "This Is Love" is "like a diamond in the sand"; so, we come to realize, is she. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It is, in fact, that hubba bubba., July 2, 2007

By 

W. E. Phillips (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ms Kelly (Audio CD)

As many know, I love Destiny's Child and love each member equally, of course. Kelly has always gotten my respect; her voice is a deep, sultry alto and her clarity is unmatched. Unfortunately, I believe she was falsely made out to be the oddball or "alternative" member of the group, sporting short, color-highlighted hair. This cut-out personality carried out into her solo debut, `Simply Deep,' which was a so-so effort full of sappy pop/rock ballads, a few half-baked fast tracks and enough lyrical similes and metaphors to make your head spin! (By no means was it terrible, but I expected better.) Even Kelly herself has admitted in recent interviews that the album was "rushed" and she was "not ready." Well... now she is! Rowland has shed that image to reveal a sexy, distinguished and confident young woman; hence, the title, `Ms. Kelly.'

This album is a result of over two years of hard work. After the recording of the final Destiny's Child album, Kelly returned to the studio with a vision. About this time last year, she and Columbia Records invited some critics to come and listen to the result, tentatively titled, `My Story.' Sadly, they didn't have much good to say about the project. Determined to create a perfect and balanced album, she returned once again to the booth, agreeing that it was "too full of ballads." (She really has a thing for those love ballads, even still on the final product.) Time and time again, it was pushed back, from late 2006, to February 2007 to June 26. Thankfully (and finally), all the effort has paid off and the product is an excellent album.

The first single, "Like This," was a perfect choice to introduce the world to the new Kelly Rowland. She graces the Polow Da Don track with effortless swagger and confidence. Eve's verse adds a nice touch, too. (It's nice to see her back.) "Comeback" is a fierce, powerful and boisterous anthem. A club banger, for sure, Ms. Kelly brags and teases about her "hubba bubba" that will make you "run back and tell your motha." Hahahaha! "Ghetto" is the cool, laid-back cousin of DC's "Soldier." Snoop Dogg makes a great appearance, also. "Work (Put It In)" is another Scott Storch-produced club banger in which Kelly sings at lightning speed. Amazingly, she keeps her composure with perfect diction over the percolating beat, making every lyric understood and heard. It is definitely one of the album's highlights.

From this point on, the album slows down a bit. "Flashback" has been readily available on the net for quite a while now, but is it definitely worthy of inclusion. Kelly mutters out thoughts, regretting a past breakup. It is truly entrancing with layer upon of smooth vocals. On "Every Thought Is You (Addicted)," she reflects on her infatuation with that special someone. Very nice and sweet. "The Show" is a sleek and sexy track featuring Tank. It's very similar to Fantasia's "I Nominate U" in content. It is alright, but definitely not my favorite. It's kind of been-there-done-that material. During the "Interlude," Kelly delivers the first few lines of the following track, with only piano and vocals. It is emotionally moving and it shows off her vocal skill.

Immediately following is "Still In Love With My Ex," which is, in my opinion, the best track of the album. The version included is different from the synth-heavy, hip hop inspired version that leaked this February. The vocals are the same, but the production is now a syncopated guitar riff. The song flows, the lyrics are relatable and Kelly is at her best vocally. This would be the perfect choice for a second single and it has extreme crossover potential. "Love" is also an amazing song with lyrics that may just be autobiographical, looking at her serious relationship with that football player, Roy. She sings the bittersweet "you had me, lost me, now you want me back" lyrics with true artistry and emotion. Amazingly, the Solange Knowles-penned verses avoid those annoying clichés. Love it! "Better Without You" also put me in a trance. It's a great track where Rowland overcomes sorrow and moves on from a painful split. The final track, "This Is Love," is my least favorite of the bunch. It's a bit sappy at times. The lyrics are very `Simply Deep'-esque. Her voice is great, though. (Of course.) It's still a nice song, just not my cup of tea

Although `Ms. Kelly' has a few flaws, is in need of a few more up-tempos and the songs wouldn't suffer from a new sequencing... the album is still a great breakthrough album that truly distinguishes Kelly Rowland as a solo artist. I wish you all the luck in the world, Kelly!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Was The Right Love ,But The Wrong Time, July 7, 2007

By 

Jemilla - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ms Kelly (Audio CD)

What I enjoyed about this album the most was the fact that MS.Kelly was woman enough to say I own this, and I take responsibility for failer and the departure of this relationship. And for the track " Still In Love With My EX" show cases her owning up to that responsibility. For the song "Flaskback" I like that song because it gives you some insight into what was going on in her mind as well as What goes on in the minds of many woman like Ms.Kelly. And I can only speak for myself.When I say this,when you are scared internally your not quit ready to admit to yourself at first. Which inturn makes you find fault in someone else.,But as time goes on you do realize within yourself the truth must be told. The reason I like the tracks "work" and "Comeback" is because I like the confidence as well as the attitude within the songs. I would have to say that "Work" and "The show" feat. Tank are to of my absolute favorite tacks on the album. What can I say Tank really brings something special vocally to that song.

Another reason Why I like this album is because musically it not only takes R&B music to a whole nother level,but other musical geners as well along with it. Which makes it fresh as well as renewed. The sound of this album is unique in it's own right. But,I will say this I'am disapointed in the shortness of the album. Hopefuly once it's first release becomes a success in it's own right it will be release with extra tracks.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ladies and Gentleman...Ms. Kelly Rowland is Here to Stay!, July 7, 2007

By 

J. Walcott "J" (Pelham, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ms Kelly (Audio CD)

As I was listening to Ms. Kelly... One thing stuck out for me and that Kelly Rowland knows who she is. On this record, There are so many elements that make Ms.Kelly such a beautiful record from the beginning to the end. As a fan, I must say I'm really proud of Kelly on this record but as a Singer/Songwritier I think Ms. Kelly takes you into another realm of Kelly. Not just the Kelly you know from Destiny's Child but really someone who shared and poured her heart in this record although it took a while to get here. I believe that everything happens for a purpose and this record is KELLY ROWLAND without any attachments. Ms. Kelly is her Wonder Woman Album because she is doing so much as suppose to Simply Deep.