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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
It is, in fact, that hubba bubba., July 2, 2007
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!
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by Kelly Rowland 
