Kelis - FOOD | Album Review

Kelis is back and she has been cooking up a treat for her  6^th studio album.

Looking back on Kelis’ colourful discography it should come as no surprise that for the theme and sound of her latest offering Food, Kelis has switched up her sound and style once again. Having conquered the EDM sound for her critically acclaimed 2010 album Flesh Tone, Kelis is back with a retro 70s vintage sound.  As a qualified chef, Kelis blends both sides to her lifestyle on this album with song titles such as ‘Jerk Ribs’, ‘Cobbler’ and ‘Friday Fish Fry’.  After devouring everything on the menu, it’s safe to say, FOOD might just be one of the most delicious dishes Kelis has ever served.

The albums intro -Breakfast (or ‘starter’ if you really want to stick to the food theme) opens with Kelis’ son Knight asking ‘Hey guys! Are you hungry? My mom made food’, which unravels as one of the most cheerful and captivating songs we have ever heard from Kelis. Her husky voice melts over the full band playing behind her in an irresistible way as she croons ‘maybe we’ll make it to Breakfast....’

The next serving is the albums infectious lead single ‘Jerk Ribs’ followed by ‘Forever Be’ which has arguably one of the catchiest choruses on FOOD. The albums 70s styled theme is more noticeable on the smooth ballad ‘Floyd’, where Kelis teases that she wants to be blown away by a man worth her time. Kelis’ voice has a subtle sensuality to it which is endearing and exciting to listen to.

Watch the video for Jerk Ribs below:

Throughout FOOD, the same honesty that is in all of Kelis’ past music can be heard even more distinctively than ever. Songs like Runnin’, ‘Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy’ and ‘Rumble’ reveal the 34-year-olds vulnerable side. Whereas ‘Hooch’ and Cobbler are songs which are definitely going to sound amazing in the sun this summer (and for many summers to come), show off the easy going and carefree side to the singer.

Friday Fish Fry proves to be the only bland moment from FOOD, not even the constant ‘ooh-ahhs’ from the backing singers or the call and response from the men that Kelis randomly tells that she ‘needs ice cold water’ give the song the oomph it needs.

FOOD will probably not get the recognition from the general public that it deserves, mainly because Kelis is mostly known for her 2004 hit Milkshake where she notoriously brought all the boys to the yard.  But if you’re a true music lover, this album is enough to make you want to show up at Kelis' yard and will certainly whet your appetite, leaving you hungry for more.

Recommend tracks: Breakfast, Jerk Ribs, Floyd, Hooch, Bless The Telephone, Change, Rumble, Dreamer.

9/10