Released: 19 February 2021
Rating: ***
In the eight years since Kelly Rowland released her last solo album, ‘Talk A Good Game’, she’s kept herself out of the charts with various non-music ventures.
After embarking on an acting career with a recurring role on ‘Empire’, starring as a coach on ‘The Voice Australia’ and welcoming her second child earlier this year, the former Destiny’s Child singer is back with new music.
Hot on the heels of comeback single Black Magic, released February 12, Kelly returns with her much-anticipated ‘K’ EP – featuring six tracks, including previous releases Hitman and Crazy.
The R&B collection remains faithful to the star’s roots, with her silky smooth vocals taking centre stage over slick beats that are both modern and timeless.
Opening track Flowers showcases the best of the Dilemma diva, proving her merit as a solo artist and cementing her sound firmly in the R&B genre.
It’s a direction worlds away from the dance floor friendly Commander and What a Feeling, which saw her return to the UK charts in the early ‘10s.
It’s not all slow jams – latest release Black Magic is a celebration of African-American culture, while Crazy – a standout from the EP – invites you to bust a move as the star declares her unconditional love.
Closing out ‘K’, Speed of Love and Better slow things down with personal lyrics that cut to the heart of the star – a new mum, just turned 40, enjoying a balance between work and family commitments.
For decades, Rowland’s career has lingered in the shadows of her former bandmate Beyoncé, but if ‘K’ proves anything, it’s that she’s equally deserving of her musical legacy.
With standout tracks, strong vocals and an undeniable confidence that shines through the collection, ‘K’ lights the way for a bright future for Rowland and leaves us thirsty for more – album No. 5, anyone?
