After months of anticipation, R&B's resident musical rebel K. Michelle released her third studio album "More Issues Than Vogue" this past Friday.
It was definitely a departure from the sadder narrative of her last album, "Anyone Wanna Buy A Heart," the new album takes a different creative direction with the incorporation of formulaic pop and classic country sounds.
K. Michelle has revealed that she wanted to take her new direction even further, but her record label didn't want her to lose the original sound that her fanbase has come to know and love.
What "More Issues Than Vogue" offers is a valiant effort toward pleasing both parties with records that are more urban, records that are different than fans would expect from her, and some records that fall in the sweet spot of the middle.
Below are my standout tracks:
If It Ain't Love: This is easily the best track on the album. The perfect amount of soul and southern twang has proven to be a winning combination for K. Michelle, which can also be heard on "God, I Get" from her last album. This is her best vocal moment since "Sometimes" from her debut album, "Rebellious Soul."
Make the Bed (feat. Jason Derulo): This trendy pop tune pulls from the same musical world of Jason Derulo's "Cheyenne," which is understandable since the pop superstar co-wrote and featured on this track. The pair's natural chemistry is evident and creates a nice balance on this Top-40 ready cut. (Sidenote: I'm still upset that their song "Love Like That," from Derulo's latest album, wasn't a single. That song is hot!)
All I Got: This is my second favorite track. The way that the Stevie Wonder-esque piano bursts into the riveting chorus allows K. Michelle to fully emote the lyrics. Simply put, she is sangin' on the track!
Time: This nod to old school blues is refreshing amongst the production-heavy second half of the album. The strings and bass line are the perfect backdrop to this ode to letting go.
Rich (feat. Yo Gotti and Trina): The contrast between the whimsical melody and trap-like production surprisingly mesh on this Yo Gotti and Trina assisted jam.
Sleep Like a Baby: K. Michelle sounds more polished than ever on this urban radio record. This was a smart selection to end the album, as it signifies a departure from her last album's sound while staying true to the subject of love that we expect from her.
K. Michelle's continual push of R&B's boundaries is both admirable and exciting. Although it's apparent that R&B's mainstream popularity has declined over time, it's artists like K. Michelle that move the genre forward by experimenting with new sounds and singing straight from the gut. R&B is more than just love songs- it's the story of pain, heartbreak, freedom, and all of the other varied aspects of love that we're so familiar with. If you have a few extra dollars to spare, I recommend purchasing this solid body of work. You won't be disappointed.
