Kelis - Food

It seemed Kelis' career as a singer had gone past its use-by date back in 2010. Her last album Flesh Tone, as great a listen as it was, didn't make waves on the charts and when she announced her departure from music to pursue a career as a chef we just thought, 'well that's that then'. Now, 4 years on, the timer has sounded on her musical oven and out of the stur we have Food, a contemporary soul album that reminds you of why you loved Kelis in the first place but also reveals a new found authenticity in her sound. Kelis has never sounded so comfortable and those famous smoky tones shine throughout the album. Food opens with Kelis' son Knight making a cameo and playfully welcoming us with 'Hey guys! You hungry? My mom made food...' 

The album's lead single Jerk Ribs is one of 2014s best songs, backed by an incredible horn arrangement and lead by vocals that soar through to the final chorus. It's the strongest track on Food, the most instantly likeable and the best song to cook to (I've tried and it just works so well). This tempo is continued in the latter stage of the album with Friday Fish Fry, an infectious rhythm and blues number with a rock guitar riff. The only other uptempo track is Cobbler, a song that sees Kelis sing about a new man in her life, comparing being with him him to a holiday. It's unsurprising, given the song titles, that she came up with song concepts whilst cooking dinner and producer Dave Sitek jammed on his lounge piano. 

Kelis - Jerk Ribs & Rumble

Kelis is one of the most underrated popstars around. She's moved through from hip-hop to r&b, from pop to dance and electronica. Now she's about to release her 6th studio album FOOD, and it's set to be a substantial helping of old school soul. The two promotional cuts, Jerk Ribs and Rumble are retro flavoured soul records that transport you back to an era where record players were the height of musical technology. 

Jerk Ribs is a wonderful uptempo track, with a soft soul bassline and an exhilarating chorus. Kelis' vocals have never sounded so affective, authentic and distinct. The lyrics are strong and the story is helped by Kelis' flawless delivery. When the muted brass backed chorus kicks in things bubble up to a whole new level of perfection. If this song was edible I'd be salivating by the end of the first chorus. Rumble is mid-tempo piano lead soul and like Jerk Ribs it sends you back in time and suddenly you're in a beautiful piano bar with a gin in one hand, cigarette in the other, foot tapping to the infectious beat. The cracks in Kelis' voice make this whole affair feel like a live performance. If these songs are anything to go by, Food is going to be the highlight of Kelis' career so far and potentially one of 2014's most accomplished albums.

Jerk Ribs - 5/5

Rumble - 4/5

Food is out on 21 April

Rated Flashback - Flesh Tone.

With stunning albums from an army of female artists (new and established) in 2010, it was no surprise when Kelis emerged from the ether once more to tantalise us with her attitude filled soul/hip-hop. However, she did surprise when it was revealed that her new collection would be a non-stop electronic pop ride. Flesh Tone couldn’t have been any more different to her past efforts, brimming with thudding electro beats and glorious choral climaxes.

Lead single ‘Acapella’ instantly bought its Barratt home on my Itunes’ ‘Recently Played’ plot and has since meandered in and out of situ. It is, by far, one of the top 10 songs of 2010, with its stunning David Guetta production and Kelis’ soft, affective vocals trickling over the beats like melting Neapolitan ice cream. This magnificence echoed on the gorgeous ‘4^th of July (Fireworks)’ and the ‘Vogue’ style chat-segue of ‘Scream’. ‘Brave’ and ‘22^nd Century’ could send tremors through the dance floor, it’s just a shame the album and its fantastic dance-tracks didn’t take off the way they deserved. By now they should be circling in orbit, but remain firmly grounded in the discount basket at HMV.

Under-appreciated brilliance.

4.5/5