Review: Kelly Rowland, Here I Am

Plagued by numerous delays, the hotly anticipated third album by Kelly Rowland dropped in the summer of 2011. Here I Am proved to be an eclectic mix of R&B and electronica, marrying the two genres Rowland had been working under at that time. It was preceded by the smash hit "Motivation" and helped to re-introduce the R&B diva to the public.

Here I Am opens with the hand-clapping, foot-stomping, hair whipping "I'm Dat Chick." Aided by a grandiose electronic composition, Rowland's vocals are brash and saucy on this infectious dance track. After the explosive introductory cut, Rowland offers more traditional R&B jams. "Motivation" is a scintillating sex jam with a seductive Rowland delivering some of the steamiest lyrics heard since Prince's heyday. Similarly, "Lay It On Me" pushes more of those same buttons with its sassy lyrics and Rowland's dominating presence on the track. It serves as a standout on the album with its effortless piano melody and catchy chorus. Another solid offering is the self-love anthem "Feeling Me Right Now." Interpolating a piano arrangement with a heavy electronic composition, "Feeling Me Right Now" is an impish track that encourages self-confidence. Unfortunately, the album is bogged down by some so-so material. "Work It Man," despite its playfulness, is standard R&B fare and even though "Turn It Up" features strong vocals by Rowland it fails to really reach the necessary climax the song requires to be great. "All of the Night" likewise struggles to stand out due to its forced sensuality. Nevertheless, Here I Am manages to end on an impressive note. Rowland briefly slows things down with the beautifully airy ballad "Keep It Between Us" which features breathy vocals on romantic lyrics. She follows this up with the two best songs on Here I Am -- "Commander" and "Down For Whatever." The David Guetta-produced "Commander" is a dance anthem with a bombastic arrangement and some of the most confident vocals Rowland has given in her career. It is high energy and extremely infectious. Likewise, "Down For Whatever" is a dynamic club hit with a swinging electronic composition that is reminiscent of Jennifer Lopez's smash "On The Floor" and features solid vocals on Rowland's part. For those who picked up the deluxe version of the album, the empowering ballad "Heaven & Earth" serves as another standout on the album. This Ne-Yo-penned and produced track features Rowland pushing herself vocally and ultimately delivers the powerful message of never settling for anything less than happiness.

Prior to releasing Here I Am, Rowland declared that she would not be boxed into one specific genre and yet Rowland seems to be having the most fun and being the most confident on the dance songs present on her third album. She courageously refuses to adhere to the conventions expected of an R&B artist on Here I Am and for that she should be applauded. The flow of the album is spot-on and invites the listener on a journey through genres. While the album could have used more cohesion and would have benefited from trimming some of the R&B filler in favour of including some of the material she'd released in the European market, Here I Am is a fun record that clearly shows that Rowland is a grown woman who is fearless and is willing to take risks.

Recommended Listening: "I'm Dat Chick," "Motivation," "Lay It On Me," "Feeling Me Right Now," "Keep It Between Us," "Commander," "Down For Whatever," "Heaven & Earth"

Grade: A-