Review: Kelly Rowland, Ms. Kelly - Deluxe Edition

After the perceived underperformance of Kelly Rowland's sophomore effort Ms. Kelly, Rowland returned to the studio and reworked the album re-branding it Ms. Kelly: Deluxe Edition. This version eliminated several songs from the previous release and either replaced them with updated remixes or with new songs all together.

One of the complaints of the original release of Ms. Kelly was that it was bogged down by ballads and midtempo tracks, Rowland addresses this from the get-go with the re-release. The album opens on the slick Freemasons remix of her dance anthem "Work." The already sassy song is improved upon with an Indian influence that gives the track an exotic feel. It stands strong as one of Rowland's most remarkable works. Among the new material on the album is a Bobby Womack cover, "Daylight." This feel-good track is bright and effortless, adding a playful dimension to the re-release especially since Rowland genuinely seems to be having fun on the song. "Like This" returns from the original release of Ms. Kelly to complete the trifecta of party songs that open the album before the rest of the record slips into a series of ballads. "Love," "Better Without You," "This Is Love" and "Every Thought Is You" all return but the distinctly vulnerable "Still In Love With My Ex" is disappointingly absent. The other scrapped songs along with "Still In Love With My Ex" are replaced with four ballads. The first is the unremarkable "Broken." The lyrics are predictable and Rowland seems to be going through the motions over the dull arrangement. However, it proves to be the exception as the remaining ballads become selling points for the release. "No Man No Cry" is a polished and modern track that finds a confident-sounding Rowland moving on following a failed relationship and "Love Again" is a superbly soulful old school R&B jam where Rowland gives one of her finest vocal performances to date over a simple yet moving piano arrangement. However, the true standout amongst the new material is the incredibly emotional ballad "Unity." A favourite amongst fans, "Unity" features impassioned goosebump-inducing vocals by Rowland and a beautifully layered composition of strings, piano and percussion. It is perfection. Closing the album are two club remixes of "Daylight" and "Comeback." The length of these mixes is a bit excessive and clashes with the overall tone of the album. That said, it anchors the album enough to satisfy those looking for a dance fix and mirrors the opening of the album. Still, they feel more like bonus tracks than intentional album cuts.

Kelly Rowland made a valiant effort with Ms. Kelly: Deluxe Edition. The vast majority of the new songs included on the release are beautifully composed and sung well. There are some definite standouts and some could have possibly become hits with the right promotion ("Unity" especially). Rowland also seemed to be very aware of where the weaknesses of the previous version laid. She smartly removed "Ghetto" and "Flashback" but, unfortunately, she also left off two standout tracks ("The Show" and "Still In Love With My Ex"). Nevertheless, Ms. Kelly: Deluxe Edition is a solid offering from this R&B diva and should be bought alongside the previous version of the album. However, those who are more digitally-inclined can simply purchase the digital-only Ms. Kelly: Diva Deluxe which is an EP featuring the new songs to supplement the standard Ms. Kelly.

Recommended Listening: “Work” (Freemasons Radio Edit), “Daylight,” “Love Again,” “Unity,” “No Man No Cry”

Grade: B+