Destiny’s Child is one of the top selling female groups of all time. Kelly Rowland is co-founder and one third of the DC dynasty; a Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum selling R&B songstress. But nine years after the band’s final album together, Kelly is an artist all her own and back on the scene with her fourth solo album Talk A Good Game. If you’re looking for a versatile album you don’t have to look much further. The beats and melodies are so diverse there’s no chance of getting bored or tired as you go along. From the heavy ballads that dig deep into her past like “Dirty Laundry” to the bubbly bad girl rockers like “Sky Walker” you’ll find too much variety to handle in one sitting. Here is a track-by-track analysis for your soulful information:
1. Freak | 8.5/10
Kelly isn’t afraid of her sexuality. While not overly explicit, this record will definitely put you in the mood for a wild night with the one you get freaky with. The beat is fast and intense; you’ll have to work hard to keep up with it at first. Kelly makes a good alpha female in this one. It’s also visual lyrically; you can see everything she sings about in your mind’s eye. The beat is good for work out tunes also!
2. Kisses Down Low | 9.5/10
Check out the music video for this one! It was the first single and for good reason; it’s a fun-filled R&B bombshell just like the woman herself. Much like “Freak,” Kelly explores her sexuality here without being overly explicit…which to me makes a good mix but everyone’s gonna want something different. The beat rocks well but it’s also light and airy almost like a pop song. Her vocals are beautiful too!
3. Gone (feat. Wiz Khalifa) | 8.5/10
This is where it starts to get a little more real…but in a relaxed, easy way. Fed up with a relationship she’s explaining how she’s hitting the road. The chorus takes a bit from Counting Crows’ “Big Yellow Taxi” melody when she sings “Don’t it always seem to go / that you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone” and it flows beautifully. That’s originally an older song but Kelly sings it in the Counting Crows harmony. Wiz Khalifa’s verse fits well near the end too!
4. Talk A Good Game (feat. Kevin Kossom) | 7/10
We’re in the heavy stretch of the album here, and again relationships are hard to work through. This title track explains getting to a crossroads of sorts, working out issues that arise because talk is cheap. It also touches on the importance of honesty. Skip this if you’re looking for an upbeat, bubbly banger. It’s more of a take-it-slow R&B track.
5. Down On Love | 6.5/10
This one is along the same lines as the last; issues that arise in a relationship…or trying to find the right one. Not having any luck finding someone who wants what you want (“We want two different things at two different times”). It has a beat to it but it’s not bouncy or high-spirited. Your mood should be a little more somber to play this. And your love life probably won’t be in the best place either.
6. Dirty Laundry | 11/10
I can’t begin to describe how good this one is. Obviously my favorite on the album, ‘Dirty Laundry’ goes harder than any track I’ve ever heard from Kelly simply because of how honest she’s willing to be. Most of the talk about the album has been about this song. In it Kelly describes an abusive relationship with an ex, the toll it took on her through the years and having to deal with that on top of maintaining a career while in the shadow of her girl Beyoncé’s success (“While my sista was on stage, killin’ it like a muthaf*cka / I was enraged, feelin’ it like a muthaf*cka”). If you want that hard-hitting, make you feel the pain track this is it.
7. You Changed (feat. Beyoncé and Michelle Williams) | 7/10
The trio are reunited for a song!! Beyoncé and Michelle lend their voices to another track discussing the end of a relationship. It’s a doo-woppy track that has a real R&B feel to it. Unlike the Destiny’s Child of old that had Beyoncé’s vocals over-shadowing all the other ladies, Kelly and Michelle are actually quite strong on their own verses. This song was meant for them!
8. I Remember | 6.5/10
This isn’t a slow jam, but it’s not intense or sassy either. It reminisces about an old flame and has a beat that’s weird to follow. It still flows well enough but not as well as some of the others. If you want something easy to listen to then this is your track! It’s not long or involved but it’ll give you something to groove to, especially if you’re doing random work or chores.
9. Red Wine | 8/10
Just a tidbit, the words “red wine” never appear in this song. It flows very whimsically, almost like a fairy tale tune. Kelly’s voice is absolutely amazing throughout, especially near the end where the harmonizing skat-like melody comes in. No particular topics come to mind here, just the power of love and belief. Another one for easy listening!
10. This Is Love | 10/10
Not a particularly deep track lyrically, but you get the jest of what she feels. It’s almost whimsical like ‘Red Wine’ but more down to Earth because of the beat. It’s also easier to follow and her voice is incredible once again! It’s a feel-good song that is excellent for a bad day. You’ll have no doubts after hearing this one!
11. Street Life (feat. Pusha T) | 9/10
If you come from the ‘hood this one is for you! Kelly doesn’t miss a beat with her ‘hood mentality (“There go my baby daddy / Pullin’ up like aye girl, leggo”). If you’re feeling extra loose you might pick this one to play. The rap verse fits nicely and the drums and synths work well together. If you’re kicking back at the barbecue with the family in the neighborhood this should be in your playlist!
12. Stand In Front Of Me | 10/10
The old school vibe in this is insane. You’ll vibe and feel like you’re in 80s Motown! Kelly’s vocals are so well suited and the lyrics, again, give you a great visual (“He said stand in front of me / Let me pone that ass”). It’s the most classical on the album by far. The beat will have you grooving all night long! Take your man out for a dance, you’ll have no problem dancing until the sun comes up.
I can’t complete this review without mentioning two songs on the deluxe, “Sky Walker” and “Put Your Name On It .” Those two are probably the best next to the two main singles. Kelly gets sexy and sassy in them both. The third song on the deluxe “#1” isn’t too bad, though it’s okay that didn’t make it on the main cut. I definitely recommend the deluxe version, you’ll be missing out on a good deal without it!
But the bottom line remains, Miss Kelly outdid herself on this new record. It’s feel good music with some groove and attitude that most can’t compete with. There’s a song for every mood you could be in, every activity you could be doing. Versatility is the name of the Game. You won’t regret picking up this album.
The LG Blog 