REVIEW: Kelis, Kaleidoscope (Virgin)
- Joann D. Ball
"Caught Out There" is the irresistibly fresh and direct lead single from Kelis' debut release Kaleidoscope . Dedicated to "all the women out there that have been lied to by their men...over and over again," Kelis brilliantly expresses what it feels like when you find your significant other cheating on you. And she sums it up perfectly in the unforgettable raw, angry and honest chorus, "I hate you so much right now/I hate you so much right now/aaaahhhhhhhh/I hate you so much right now!"
The aggressive sound and edgy content of Kelis' "Caught Out There" clearly stands on its own merit with an intensity and power that is simply unmatched. This catchy smash hit song is neither a more colorful variation of "You Outta Know" nor the latest offering in a string of hit hip-hop and R&B singles about male/female relationships. And Kelis is not just the new flava of the month. The twenty-year old Harlem native is uniquely talented and displays a refined and mature musical and lyrical approach. Kelis' Kaleidoscope reflects a futuristic hip-hop, rock and R&B hybrid sound that cleverly sets off her insights about the intensities and complex patterns embedded in love and relationships.
Produced by the Neptunes, Kaleidoscope opens with a short, cosmic-themed introduction before rolling right into the funky promise of "Good Stuff." On this deep bass groove, Kelis makes it clear that what she's offering is so genuine and real that she has no problem offering a hassle free guarantee. Like "Caught Out There" and the eleven other songs on this well crafted, sophisticated and urbane collection, "Good Stuff" has more than enough substance and confidence to back up the sass and attitude. On "Mafia," Kelis delivers a full flow rap which gives such notables as Foxy Brown and Li'l Kim a good run for their money. And Kelis also establishes herself in the same league as Mary J. Blige and Lauryn Hill on the captivating "Get Along With You" and on the rich and soulful slow tempo tracks "Suspended," and record closer "Wouldn't You Agree."
Whether blazing new musical directions on the hour long Kaleidoscope or providing the sultry female vocals on rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard's hit "Got Your Money," Kelis is definitely her own woman with her own style. No doubt about it, Kelis is an exciting new artist who is worthy of all the attention she's received with the breakout hit "Caught Out There."
