The Rundown: Kelly Rowland, Talk A Good Game
The singer is pretty honest on her latest LP. Is it enough?
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The Rundown: Kelly Rowland, Talk a Good Game - Since the break-up of Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland has been trying to catch a buzz outside of her DC sister Beyoncé's shadow. And, having released three LPs that have not quite made a mark, Ms. Rowland finally made folks take notice with a bold wide-open approach on her latest offering Talk a Good Game. Here's track-by-track look at the project which promises to bring the singer to the forefront. (Photo: Republic Records)
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"Freak" - "Mirrors on the ceiling. Cameras on the corners of my bead," Kelly sensually croons on the opening track. This mature expression of sexuality is a befitting opener for the singer's most personal LP. Helmed by producer Nate “Danja” Hills (who exec. produced this LP), this is a synth-heavy walk on Ms. Rowland's wild side. (Photo: John Ricard/BET)
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"Kisses Down Low" - Nothing is lost in translation when it comes to this bouncy ode to cunnilingus. Atlanta-bred producer Mike Will Made It helmed this lead single, with its shimmering keyboard work and come-hither kicks. Some may call this track a bit crass, and others may hear it as hip hop-inspired expression of sexual freedom. Ether way, Kelly Rowland puts it out there, to say the least. (Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Ketel One)
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"Gone," featuring Wiz Khalifa - Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" spurs the opening melody (and chorus) of this cut about Kelly telling her lover that she's out the door ("Cause you don't know what you got 'til its gone"). Playing the kicked-to-the-curb beau is Wiz Khalifa, who puts his plea in a rhyme at the end. (Photos: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images; Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
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"Talk a Good Game" Featuring Kevin Cossom - "I don't want to see myself play the fool," Ms. Rowland confesses to a potential beau who she wants to be true. T-Minus produced this title track's coiling rhymes and lilting keyboard flourishes while rapper Kevin Cossom joins in to add some street edge. (Photos: Jason Merritt/Getty Images; Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
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"Down on Love" - A rolling snare and bass accompany this track's rising melody as Kelly Rowland sings about having given up on amour. “We want two different things at two different times," she sings. "You know how the story go / Easy come easy go.” Not one of the most memorable cuts, but it is one that will grow on you. (Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Courvoisier)
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"Dirty Laundry" - A break-out song for Kelly, this cut had the web buzzing about her opening up about the jealousy she felt for Beyoncé's success. “Kinda lucky I was in her shadow / Phone call from my sister what’s the matter / She said, 'Oh no / You gotta leave' / I’m on the kitchen floor." One would doubt it prudent to be so honest in the digital age. But the emotions are truly felt. (Photo: Judy Eddy/WENN.com)
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"You Changed," featuring Beyoncé and Michelle Williams - Yes, there is a Destiny's Child reunion within this track where Kelly, Beyoncé and Michelle grab a verse to diss a clueless ex. Here, Kelly shows grace, sharing the spolight with her DC sistren. And, vocally, all three shine. (Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images)
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"I Remember" - "They say, when it's over, you know when it's over," Kelly Rowland sings on this cut, which acts as the LPs' dance tune. Kelly doubles the pace and livens the atmosphere with this dancefloor banger where she mourns the loss of love. Though Kelly won't be thinking about it for long when the beat kicks in. (Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for BET)
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"Red Wine" - On this jam, Kelly gives us a noteworthy cut, throwing it back to the '80s and the sound of dance-able funk acts like The Mary Jane Girls. Electro-R&B is scrapped for live drums and ethereal syhtn chords. "Red Wine" was made for the cookout. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
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