Photo Courtesy of Kehlanimusic.com
Story by Shorin Estell / Contributing Writer
Kehlani released her sophomore album, “SweetSexySavage,” late Thursday night. I was skeptical to listen at first because I couldn’t really connect with her first album, “You Should Be Here,” but I decided to give it a chance.
The first time around, a majority of the songs sounded the same to me. I gave it another listen and came to find that it’s actually a very jiggy album. The flow is cohesive, which makes it easy to chill and vibe to.
The album truly opens the door and invites us on a tour of Kehlani’s life.
Never did I think I’d want you
Always seen you ’round my way
Never had the strength to tell you
I kinda, sorta think you’re great
Strange for me to wanna love someonewho’s bad all by them self…
Hate to know I made you crazy for myself”(Escape)
This is an album for the lovers. If you’re missing an ex, want to explain your true feelings for someone or simply listen to good R&B music, Kehlani’s album is what you need to be listening to right now.
The album seems to be inspired by Kehlani’s very interesting 2016.
Why do I pick up my phone every time that you call?
Why do I feel this? I’m in my feelings.
Why do I let you give me half and I give you my all?
Why do I feel this? I’m in my feelings,”
(In My Feelings)
She had a very public, very messy breakup with her ex-boyfriend Kyrie Irving, point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, when Canadian rapper PartyNextDoor posted a suspicious photo of the two in the bed. She faced a lot of backlash from fans, sending her into a bout of depression and even a suicide attempt. She briefly deleted her Instagram, but has recently been active again on social media. Most recently, she detailed the experience of suddenly losing her security guard, who was like family.
But with her singles “CRZY” and “Distraction” both peaking on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart at #85, Kehlani seems to be on the up and up.
Amongst all of what seemed to be the decline of her career, Kehlani pushed through and has possibly delivered one of the best albums to be released in 2017 thus far.
Coming from someone that wasn’t really big on Kehlani before this album, I would have to give “SweetSexySavage” a B+.
Here are my top five song recommendations:
1.) In My Feelings
2.) Escape
3.) Everything Is Yours
4.) Do U Dirty
5.) Not Used to It
To contact Lifestyles Editor Marissa Gaston email [email protected].
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