Album Review: Kelly Rowland – ‘Here I Am’

In an era where artists struggle to standout in the uniformed tide of auto-tuned Pop music and depthless R&B, Kelly Rowland has announced her return with her new album, ‘Here I Am’. However, instead of creating refreshing material that reflects her status as a veteran in the game, she has done nothing more than cement her position as another faceless name in the crowd.

Simply a collection of radio-friendly singles framed by catchy melodies and finger-snapping beats, ‘Here I Am’ is mostly forgettable. Still, regardless all of its shortcomings, the LP is probably Rowland’s best work to date.

Timidly hiding behind thick production, Rowland’s voice is rarely given the opportunity to shine. In fact, songs such as ‘All of the Night (Ft. Rico Love)’ and ‘Turn It Up’ make it easy to believe that she rather enjoyed her place behind the far more impressive Beyonce in Destiny’s Child.

On almost every track, Rowland completely replaces background singers with her own layered vocals, proving her blatant unwillingness to push her limits and experiment with more complex arrangements. Clearly, it is no mystery why she is rarely able to sing her songs live when she is almost completely reliant on studio technology.

In fact, the only songs that feature Rowland’s voice as the main focus are the sensual lead single, ‘Motivation (Ft. Lil Wayne)’, and ‘Keep It Between Us’ where she glides through her range with surprising control. Certainly, while her voice lacks the grit and power of many of her R&B peers, she has the ability to produce an enjoyable vocal performance when she tries.

Ironically, despite obvious attempts to create an album geared toward capturing the Urban market that has eluded Rowland for most of the last decade, the standout tracks on ‘Here I Am’ are actually the Pop songs. The infectious ‘Down for Whatever’ and terribly underrated ‘Commander’ demonstrate her ability to become this generation’s Donna Summer; the reigning Queen of Dance music.

Still, as many have learned to expect from Rowland, these shining moments are a rarity. With the exception of the possible summer anthem ‘Lay It On Me (Ft. Big Sean)’, the rest of the LP is awkward and uninspired.

The Tricky Stewart-produced ‘I’m Dat Chick’ sounds like a leftover track from Rihanna’s ‘Loud’, undoubtedly a ramification of the fact that it was co-written by Ester Dean (‘S&M’, ‘Rude Boy’). Moreover, ‘Work It Man (Ft. Lil Playy)’ does not encourage any reaction except the urge to click ‘delete’ when it is discovered that the featured act is not T.I.

In the end, ‘Here I Am’ is just generally anticlimactic and far from life changing. Similar to most of Rowland’s previous efforts, it circles the bull’s-eye without ever hitting the mark, proving that she isn’t the little engine that could. Rather, she is the little engine that almost did.

Standout tracks: ‘Down For Whatever’, ‘Lay It One Me (Ft. Big Sean)’ and ‘Motivation (Ft Lil Wayne)’

Weakest track: ‘Work It Man (Ft. Lil Playy)’

Possible singles: ‘Turn It Up’, ‘Down For Whatever’ and ‘All of the Night (Ft. Rico Love)’

The Lava Lizard Rating: 2.5/5 Stars

What do you think of the review?


31 Comments

  • T
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Good review. I have to say I agree. The album was missing something but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Maybe it was a simple WOW factor.

    I like I’m Dat Chick and Turn It Up but mostly on the production. Kelly has a good voice so I don’t understand why she is doing what artists like Rihanna do which is hide behind studio editing.

    This may be Kelly’s last try to make the solo impact that many have been wanting to see her acheive. Let’s NOT even talk about the album’s lackluster promotion.

    Poor Kelly wont let herself be great.

  • Beyonce2ndSon
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    In agreement, Kelly’s album is very much overhyped. This album has No shining moments to showcase her voice or lack thereof. Makes a cute drink coaster.

  • ABC
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    On point review…vocally she’s sounds just like the Ms. Kelly era…and a lot of these songs sound like Rihanna and Keri Hilson leftovers

  • 25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    I HATE DOWN FOR WHATEVER! Like Beyoncé’s Run The World (Girls) on “4. The Dance tracks just feel out of place and random with the rest of the album. If Kelly should have just put them& a few dance mixes to songs like Work It Man on the Deluxe version. Speaking of Work It Man is one of my favorite tracks but i do agree that its begging for a feature from T.I. or Rick Ross. All in all i think Here I Am is a Good yet Generic Urban & B album that Keri has been the Queen of. I honestly would prefer Kelly to wear that crown anywayz….

  • 25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    After reading this review, and personally checking Kelly’s album out, I must agree. Kelly has yet to make a name for herself, and is struggling to do so. I was hoping ‘Here I Am’ would be the “shine” album on her career. An album that would awake the people who have slept on her for so long. Instead of showcasing her talents, she decided to go with the “factory-made” approach. It’ll last for a couple months, but until she steps outside the box, she’ll always just be a glorified “background” singer to me. With that said, I’m sure she can, and will, sell more than Ciara’s CD sold.

  • Korrenzo
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    I believe that the album is really good. I think that she needed to be presented as a more radio friendly artist because she doesn’t have that status in America yet. When she gets to the point where she can throw out any crap and have it sell (a la Beyonce, Lady Gaga or Rihanna) then she can experiment more…but in all honesty, most of her USA audience will be buying her music for the first time. She needed to make sure she satisfied them.

  • RealMusic
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    I totally agree with you trent. The album just seems really mediocre to me

  • Miss. S.
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Her album left me with a blank ass stare cuz I really don’t know……I thought she would get it right w/this album but she defintely took another step back.

  • R@@
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    I Agree with Korrenzo….

    Once Kelly get the U.S.A audience attention she will be able to do MORE….I liked the album personally but once she shape things up she will be fine EVERYWHERE…!

  • 25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    This album made me realize how much of a true r&b classic beyonce’s 4 is compared to this generic Mess.

  • @NaCho_Che
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    I agree 100%. I was VERY disappointed when I listened to it on here.

  • los
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Trent stop being biased Kelly Rowland Here I Am is album of the year. She will make more money than u and the 5 people that come to your blog. LOL. How about u do a review of how lame your blog is lmao while Ms Kelly keeps spending her millions. I love every song on her album and they are all single worthy. Don’t be mad cuz her album shits on every other album this year.

    now back to playing I’m that Chick….get into it.

  • lebz
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Wow such an uninspired half assed review! Kelly rowland has released 2 previous studio albums! Her first being alternative pop/rock and the severely underrated 2007 release Ms kelly being mainly R&B! All solid efforts in my opinion! The third release Here I AM achieves what it sets out to do..a mainstream urban record filled with very listenable and radio friendly songs…Kelly is a very good singer she doesn’t have to belt, screech and holler to prove that..her strong point is the clear tone and crisp nature of her voice something I’ve come to appreciate(having been a fan and listened to all 3 of her albums) She Is NOT, doesn’t want to be and never will be Beyonce..they are 2 dif artists and if you appreciated music as much as you purport to you would know that Trent…over all I think Here I am though not her best album(that award goes to ms kelly) it is her most commercial and will most likely be her most successful! It has some brilliant songs…the celestial Keep it between us! The sensual motivation and of course the ultra suave and narcissistic feeling me right now..actually I realise that this album is a grower I’m loving every song even work it man, turn it up, all of the night I’ve made peace with the fact that kelly just can’t win for loosing with the american music public…she goes for deep lyrically infused songs..(Ms kelly) its called boring and uninspired! She goes commercial and radio friendly(Here I am) its considered a fad and not timeless…anyway ill keep enjoying my favourite album of 2011 so far HERE IAM.

  • Americanboi
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    This review is DEAD ON. I couldnt agree with u more! u snatched the words right out of my mouth.i was do disappointed when i was listening. Alot fo ppl were impressed Lay on me…but its just OK. Motivation is the best song on the album. Its so very forgettable. But i didn’t expect anything more from Kelendra. Theres a reason why Beyonce is the break out star of DC.

  • 25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    I have to Disagree on somethings, This album is her best, although trent is right about the radio friendly singles. But i think that doing radio friendly singles was a smart move for her, i think that this was made to get the U.S. attention. Trent you have to realize that majority of America is not that deep into music like some of us are into, Majority of America is into music that is easy and catchy, so i think she did a good job, on this album if she’s just trying to catch some attention, then later she can do some good music that standouts to us music head.

    I basically think she made the album single friendly to get a little more hype, and attention, more MULAH. I think she’s doing what it takes to make a little more change, before she brings us the classics.

  • Olly_Tei
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    I agree with everything except this being her best album. Ms kelly easily surpasses this. It was solid album which didn’t feel the need to follow trends and was filled with quality RnB

  • chitwnborn
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Good and well thought out honest review Trent!

    At this point I still don’t know what to think about Kelly Rowland as an artist. It seems like she is always chasing a “Hit” and not laying a foundation about who SHE is. She named this album “Here I am” but Im not convinced that’s who she is. I like Kelly but I think she needs to come with a more unique approach so people can separate her from the other girls and see her for who she is.

  • 25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    @Olly_Tei

    Well, this is her best album so far lol

  • TheMan4u
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    before Kelly can make the cd everyone wants her to make she has to first gain an audience and the way you do that is with hit songs. kelly’s cd is no different than rihanna’s a cd full of potential hit singles. Give kelly a break, she has to first prove that she can make hit records after Matthew and DC, this is the most important cd of her career, she went the safe(smart) route. Beyonce had to make Sasha fierce and DIL before she could take a chance and make the cd SHE wanted to make with 4.

  • Chris J
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    the album is weak..trent great review

  • Volguy
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Wow, this review was really harsh. I agree that most of the songs are nothing groundbreaking but to say the album is below average is just unfair. Kelly delivered exactly what she needed to with this album, radio friendly songs. Ms. Kelly was far superior with songs like The Show and Still in Love with My Ex that had great vocals and depth, but nobody was checking for that. I myself was somewhat disappointed with the album and felt that she could’ve done A LOT more than she did (see: Make Believe which is a great track), but I still feel it is a solid effort and I will be buying it.

  • TinaSouthAfrica
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Christina Aguilera – @TheRealXtina flopped 4 our sins! LegendTina GodGuilera will rise with her 5th untitled future smash #1 album.

  • Ugh
    25 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    weak album. Now watch it flop. Sorry Kelly you should have given it your all.

  • Oh Please
    26 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    For all of you stating that this is the album of the year. You need to get your ears checked, and this is coming from someone who was rooting for Kelly’s comeback. I was highly disappointed with this album. Also, the left over track “Make Me Believe” should’ve definitely been on the album b/c that sh*t is fire. To me, I really think Kelly needs a new team behind her, a new label, something. I hope she sells though, I really do

  • Ci'Yonce
    26 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Okay let me start of by saying this is her best work to date. I have previewed her last albums and I’m surprised that she has put out quality music. However, regardless of the fans and critics the album speaks for itself. I never been a fan but I was really intrigued that Here I Am is a very good album. I agree with @Volguy she had to deliver her audience. Raido friendly songs are have been impacting the charts for a while and to get the success she has to put out the music that people want to hear. Fans need to realize it’s not about them all the time. Their artist have feelings too. I hate when fans dictate what and how their fav is supposed to deliver their music. Let the artists create his or her craft because at the end of the day it’s up to the fans to buy the music or not. I believe she will have success with this album if she keeps promoting, and getting her music heard. The right singles should help boost her album sales too; I guarantee you she will surprise a lot of people. Now whoever her label/team she has needs to get on top of it because I agree she had little promotion whatsoever. She can pull off 100k if her fans do their part and support her because that’s the main thing. I read the review and I wasn’t offended because everyone has an opinion. Some of the songs are quite catchy and a few had to grow on me. For instance “Lay It On Me”. It’s alright but I can manage to listen to it. My favorite standout tracks “I’m Dat Chick” “Turn It Up” “Keep It Between Us” and “Down For Whatever” I gave the album a 4.

  • MC_BFLY
    26 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    I have to agree with the review, but I will be supporting the album cuz I’ve always loved Kelly I just wish she came a little harder.

  • 26 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    This CD is absolute the best! Every song is catchy and I can hear them playing in the club or being on a featured playlist. Smooth & energetic vocals and some terrific collaborations. Kelly put some work into this project & it shows. Sounds great, she looks great..and it’s her time..

  • DaTruth
    26 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Sad but true tea! #smh

  • jewerly girl
    26 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    I have disagree with Trent Bey is not a classic R&B she just scream and hoteliers
    a lot to prove to people that she has a power voice. I have heard a couple songs
    from her album and they don’t half as good as some of the songs on Kelley’s
    album. Work -it man is catchy tune so is Turn it up. I like Down for whatever
    too. I think it is just like Ms Kelly but this time she getting the promotion
    that she needs to sell this album.

  • jewerly girl
    26 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Sorry that was a typo. It suppose say that I have heard a couple songs
    from her album and don;t sound half as good as some of the songs
    on Kelley’s album.

  • why1980
    26 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    As you have done at that other site, and now here on The Lava Lizard, you have ‘spoketh the truth’. I am numb from feeling hurt and disappointed in Kelly. I used to go so hard for her, but after her lip-synced ‘urban and simple-minded’ performance, along with these cheap toliet paper tracks on her album, I have officially released her to the wolves to devour and relish. If you don’t care Kelly, then I don’t care as a fan. Tell your girl Brandy to step lightly as well, because her procrastination has her on a ticking time bomb as well! I won’t turn my back on Brandy, for she has given me music for my life, but she’s gonna get a thrashing if she doesn’t give us music and GOOD music. But back to Kelly, you never have given me good music as a solo artist, just a few tracks, but they were never released. You spent most of your career kissing Beyonce’s ASS and now you wanna hop on two feet? And when you do, you just act like a regular, faceless R&B/euro pop artist that comes and goes? I can’t Kelly, I just can’t. As Trent said, your EuroDance music had more thought and feeling into it, it just didn’t catch over here. Now YOU want to degrade and demean yourself and possibly go on tour as a SUPPORTING act to Chris Brown? I’ll open the train door, you jump first Kelly!

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