NEW RELEASE: Raven - Kelela

 I discoverd Kelela from her 2017 release "Take Me Apart". In her voice I heard the capability of a new Sade, but with more R&B Pop influences. From the singles, I was very excited for this release as she seemed to lean even more into the smooth vibe.

The album begins with "Washed Away", with a smooth backtrack and an introspective verse to lead into the album itself.

I was a bit surprised with "Happy Ending", that was led with more electronic beats to go into the smoothness. I love this type of dance music though so I will take it.

"Let It Go" is a softer ballad with a bit more R&B to it. Lyrically connects with the concept of weathering a storm, which all romance will have a little of. 

"On the Run" musically is on par with a lot of R&B pop hits of today, but I think Kelela just does it stronger.

I think "Missed Call" is the first miss. The vocal melody just doesn't match up well with the music to me. Definitely makes it a little chaotic.

"Closure" is a sensual pop/soul track. I usually complain about 3rd verse rappers, but this one flows seamlessly into the song and his verse actually makes sense to the song so I am completely okay with it.

"Contact" takes us back to a dance beat but a much smoother vocal again. Kelela's vocals are always stellar. Definitely seems more made for a club setting even lyrically.

"Fooley" immediately grabbed me musically. I always love an instrumental that is "unnecessarily dramatic". It is my inner drama queen showing. If the idea was getting you lost in the beat, it wins for me. It is a vibe.

"Holier" is a slight transition meaning wise for the album. In taking the road of being stronger, the next part of the album becomes lyrically more assertive. 

As "Raven" comes on, I have to appreciate an artist who can be cohesive without sounding the exact same. All these songs just flow so seamlessly together musically without being boring. It is harder to find now. The title track is a far more emotional cut and feels fitting that it is meant to be the capturing point. 

"Bruises" almost sounds part of Raven which is so cool. It is hard to so seamlessly transition in concept AND music.

"Sorbet" is another song that softens the dance out and makes it just a slow tempo vibe. I love how she tempered the emotion of the album. There's some high tempo moments but sometimes it just mellows out, giving a rest. It keeps you inside the world of it.

"Divorce" almost has some touches of After Hours dark tempo and I love it.

"Enough for Love" is probably the most "Take Me Apart"-esque song on the album which is still nice to have a piece of.

The album closes with "Far Away" which actually brings us back toward the front. I like this trend coming back, a good album should make you want to put it back on and begin again.

LYRICS: 6/10 - There's nothing particularly special or profound in most places but it flows with the music mostly and does not take away. 

MUSIC: 9/10 - Stellar production, great beats. Only one song didn't really flow with everything to me.

OVERALL: 8/10 - Kelela delivered, if you have been waiting. If you like new age-y and club electronic vibes then this album may be your cup of tea. I love the transitions and the way you can just get lost in it. If these trances are where music is going, take me along the 2023 ride.