American singer-songwriter Kehlani released her fifth studio album, Kehlani, Friday, April 24. The 17-track self-titled album is self-defining as it focuses on her personal growth, and its release date coincided with her birthday. The album features a mix of R&B and hip-hop with highly anticipated guest artists including Usher, Cardi B, Lil Wayne, and Leon Thomas. Tackling vulnerability, self-reflection, and heartbreak through the album’s themes, Kehlani enters into a new era of her music.
Kehlani first entered the public eye in 2011 as the lead singer in the pop group, PopLyfe, on America’s Got Talent. After leaving the group, she established her own career with the release of her debut mixtape, Cloud 19 and, in 2015, signed with Atlantic Records. Recently, Kehlani won her first Grammy Award for her new song “Folded,” the lead single on Kehlani, winning Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song.
The album starts with a short spoken-word introduction entitled “intro.” As classical piano and symphonic backing sets the sound, Kehlani delves into the personal growth theme of the album. Stating, “You’re about to hear a heart that’s been stretched, healed, and reborn.” Kehlani highlights the fearless, unapologetic nature of her album’s lyrical themes.
Track two, “Anotha Luva,” includes Kehlani’s first feature on the album, rap artist Lil Wayne. Despite the repetitive beat and chorus, the layered strings and keyboard keep the sound interesting. The song explores the reluctance to let go of a relationship, singing, “I tried to move on, but I just don’t wanna.”
Track four, “Folded,” is the leading single for the album, winning Kehlani two Grammys. The song starts with a swirling violin intro, then leads into a consistent beat and soft guitar. “Folded” examines the feeling of regretting ending a relationship and hoping to get the person back. When she sings, “So can you come pick up your clothes? I have them folded,” it acts as an olive branch, showing the person she still cares for them.
Track eight, “Shoulda Never” is a soulful, R&B duet, featuring Usher. The song dives into the struggle of letting go of a past toxic relationship and regretting the time wasted within that relationship. Kehlani sings, “When I knew better, but I didn’t do no better. I just wasted my time (Yeah).” With brass embellishments and a bass drum, Usher and Kehlani create a mellow, infectious ballad.
Track 13, “Pocket” featuring Cardi B, is a flirty, high-energy anthem, mixing R&B and hip-hop. The song’s hook is a catchy call-and-response chant, followed by heavy bass and trumpet arrangements. Additionally, the song breaks down into a solo Cardi B rap performance, including a shoutout to Kehlani’s track “Folded.” Centered on unapologetic desire, Kehlani and Cardi tackle confidence and self-worth, singing, “Baby, you need somewhere to keep your love (Your love).”
The final track on the album, “Unlearn,” takes a turn from the past energetic songs. Smooth vocals and yearning piano carry this stripped-back, slow ballad. The song functions as a vulnerable reflection on the album’s themes, acknowledging that to move forward, she must focus on herself. With the main hook professing, “I got a lot to unlearn about me (About me), but I’ll do the work if you still believe (If you still believe, no, no).”
Throughout this album, Kehlani enters a new era, exploring past and future relationships. Still, with so many featured artists, the album tends to feel hollow, relying on the other artists to generate interest. Additionally, Kehlani has little variation, with most songs sharing similar melodies and themes. The album serves as an interesting and fun project, but fails to really explore any lyrical themes outside of relationships, earning Kehlani a two and a half out of five feathers.
