| Ms. Kelly | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | June 20, 2007 (2007-6-20) | |||
| Recorded | 2006 | |||
| Genre | R&B | |||
| Length |
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| Label | ||||
| Producer |
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| Kelly Rowland chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Ms. Kelly | ||||
Ms. Kelly is the second solostudio album byAmerican recording artistKelly Rowland. It was released on June 20, 2007, throughColumbia Records in collaboration withMusic World Entertainment. Originally titledMy Story and expected for a mid-2006 release, the album marked Rowland's first solo studio album in four years. Retitled and delayed numerous times prior to its official release, the album's release date was eventually moved to 2007 in favor of a multi-tiered marketing strategy and additional recording sessions. Willed to produce a more personal effort after her debut studio albumSimply Deep (2002), Rowland contributed nine tracks to the reworkedMs. Kelly, which took her solo work further intourban music markets, involving production byScott Storch,Polow da Don,Soulshock & Karlin and singerTank, among others.
Upon its release,Ms. Kelly received generally positive reviews from mostmusic critics and achieved reasonable commercial success, debuting at number six on the USBillboard 200 and at number two on the USTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, selling 86,000 copies in its first week, being Rowland's highest first-week sales with a studio album to date in the US.[1] As a consequence, Columbia released threeDeluxereissues of the album the following year – anextended play (EP)Ms. Kelly: Diva Deluxe,Ms. Kelly: Deluxe Edition and another extended playMs. Kelly: Digital Deluxe – containing previously unreleased songs and remixes.[2] Exclusively atWalmart,Ms. Kelly was packaged with a bonusDVD titledBET Presents Kelly Rowland (2007). The DVD featuresBET and performance highlights, andmusic videos from Rowland's solo career.[3]
In 2002, Kelly Rowland teamed up with rapperNelly to record the chorus and vocals on the track "Dilemma" for his albumNellyville.[4] Released as the album's second single, the song became one of the most successful singles of the year, topping various charts worldwide, including the USBillboard Hot 100.[5][6][7][8] Originally scheduled to be released in early 2003, the success of the collaboration caused the label to extend the release date of Rowland's debut solo albumSimply Deep, which Rowland rushed within three weeks to get done and was described asalternative R&B.[9][10][11] Released in the United States in October 2002 and internationally in 2003,Simply Deep was certifiedgold by theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA),[12] and has sold 602,000 copies in the United States.[13] Released to an even bigger success in international territories, the album topped theUK Albums Chart and became a gold-seller in Australia,[14] Canada,[15] and New Zealand,[16] resulting in worldwide sales total of two and a half million copies. The album yielded three singles. "Stole", apop rock-influenced mid-tempo track about loss, was released as the album's lead single and became an international top-ten hit single, peaking at number two in Australia and the United Kingdom.[7][17] In the United States, the song failed to capitalize on the success of "Dilemma", reaching the top-thirty only.[18]
After a three-year hiatus that involved concentration on individual solo projects, Rowland rejoinedBeyoncé Knowles andMichelle Williams for Destiny's Child's final studio albumDestiny Fulfilled, released in November 2004.[19] Meanwhile, Rowland had started work on the conception of her second solo studio album.[20] She began collaborating with songwriter-producerBryan Michael Cox, partnerWyldCard, and production duo CKB. Some of their early recordings, including "Bad Habit" and "Flashback", were later included on Destiny's Child's final studio album as well as the group's live DVDLive in Atlanta (2006), respectively.[20] As she was anxious to avoid hasty productions as on her previous album, which Rowland felt was less personal, she took a wider role in the production of the album; the singer co-wrote the majority of the songs and shared ideas in which one to produce.[21] "I wrote a lot on this record [...] and it's especially from me [to my fans]," she toldCNN about the album. "It's a feelgood record; very intimate. It's a sneak peak[sic] into my mind and heart of the past three or four years."[11]
After therock–dance sound which dominated her previous albumSimply Deep, Rowland felt she was still struggling with finding her sound as solo artist, and instead of capitalizing off its international success, the singer and her management settled on "a more urban approach" with her second album.[22] Commenting on her decision, Rowland later toldMTV News, "in general, I'm going in the urban, more R&B route. Of course, that's what I started with Destiny's Child, [but on] my first solo album I did more of a pop-sounding record. So I wanted to go back to my roots and dibble and dabble with some beats."[23] Consequently, Columbia Records consulted a wider range ofcontemporary R&B andhip hop producers and artists such as Big Tank,Patrick "J. Que" Smith,Rockwilder,Rich Harrison,Rodney Jerkins, andRobin Thicke to work with Rowland on the album.[20] Female rapperEve, also lent her voice to a guest part.[20]
Lyrically, love, independence, and maturity became reoccurring themes throughout the album.[24] With songs such as "'I'm Still in Love with My Ex" and "Better Without You" inspired by Rowland's former relationship with American football playerRoy Williams,[23] most of the tracks Rowland recorded were relationship-driven, something she said she was not hesitant about discussing. "I just went in the studio and just did me, because I think that's when you get your best product. That's when it's just natural. It just flew out of my mouth and came out in lyrics [and] I had great writers involved."[21] While recording her vocals, Rowland was inspired by several singers, citing former bandmateBeyoncé Knowles, and singersBrandy andWhitney Houston as major inspirations, "I listened to a lot of Whitney Houston for her vocals. I love her. I love Beyoncé's voice, and I love Brandy. Those are three vocalists who inspire me. I love how different they are. I love how they take themselves to the next level."[23]
Opening song andlead single "Like This", which features rap fromEve, was one of the last songs recorded forMs. Kelly.[23] Noted for the use of acowbell in its melody, the single was first released in March 2007 to mixed reviews and became Rowland's highest-charting solo single since "Stole" (2002).[25] The second track, titled "Comeback", is one of the two tracksScott Storch contributed to the album. Planned to be released as the album's second single, Rowland shot amusic video for the track with directorPhilip Andelman in July 2007.[26] When a single release failed to materialize, the video premiered on Rowland's officialYouTube account in early 2008.[27] "Ghetto" is set as the third track and features rapperSnoop Dogg. Originally recorded for the shelvedMy Story, thecrunk-influenced track was released as the album's second single inNorth America in August 2007, where it achieved minor success, reaching number nine on the USBillboardBubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles only.[28] The album's fourth track, "Work", was written after returning from a night out inMiami and rushed in "like twenty minutes."[29] Anup-tempo composition featuringfunk production andgo-go elements,[30] it was released as the album's second international single during the first quarter of 2008 and enjoyed major international commercial success, emerging as the highest-charting single off the album.[31]Synthesized "Flashback" is the fifth track of the album and had previously appeared on Destiny's Child'svideo albumLive in Atlanta (2006). Released to generally lukewarm reviews, theSan Francisco Chronicle called it "positively lackluster".[32] "Every Thought Is You", a ballad produced byRockwilder, garanered positive critics, withAbout.com noting it "a classy, well-sung mid-tempo track about healthy infatuation".[33] The seventh track "The Show" features a guest appearance by singerTank, who produced the track. It's followed by a one-minute-long interlude. The ninth track "Still in Love with My Ex" was rumored to be about Rowland's ex-fiancée Roy Williams. The tenth track "Better Without You" speaks about a protagonist who feels better after ending a relationship. It's followed by the eleventh track "Love", and the album closes with a love song "This Is Love".
Originally expected for a March 2006 release, the album had two title changes and three unofficial releases until its official release the following year.[34] Initially scheduled for a July 11, 2006 release, the album's original draft, entitledMy Story, was eventually shelved in favor of a revamped version with a different vibe. Although managerMathew Knowles initially insisted that the decision to push the release date from July 2006 was because more time would be needed to properly set up the project, Rowland later admitted that she had been unsatisfied with the album's direction, and thus, she asked to rework with a stable of newrecord producers on the project.[35] Speaking of the delay and the original track listing, she toldBillboard: "it was basically a list of songs that I put together about the past three years of my life, with love and relationships", and added: "And I remember listening to the record, and I was just like, 'I don't want this to be too deep to where, you know, [I] lose people.' And the record was too full of midtempos and ballads, so I wanted to bring it up a little bit."[23]
Her decision led to the cancellation of the album's original leading single "Gotsta Go", a collaboration with rapperDa Brat that she premiered on theMTV Asia Awards 2006Bangkok on May 6, 2006.[34] Rowland eventually consulted new producers to collaborate on the album, includingMysto & Pizzi,Sean Garrett,Scott Storch, andAtlanta-basedPolow da Don, who contributed the single "Like This," a duet with rapperEve, to the album.[36] In addition, the singer decided to retitle the album. She stated: "I really put my heart and soul into this record and not only am I excited that everyone's going to hear the music, I'm looking forward to people getting to hear the real me. That's the reason I called the albumMs. Kelly. Because the title is all about respect, being an adult and that's how I feel about my life, and my music."[23]
Other promotional efforts included a sophomore CD teaser inLive in Atlanta features. "Flashback" was also included on an audio disc packaged with the DVD.[37]
Recorded late into the production of the album, Rowland and her management chose "Like This" as the lead single offMs. Kelly. Moderately successful on the charts, the song reached the top ten in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, and dominated the USDance Club Songs.[38][39] "Comeback" was sent to urban radio on July 30, 2007, as the album's second single in the United States,[40] while "Work" was released as the second international single and achieved greater success than "Like This". Pushed by a newly producedFreemasons remix, it reached the top ten on the majority of all European and Oceanic music charts.[41] "Ghetto", featuringSnoop Dogg, followed with minor to no commercial success stateside. The album produced previously unreleased "Daylight" as fourth and final single; it became a top twenty success in the United Kingdom and helped introducing theDiva Deluxe reissue.[42] Although never released as a single, Rowland shot a music video for "Comeback" back-to-back with the video for "Work".[26] The track was originally planned to be released as the album's second single alongside ballad "Still in Love with My Ex". In a fan poll to determine the second single of the album, "Still in Love with My Ex" was chosen. This never materialized, however.[43]
TheMs. Kelly Tour was Rowland's first North American tour. She had previously headlined an exclusive EuropeanSimply Deeper Tour (2003) for her debut solo album,Simply Deep. The Ms. Kelly Tour was originally scheduled to hit fifteen cities between October 2007 and December 2007, with a three-night finale inLas Vegas.[44] However, three scheduled tour dates were cancelled with no ticket refunds.[45] R&B singerMario was the tour's opening act.[46]
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 70/100[47] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| About.com |    [33] |
| AllMusic | [48] |
| Digital Spy | [49] |
| Entertainment Weekly | B+[50] |
| The Guardian | [51] |
| New York Post | [52] |
| Newsday | B[53] |
| Slant Magazine | [54] |
Ms. Kelly received generally positive reviews frommusic critics. AtMetacritic, which assigns aweighted mean rating out of hundred to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received anaverage score of seventy, based on ten reviews.[47] Alex Macpherson ofThe Guardian gave the album four and a half stars out of five. He complimentedMs. Kelly as "poised, dignified and completely lacking in the hysteria normally associated with R&B divas giving vent to their feelings" but felt that "the emotions simmering beneath her glassy, controlled tones are as raw as anyMary J. Blige classic."[51] Ben Williams of theNew York Post referred the album as a "mostly upbeat record that soulfully delves into contemporary funk",[52] whileEntertainment Weekly found that "after a blah solo debut with 2002'sSimply Deep, Kelly Rowland — assisted by producers like Scott Storch and Polow Da Don — brings the noise and the funk to her vibrant follow-up.[50]Newsday writer Glenn Gamboa remarked that withMs. Kelly, Rowland "doesn't dabble in various genres. She doesn't try to push the envelope. Rowland does what she does best: She cranks out one potential pop hit after another.Ms. Kelly shows that Rowland knows her strengths and that she intends to keep playing to them."[53]
Andy Kellman fromAllMusic found thatMs. Kelly "sounds like an album where Rowland is mostly sorting through some deeply personal relationship issues with a couple relatively lighthearted songs thrown in for variety." He noted that "all-around, the album does provide a stronger set of songs than 2002'sSimply Deep. The material tends to be kind of insidious, rather than hitting you immediately or going through one ear and out the other."[48] Giving the album three stars out of five, he also remarked that "the lyrics [...] are direct and specific, going beyond basic breakup material."[48]Slant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani stated that, "this time around, both the production and lyrics are stronger." He praised the "bona fide club jams" on the album.[54]Billboard wrote that while "Rowland may never upstage her superstar groupmate Beyonce, but she certainly has the vocal chops and charm to stand on her own stiletto-clad feet. Compared with her gospel-fueled 2002 solo debut, Rowland appears confident and dominant on foot-stompers [and] though still short of career-defining,Ms. Kelly finds its author opening up more while welcoming the possibility that destiny may just find another star.[55]
In a mixed review forAbout.com, Mark Edward Nero characterized the album as "basically one by someone with the persona of a backup player who's been thrust in a lead role." While he praised songs such as "Work" and "Like This," Nero felt that the album contained too many "weak songs" and that Rowland, "although she may feel comfortable in the role, can't carry the full weight — just likeScottie Pippen never could with the [Chicago]Bulls."[33]Dotmusic's Jaime Gill calledMs. Kelly "old-fashioned", writing that "Rowland's big problem is that she has the lungs but not the voice [...] She can holler likeBeyoncé, growl likeKelis or swoon likeAaliyah, but has little to no natural style of her own."[56] Ken Capobianco's review forThe Boston Globe was more emphatic dubbing it "a solid if somewhat safe set of grooves, but the album never takes full flight to become something special."[57]
Ms. Kelly was listed for thirty-three weeks on nine different charts. It made its first appearance on theIrish Top 75,Dutch Top 100 andSwiss Top 100. Its highest peak position worldwide was number six on the USBillboard 200, selling 86,000 units in its first week and becoming Rowland's highest entry on the chart. The album spent eleven weeks inside the chart. By July 2011,Ms. Kelly had sold 222,000 copies in the United States.[58]
Outside the United States, the album failed to enter the top forty of the majority of the charts it appeared on, except in the United Kingdom, where it debuted at number thirty-seven on theUK Albums Chart.[59] The standard edition of the album sold 24,424 in the United Kingdom as of 2008.[60] In Brazil, the album opened at thirty-seven; it also peaked at number ten on theJapanese International Albums Chart. The album struggled to appear in the top-fifty of theARIA Albums Chart in Australia, peaking at number forty-four after several weeks on the chart. However, the album reached the top ten on theAustralian Urban Albums, peaking at number eight.
Thereissue, titledMs. Kelly: Diva Deluxe, charted for three weeks on the top seventy-five UK Albums Chart, entering the chart at number twenty-three. It charted significantly higher internationally, peaking two weeks later on theEuropean Top 100 Albums chart at number eighty.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Like This" (featuringEve) |
|
| 3:39 |
| 2. | "Comeback" |
| 3:26 | |
| 3. | "Ghetto" (featuringSnoop Dogg) | Tank | 2:55 | |
| 4. | "Work" |
|
| 3:28 |
| 5. | "Flashback" |
| CKB | 4:21 |
| 6. | "Every Thought Is You" |
|
| 3:56 |
| 7. | "The Show" (featuring Tank) |
| Tank | 3:36 |
| 8. | "Interlude" |
| Mann | 1:00 |
| 9. | "Still in Love with My Ex" |
| Soulshock & Karlin | 3:38 |
| 10. | "Love" |
|
| 3:51 |
| 11. | "Better Without You" |
| CKB | 3:57 |
| 12. | "This Is Love" | Mann | Mann | 4:50 |
| Total length: | 42:58 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13. | "Like This" (DJ Speedy Remix) (featuringSean P and Eve) |
| 4:13 | |
| Total length: | 47:11 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13. | "Dilemma" (withNelly) | BAM & Ryan | 4:49 | |
| Total length: | 47:07 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13. | "Like This" (Azza's Nu Soul remix) |
| 3:54 | |
| 14. | "Like This" (music video) |
| 3:37 | |
| Total length: | 49:49 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13. | "Gotsta Go" (Part I) (Radio Edit) (featuringDa Brat) |
| CKB | 3:48 |
| Total length: | 46:06 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. | "Dilemma" (with Nelly) |
| BAM & Ryan | 4:49 |
| Total length: | 50:55 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. | "H'Bibi I Love You" (withAmine) |
| Kore | 4:08 |
| Total length: | 50:14 | |||
Notes
Following the original album's lukewarm sales and reception, Rowland re-entered recording studios to collect new songs for areissue ofMs. Kelly, including production byStargate, Jeff Dawson, CKB andMark Feist.[2][63][64] She was also expected to record with producerDanja, but deadline pressure prevented from happening; a new track byJ. R. Rotem did not make the final cut.[65][66] "The sales weren't as good as I wanted them to be and to be honest, I did feel sad about that for a little while", Rowland stated in 2008, still blaming the final track listing for too many midtempos and ballads. "I didn't realize it while I was recording it. After it was released [back in June] many fans said the songs would rock if they were more upbeat."[2] Branded with the titleMs. Kelly: Diva Deluxe, the United States re-release received adigital download release only on March 25, 2008, containing seven tracks — five new songs and two remixes of songs found from the standard edition of the album.[67] Previously unreleased song "Daylight", aBobby Womackcover and collaboration withTravie McCoy ofGym Class Heroes, served as the reissue's new lead single.[27] The international edition of theMs. Kelly re-release was released physically and digitally in May 2008, retitled asMs. Kelly: Deluxe Edition. It removed seven tracks from the original release and replaced them with six of the sevenDiva Deluxe tracks, an additional remix of "Daylight" byJoey Negro and the internationally successfulFreemasons remix of "Work", as Rowland "wanted to have another view on the record and close theMs. Kelly chapter" with the re-release.[27][68]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Work" (Freemasons radio edit) |
| 3:13 | |
| 2. | "Daylight" (featuringTravie McCoy) |
| S*A*M and Sluggo | 3:30 |
| 3. | "Like This" (featuringEve) |
| 3:39 | |
| 4. | "Love" |
|
| 3:51 |
| 5. | "This Is Love" | Mann | Mann | 4:50 |
| 6. | "Broken" |
| Stargate | 3:24 |
| 7. | "Better Without You" |
| CKB | 3:58 |
| 8. | "Every Thought Is You" |
|
| 3:56 |
| 9. | "Love Again" |
|
| 3:51 |
| 10. | "Unity" |
| Jeff Dawson | 3:50 |
| 11. | "No Man No Cry" |
| 3:28 | |
| 12. | "Daylight" (Joey Negro Club Mix) |
| 7:06 | |
| 13. | "Comeback" (Karmatronic Remix) |
| 6:20 | |
| Total length: | 54:57 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. | "Like This" (Karmatronics Radio Remix) (featuring Eve) |
| 3:19 | |
| 15. | "Daylight" (Dan McKie Nightlight Dub Remix) (featuring Travie McCoy) |
| 5:42 | |
| Total length: | 63:58 | |||
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14. | "Work" (Steve Pitron & Max Sanna Radio Edit) |
| 3:31 | |
| 15. | "Daylight" (Karmatronic Remix) |
| 3:09 | |
| Total length: | 61:37 | |||
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On July 7, 2007,Columbia Records andBET released a joint DVD+CD version of the album calledBET Presents Kelly Rowland. The DVD consists of a candid interview with Rowland as she talks about the production ofMs. Kelly, her time as a member ofDestiny's Child, and her perspective on her celebrity status and solo career. The DVD also features BET highlights, performance highlights, and music videos from throughout Rowland's career.[70]
"BET celebrates Kelly's highly-anticipated return by pairing her new CD with a bonus DVD like no other. Now, her biggest fans can experience her Black Carpet interview, five live performances and five timeless videos including one never before released in America anytime. Beyonce and Michelle even wish Ms. Kelly the best on the DVD."[3]
The DVD was originally packaged with Rowland's second album,Ms. Kelly, exclusively atWalmart.[3] However, it is now available for individual purchase at online shopping sites such asAmazon.com.[70]
BET Highlights
Performance Highlights
Music Videos
Credits adapted from the liner notes ofMs. Kelly.[71]
Weekly charts[edit]
| Year-end charts[edit]
|
| Region | Date | Edition(s) | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | June 20, 2007 | Standard | Sony BMG | [94] | |
| Austria | June 22, 2007 | [95] | |||
| Denmark | |||||
| France | |||||
| Germany | |||||
| Switzerland | |||||
| Poland | June 25, 2007 | ||||
| United Kingdom | |||||
| Canada | July 3, 2007 | [96] | |||
| New Zealand | [97] | ||||
| United States | [98] | ||||
| Special Premium | [99] | ||||
| Australia | July 7, 2007 | Standard | Sony BMG | [100] | |
| United States | March 18, 2008 | Diva Deluxe | Digital download(EP) |
| [101] |
| United Kingdom | March 25, 2008 | Sony BMG | [102] | ||
| May 7, 2008 | Deluxe |
| [103] | ||
| Australia | May 27, 2008 | [104] | |||
| Germany | [105] | ||||
| Ireland | June 27, 2008 | Digital Deluxe | Digital download(EP) | [106] | |
| Japan | July 23, 2008 | Deluxe | CD | [107] | |
| Germany | September 22, 2008 | Diva Deluxe | Digital download(EP) | [108] |
