Ms. Kelly Deluxe Version [Extra tracks]

This album is not being re-issued because the original was bad, simply because the original was ignored. Why is anyone's guess because it was a solid album. Significant changes have been made to this version however. Seven of the tracks from Ms Kelly have been wiped and replaced with 5 new songs and 2 remixes - the 'Work' remix which has already gone top 5 and a 'Comeback' remix which adds a more dance feel to the original.
The new tracks are all down-tempo, inspired by heartbreak, with the exception of 'Daylight' which is the current single and has a very up-lifting, fun, happy feel to it which will no doubt bring a smile to your face. The down-tempos are surprisingly good, especially 'Broken' and 'Unity' which sound like something which could have been on her first album only much, much better.
Overall this is a great re-work of an already good album. It's got a very different feel to it than the last 'Ms Kelly' so in actuality you are nearly getting a totally new album so in my opinion this album is very much worth the listen. It now contains the three singles to date 'Like Thos' 'Work (rmx)' and 'Daylight' but the first version is also worth a look in. It has a more rn'b/hip-hop flavour which has been toned down in this version. They have left out some amazing tracks from the original which shouldn 't be missed. Here's hoping this puts Kelly where she deserves to be.

It's interesting to note that whilst Beyonce's continued sleazy/over sexualised cover art has propelled her to number 1 with new album 4, Kelly Rowland's excellent Ms. Kelly album went largely unnoticed here.

I bought and listened to Kelly's debut (Simply Deep) shortly after her Nelly duet 'Dilemma' and 'Stole' both stormed to the top of the U.K charts. And it seems as though Kelly's been playing catch-up to match her early solo success ever since.

For whatever reason (perhaps due to changing music trends), after repeated listens (and taking my sister to see her perform live), Simply Deep began to wane on me with its predicatable mainstream pop and overall lack of risk-taking.

I began to lose interest in Ms. Rowland until French DJ/dance producer David Guetta came along to help revive her career out of the doldrums. Allegedly, Kelly heard Mr. Guetta playing an instrumental version of When Love Takes Over and approached him about writing her own lyrics for the song. We all know it became a worldwide number 1 smash, propelling Kelly (unexpectedly) onto the house/club/dance scene.

Hence Ms. Kelly is a slightly mixed bag, but certainly more interesting than anything released by Beyonce in the last ten years. If only because Kelly has more class, more talent, and more style. Beyonce comparisons aside, this is really the album Mariah Carey's 'Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel' should have been. It's largely downtempo (most of the tracks are about heartbreak) with some fantastic surprise inclusions.

The Freemasons remix of Work will stick in your head for days with its funky bass groove and middle eastern influence. Kelly's smooth lyrical prowess really excels on this track, before the catchy chorus kicks in with its feel good vibe. 'I wanna see you work' she sings and it works as an infectious opening track.

Second single Daylight, is a party song for almost any occasion, one which deserves to be blasted out of any stereo at full volume, until the neighbours call round to complain. Daylight features a fitting intro/rap by Gym Class Heroe's Travis McCoy. It's the perfect summer barbeque track for friends, drinks and/or house parties.

Like This featuring hip-hop's best female rapper (Eve) is a bouncing ladies anthem about living independently and shaking off man stress. Eve's rap, as usual, is a perfect fit for the snapping drums and minimal chords. Definitely not the kind of track I was expecting, but once again, Kelly's versatility shines.

Track 4 Love is an ode to lost love, it's not a bad track by any means, but it strikes a shaky balance between being a piano ballad/funky r and b get back song. I'm not keen on the snare drum or deep bass in this track and think maybe there could have been a different arrangement. Reminds me too much of Simply Deep.

This Is Love fares much better with its beautiful guitar melody and minimalist backing. Kelly's vocal interpretation is really on form here and she sings with such feeling it elevates the whole song. Every time I listen to this track it will remind me of my 88 year-old-nan. 'If I could change one thing about you, there would be no place to start'.

Broken has a soft piano vibe, whilst Kelly sings about pining for an ex-boyfriend. It's lyrically thoughtful and will touch anyone who's ever felt rejection from someone they had strong feelings towards. It talks about trying to carry on when nothing feels the empty void. One of my favourite tracks. 'I never understood what you did to me on that day'.

Better Without You is my least favourite track, so I'll skip over it for a better one. Every Thought Is You is another downtempo track with a catchy chorus, soft keyboard backing and heavy beat. Kelly's voice owns this track with plenty of spot on ad-libbing. Definitely a track for when you can't stop thinking about that certain someone.

Unity is another surprise track, it's the kind of song you'd expect from Leona Lewis. A big pop/soft rock ballad with inspiring lyrics and big all encompassing chorus which really hits the message home. This track is mesmerising and surely puts Kelly into the Kelly Clarkson/Jennifer Hudson bracket. An absolute showcase.

Joey Negro's Club Mix of Daylight is not only the best remix I've heard since Tony Moran re-worked Michael Jackson's History into a storming eight minute club track. It's also fitting for Kelly's new direction as proven by the equally stunning upcoming single Commander (check it out on Youtube). Incidentally, Commander is probably the track Nicole Scherzinger wishes Poison could have been. Turn this up and play Daylight's Club Mix at full blast. One of the best dance mixes ever.

Last, but not least, the Karmatronic Remix of Comeback follows suit. Both these tracks are made to get the clubs jumping and have to be played as loud as possible. Kelly's surely found her niche in dance music and should be a worthy challenger to Lady Gaga's throne. She does it better and with far more panache than Paparazzi.

Essential.

As one of the people who didnt purchase Ms.Rowlands first album "Simply Deep" I am more than happy with my purchase of Ms.Kelly (Deluxe Version) I fell in love with the track "like this", I could play this song till i die, its pure brillaiance!! 10/10. Also loving "Work" (freemasons remix) again a work of art, fantacstic 10/10 for this effort.........but my fav track on this re-issued, re-hashed album has to be "Come Back" (karmatronic mix) i purchased the album about 2 weeks back and havent stopped playing this track (honestly) its the best dance track i've heard in a long, long time !! i just love it, its infectious, i dare you to play this track and keep still 10/10. Other stand out track are "No Man No Cry" a slow tempo number, great 9/10. "Unity" another slow tempo number but good 9/10 ."Better Without You", "Love","Broken" are all great, well produced tracks,a great album you will not be dissapointed.