Though she hasn't received as much exposure as Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland did not fall of the face of the earth after the dissolution of Destiny's Child. Like fellow member Solange Knowles, Rowland has quietly still been making music, enjoying some commercial success as a standalone without milking her early career. Her last album, "Ms. Kelly" received generally positive reviews and the same can be said for her latest work "Here I am".The album is a parade of nicely arranged r & b songs but at times falls prey to the predictable electro-trance flourish that's been seeping into pop music of all sorts over the past two years. This is best evidenced in "Commander" featuring David Guetta and "Down for Whatever" featuring the WAVs. These two tracks are probably the weakest on the album for their kitschiness and references to partying and "the floor" (haven't heard that from anyone at all this year). Having a fairly strong r&b foundation Rowland doesn't need to pander like this, as if she's some no name upstart.
The album's strength rests in the more soulful, down-tempo, tracks like "Feelin' Me Right Now" and "Work it Man". In the trancier tracks Kelly's powerful vocals are crowded out by the booming synths and shallow "party-girl" lyrics. "Work it Man" is the album's strongest track, capitalizing on a short sweet flow from Lil Playy and Rowland's sexy, strong, voice.
As a whole, the album is not A+ material but for a return to music after four years it's not a bad sign. Like the title says, "Here I Am", Rowland is asserting her worth as a solo artist and that she's not just an extra in the history Beyonce's rise to fame.
Grade: B-
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