Review
Kehlani's *Blue Water Road* is a radiant exploration of the soul, weaving a rich sonic tapestry that embodies the essence of her emotional and spiritual journey. This album marks a pivotal moment in her artistic evolution, as she embarks on a path of vulnerability, spirituality, and love. With a soundscape that effortlessly blends R&B and orchestrations, her vocals shine with an expressive intensity that resonates deeply with listeners. Tracks like "Little Story" showcase twangy guitars, while "Wish I Never" infuses hip-hop elements, resulting in a production that is both layered and inviting.
In "Up at Night," Kehlani bares her soul, recounting past relationships alongside Justin Bieber's harmonies. "Altar" honors the memory of friends lost to addiction, and "Tangerine" sensualizes sexual desire. Her lyrics unfold with unflinching honesty, as she explores themes of love and intimacy. Collaborations with Syd, Jessie Reyez, Ambré, and Thundercat further amplify the album's emotional highs. Critics have praised *Blue Water Road*'s delicate warmth and Kehlani's confident storytelling, hailing it as a holistic and soulful direction. Kehlani describes this album as "a glass house full of sunlight" - a metaphor encapsulating her quest for clarity and connection. *Blue Water Road* stands as a testament to her growth, standing out for its capacity to nourish listeners on multiple levels. - Seraphina
Artist Bio
Kehlani is a singer, songwriter, and dancer from Oakland, California, who first came to national attention as part of the teen pop group PopLyfe in 2011 before launching her solo career with the *Cloud 19* mixtape in 2014. Blending R&B, pop, and electronic influences, Kehlani signed with Atlantic Records in 2017 and released her debut studio album, *SweetSexySavage*, that same year. Her discography includes critically praised projects like *While We Wait*, *It Was Good Until It Wasn't*, *blue water road*, and *CRASH*, and she's collaborated with artists such as Eminem. Kehlani is known for both her genre-blurring sound and energetic live shows, earning recognition from outlets like Time magazine. Fans of H.E.R., SZA, and Jhené Aiko will likely find her music appealing.
