Review
Kehlani's sophomore album, "It Was Good Until It Wasn't," emerges as a sonically sultry exploration of love's intricate dance. Released in 2020, this album draws you into its reflective labyrinth with moody, slow-burn melodies, particularly prominent in the opening tracks. With songs like "Toxic" and "Can I," Kehlani elegantly juxtaposes sensual tension with raw vulnerability, deftly capturing the perpetual tug-of-war between desire and dependency. Her knack for weaving deeply personal narratives into lush musical tapestries defines this collection's sophisticated charm.
A hallmark of "It Was Good Until It Wasn't" is its candor—especially in poignant tracks like "Bad News" and "Change Your Life," the latter featuring a delicate collaboration with Jhené Aiko. Kehlani's candid storytelling channels the aches of navigating toxic relationships and the tumultuous path to self-liberation. Rich with 90s R&B influences, the production shimmers with thoughtful flourishes: a gorgeous piano moment in "Water," a memorable saxophone riff in "Hate the Club," adding layers that dimensionally enhance her lyrical depth. Released amid the solitude of the pandemic, this record embodies a zeitgeist of longing and introspection, marking Kehlani's evolution into an artist of striking depth and soul. - Elodie
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.
