1. RhysHilson

   10

   This album may not be the most refined, but it soared well beyond my own expectations. It may not hold theme in the terms of sound, but lyrically, although it is not innovative, it contains within it the angst of a girl scorned by love, clearly more than once, but with a glimpse of hope and an overtone of sexuality. The set opens with "Buyou", a brash, brassy album opener with pace-along, interchanging production provided by Boi-1da and co. The blatant "I have arrived" opener is assisted by J. Cole, who's rap delivery focuses on swanning in on the scorned females burned by their "broke, broke boys". Tracks 2 & 3, "Pretty Girl Rock" and "The Way Ya Love Me", featuring Rick Ross, move from the perspective of woman to man, instead focusing on the female perspective. "Pretty Girl Rock" is a standard sing-a-long female anthem, perhaps being interpretable to some as a bragging show by Hilson. The outlandish and loud "The Way Ya Love Me" can be hard to listen to due to the sheer tonality and lyrics of the track, and is, for me, the worst track of the set. Track 4, "Bahm Bahm..." is a throwaway number, with Hilson acting as a Rihanna-type figure, the track laced with island flavor. Tracks 5 onward act as the album's main "Hoora" however, opening with the swooning R&B gropefest "One Night Stand". A ridiculously sexy, yet slightly trashy duet with Chris Brown, the two singers harmonise and ad-lib throughout the song, there high pitched tones coursing through the Bereal produced track. A highlight of the song, and album itself is the spoken seduction during the conclusion of the song by Brown, acting as a segue into the sixth track, an odd song(s) produced by StarGate, with additional star power thrown in by rapper Nelly. The obvious attempt at Rihanna success is heard through the song (and producers), but the song contains a catchiness and vocal ability that is so very Keri Hilson, and the immediate close to the track and open of ballad outro "Let Me Down", a 2 minute section of the song with light beatboxing adds a new-found interest in the album itself, as a glint of originality is added in place of the feeling that Hilson is trying to be someone she's not. This interest is continued into "Toy Soldier", a Danja produced track racked with disappointment to an aggressive male counterpart. The song is a standout of the set, with a club beat, but bassline, instrumentation and vocal of a ballad, making this song an interesting piece as itself. Tracks 8 & 9, single "Breaking Point" and "Beautiful Mistake", are the only 2 Timbaland productions of the standard set, and are both general R&B tracks, with "Beautiful Mistake" being a clear winner of these 2 tracks, not by the light-hearted production, but by the lyrical work of a woman seeing error in pursuing a romantic relationship with a previous friend. Track 10 - "Gimme What I Want", a certified club banger is an unprecedented lashing of Hip-Hop fun, an idea almost left barren by the album. "All the Boys", the closing cut from the standard album, is an ode to a lover, with a ripe vocal and acoustic tenderness that acts as a perfect closing to the album. If any of the other editions are purchased, there are still many more songs to enjoy, however.The standout of these is "Fearless", the iTunes bonus track, a stomping proclamation of catchiness and bravery. Overall, this album to me is a flawless set of self doubt, balanced by the strength of a scorned but hopeful female.… Expand

   • Helpful?

     1 of 1 users said yes
2. afinemess7

   4

   I really really like "Pretty Girl Rock" & "The Way You Love Me" but... other songs in this album make me sleepy quizckly. why? other songs not have interesting point and when its combine with slowly song... BOOM!!! Sleepy Songs are already here!… Expand

   • Helpful?

     0 of 0 users said yes
3. kaydenxmcg

   3

   This album is a huge letdown compared to her debut "In A Perfect World...". A lot of the material in the album sounds a lot like what Rihanna has already done. Also, the cohesion between each song is very poorly linked. The only good songs, in my opinion, are "Pretty Girl Rock", and "One Night Stand". "Lose Control", in my opinion, is a poor remake of Rihanna's "What's My Name". I was shocked when listened to "The Way You Love Me". It is very oversexed, and her chanting "F*** me, f*** me" sounds very strange.… Expand

   • Helpful?

     1 of 1 users said yes

See all 6 User Reviews