Kelis Rogers might be better known as the beautiful girlfriend of Hip-Hop’s biggest hypocrite Nas (can never resist a good jab at good old Nasir Jones), but her talents are strong enough that it’s a bit surprising that she hasn’t experienced more success than she has.

On her 1999 debut, the oft-overlooked “Kaleidoscope”, Kelis was aligned with the musical powers of The Neptunes, which was perhaps one of their first breaks as producers before they took over the entire music world and called it their own. On her sophomore album that never was “Wanderland”, the formula remained the same - The Neptunes + Kelis = big hooks and good songs, which isn’t necessarily a bad formula to have, too bad the album never saw the light of day on this side of the world.

And while ”Tasty” doesn’t really deviate too much from the formula of it’s predecessors, on the success of it’s lead single ”Milkshake” alone, Kelis is poised to be a force to reckon with. The aforementioned track is just what we’ve all come to expect from Chad and Pharrell (The Neptunes), a bass heavy track that makes every use of every switch on the effects board, which always manages to make you nod your head. “Milkshake” is essentially a three verse song injected with a magnetic hook that gets in your head and infects your body.

The Dallas Austin produced ”Trick Me” has jazzy undertones, but as is the case on several of “Tasty’s” dishes – Kelis’ voice tends to get overshadowed by the music and while that might be all fine and good for someone who doesn’t have a lot of vocal prowess, Kelis is plenty capable. Still, “Trick Me” is a good song, which is what you can expect from all the songs on “Tasty” – Kelis isn’t here to prove to you that she’s an amazing singer (and she is), the songs serve as more of a full course in music if you will, where her vocals and the music try to compliment each other and for some bizarre reason it really works to her advantage. ”Keep It Down” is an 80’s throwback and its rock edge makes the stripped down breaks during the chorus all the better. ”In Public” is Kelis’ ode to sex in places where she can be seen – hence the title. It’s overt sexuality pulses and throbs and sounds so good: ”Don't try to run from me/I'll make your toes curl and make your body scream/Come take a walk with me/We can do it over there by all the trees/Drive this car real fast/I'll lay my head down and ill make your body blast” - now that’s a ride or die chick :o).

”Flashback” is one of the bright moments where I remember why I love Kelis so much. Her music is a mixture of Deee-Lite, Prince, Kylie Minogue with a dash of George Clinton thrown in. Even when her songs on light on lyrics, their purpose is to move bodies and they all accomplish that mission perfectly. ”Protect My Heart” might just be my new Neptunes produced song of all time. Just when I’m convinced they need to take a break, they go and make me think they might be the best thing since Oscar Meyer Deli Style Hot Dogs. “Protect My Heart” is like Lisa Lisa And Cult Jam for 2003 and it feels so right.

”Millionaire” despite being one of my favorite offerings on “Tasty” sounds like Andre 3000 featuring Kelis and not the other way around. If anyone is in doubt of the musical genius that lies inside of Raphael Saadiq, they need look no further than ”Glow” and ”Attention”. They both sound like a hot summer days in New York which is the tone for most of the album; most of “Tasty” is feel good music that would have been perfect for a summer album release. All of the songs are sexy or reactive and beg for summertime love or steamy days in the middle of June. ”Sugar Honey Iced Tea” is a cute little ditty that if nothing else evokes a smile.

”Rolling Through The Hood” tells the tale of catching a cheating lover and while it’s not as angry as “Caught Out There”, the song that introduced the singer to the world, it still feels kind of triumphant. “Tasty” ends on a really good note with ”Stick Up” and ”Marathon”, The former is the “darkest” track offered on Tasty’s menu, with an almost trip-hop vibe.

- Final Thoughts -

Kelis has a down to earth, round the way girl aura about her and that’s partially one of the reasons that I’ve always been drawn to her music. I feel at times she’s been too “weird” for R&B audiences to embrace and too R&B for the dance and pop lovers. Hopefully those drawn into this album by the strength of “Milkshake” won’t be too put off by the eclecticism on “Tasty” and will definitely go back and give her debut a chance.

Great Music to Play While: Making Sweet Love Down By The Fire



Recommended: Yes