If you’re in the mood for some soul cooking then you’ll love the new album by Kelis. Food is soulful mix of sweet melodies, soothing instrumentals and delicious vocals. With more than 15 years of experience making music, the Harlem native shows tremendous growth on Food.

Most people still relate Kelis to some of her most commercially successful hits like “Milkshake” and “Bossy”, but it’s time to pay attention to the diverse artist that she truly is. Kelis’ honest sound and raspy vocals are eerily beautiful on several songs including “Dreamer” and “Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy”. There is great continuity throughout the album as each song leads beautifully into the next regardless of style. From the folk sounding “Bless The Telephone” to the country inspired (and well titled) “Friday Fish Fry” each song on Food highlights the loveliness of Kelis’ imperfect voice perfectly. The album is sprinkled with a few up-tempo songs just right for a mid-summer cookout like the tribal-sounding track entitled “Cobbler” and the jazzy “Jerk Ribs”.

The album is comparable to everyone’s favourite local buffet, full of songs to satisfy music lovers’ hunger, regardless of preferred taste. Love, pain and self-examination are all subjects found throughout the album on several layers. Kelis proves once again that she is more than just a sassy chick with an odd style. Food has a soulful and mature sound that his been chopped up and put together by a mighty good cook.

Lyrics 3.5 / Vocals 4 / Creativity 5 / Production 4 / Overall 4

On Repeat: Jerk Ribs, Cobbler

Patrick Dennis Jr.