Keyshia Cole
"Just Like You"
2007 Geffen Records
4/5
Ever since she hit the scene in 2005 Keyshia Cole has been compared to Mary J. Blige. Some have even gone as far to say that she's a student of hers. If her 2005 debut, "The Way It Is" is like Mary J. Blige's "What's The 411" then her sophomore album "Just Like You" is like Blige's "Mary", her fourth album. Keyshia is an advanced student.
"Just Like You" is vocally and lyrically way more mature than that of Cole's first album, even at times leaning toward adult contemporary. But don't get me wrong Keyshia still a little something left for the clubs but way less than her debut.
The album starts with the acapella intro to the first and current top 10 single from the album, "Let It Go" featuring Lil' Kim and Missy Elliott. We all know it, we all love it. You can't go to a club or turn on an urban radio station without hearing it. This song is only a slight indication of how much Cole has grown vocally since her debut.
The album's only true dud is the second track "Didn't I Tell You" featuring rapper Too Short. Unfortunately his uninspired, direction-impaired rhymes weren't short enough. He sounds like a surfer boy from South Central. Only Kelis could make Too Short barely listenable. The song itself isn't bad but he just ruins the whole experience. "Shoulda Let You Go" produced by Darkchild isn't as bad but another uninspired feature from new rapper Amina does nothing for the song.
The album takes a more midtempo turn with "Fallin' Out" and "Give Me More" which sounds a little like Amerie's "Why Don't We Fall In Love" in certain places. About three minutes into the song Cole sings Blige's famous "La dee da da da..." run from the beginning of "My Life." Some may call this homage, while others may call it larceny, you be the judge. Both these tracks that could have easily fit into Cole's first album.
Then we get to the gem of the album, "I Remember". An absolutely stunning, heartfelt ballad about loss and heartbreak. It includes lush piano, guitar and string arrangements but the most beautiful of all the instruments is Keyshia's voice. She sounds absolutely amazing on this track, way better than on anything on the her debut album. This is the song that if promoted correctly can make Keyshia Cole a household name. With it's universal appeal and catchy and memorable chorus this song had Billboard #1 all over it. This is what sets her apart from Mary J. Blige or anyone else for that matter. This song is all Keyshia. Two tracks down, "Heaven Sent" continues the adult contemporary vibe.
Other standouts on the album include: The midtempo "Gotta Get My Heart Back" which features a rap from Keyshia herself which is to the excellence caliber of Lil' Kim's rhyme on "Let It Go". The title track "Just Like You" features some heartfelt spoken word from Keyshia. The album even includes the ubiquitous "Last Night", Cole's song with Diddy from his last album.
All in all, a good album, not better than the first, but different and more mature.
If you must download, download: "Let It Go", "I Remember", & "Gotta Get My Heart Back"
ALBUM IN STORES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th!
Buy it from Amazon.com here.
Website: KeyshiaCole.com
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Playing In The Background...
"I Remember"
by Keyshia Cole
from the album "Just Like You"
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I love Keyshia and i'm anticpating her album...just not enough to wanna spend my money on it. I think she's an excellent talent though. I think i'll just download the suggested tracks along with the Amerie-esque song "Give Me More"...only cuz i love me some Amerie. Much Luck to Miss Cole on her sophomore project
I love this second album of hers. I'd say it's a lot more heart-broken and kinda sad. I'd say that's the theme of the album.
I must say I do love "Gotta Get My Heart Back". It holds a feeling and a dramaticness to it that I love in music.