Typically, the term "crash" brings negative associations, anxieties, and worries to mind. Yet, on Kehlani's fourth album, CRASH, the meaning is quite the opposite. According to her, A CRASH isn't something from the past. It's not the anticipation of what's to come. It's the pinnacle of the present moment. It's the here and now.
Having received this unequivocal response, CRASH finds freedom and embraces the present moment. Expanding on the therapeutic path of 2022's blue water road, CRASH weaves together the powerful themes of love, loss, vulnerability, and growth to deliver an exciting and dynamic encounter that reveals a more upbeat aspect of the singer that we haven't seen in a while. Launched on Friday (Jun. 21), the album features 13 tracks that lead listeners to a memorable exploration through various avenues with no restraints.
The album's opener, "GrooveTheory" is unequivocally the singer's most impressive opener to date. Infused with deep elements of jazz, funk, and neo-soul, she expresses a fiery longing for her lover's physical presence and touch. "Girl your body like my playlist. I slap that, put it on repeat," she passionately exclaims. The track smoothly moves into the album's second single, "Next 2 U," which is considered one of the standout songs on the album. The Brandy-coded track is dedicated to those yearning for love. With a strong and passionate delivery, Kehlani sings with all her heart about the captivating love she feels for her partner, making it clear that anyone attempting to interfere will have to go through her first.
When discussing the project, Kehlani also shared that she wanted to make a project that she could perform and turn up to with her fans. With that thinking, the jubilant "After Hours" was conceived. Arriving as the lead single from the album, the viral TikTok sensation samples Nina Sky's 2004 dance-heavy hit, "Move Ya Body" while generating an all-new experience that leads listeners back to the clubs and dance floors.
The high-energy, interpolative energy continues on the sh*t talking "What I Want." Referencing Christina Aguilera's "What A Girl Wants" Kehlani creates a vicious banger. Time rewinds on the nostalgic, moving album titled track, "Crash." Yielding a guitar and a dream, Kehlani sings to the heavens on the rock-appealing love song as she begs for her lover to crash all her love onto Kehlani. The song takes listeners to the days of You Should Be Here. Her vocals shimmer over the larger-than-life electric guitars. The playful, SweeetSexySavage-appealing "8" displays Kehlani's witty yet charmingly erotic wordplay and pen. The mission is simple, Kehlani is trying to get eaten from dusk to dawn.
With a history of openly expressing her sexuality and sensuality, "Sucia" could be considered one of Kehlani's most provocative songs to date. The raw, sticky, track recruits the icon Jilly Scott who immediately sets the tone for the song with two simple words - "I'm nasty." The slow-burning song finds Kehlani lusting harder than she ever has before. With lines such as "Girl, you should taste the water from your well," "I just wanna f**k you til you cry, vintage Dior you," & "I need you to hold it 'til you can't, I'll reward you," Kehlani reminds us that she is indeed as filthy as they come. The double entendre with "come/cum with me" just adds icing to the dripping cake.
From the background moans, vocals, and lyrics, Kehlani ultimately effortlessly talks her lover (as well as listeners alike) through it (... and you know exactly what it is. I was sweating after I played this). Young Miko follows the energy with her eruptive lines (which I looked up and well... I needed another shower) and the three create a volcanic moment on CRASH.
After drying off from the oozy feeling of "Sucia," listeners can regroup and are greeted with the simple, country ballad "Better Not" Co-written with her family Destin Conrad, "Better Not" feels like the kinder, sister to Beyoncé's iconic LEMONADE hit, "Don't Hurt Yourself." With the same sentiments of "If you try this shit again, you goin' lose your wife," Kehlani beautifully sings, "I better not catch you doing that shit again," to her love interest who isn't quite exclusively Kehlani's (yet). CRASH's second half delivers further experimentation with the upbeat, Omah lay-featured "Tears," where Kehlani toys with afro beats appeal. The protective pop spectacle, "Vegas" finds the singer saying whatever they go through will remain with them and only them. Despite the worldly chaos, their love generates a dimension for them to exist peacefully.
"Deep" again time travels back to the hungry days of You Should Be Here as Kehlani looks over all that she has endured to reach this level of liberation today. The declarative anthem infiltrates your bloodstream as Kehlani repetitively chants the word deep. To others, it may not matter, but she takes her journey and progression very seriously. "Chapel" is one of the most heartfelt records on the album. The energy mimics blue water road's "melt" and "everything" as she sings, "I just wanna take your name and tat my face." The song is so vulnerable and so passionate, and Kehlani's voice is so beautiful. Despite the pain and hurt, she deeply desires love and peace.
CRASH's last track, "Lose My Wife," provides a fitting conclusion to the album. The acoustic song creates a dreamlike atmosphere as Kehlani narrates a tale of letting loose, mingling with strangers, and crossing boundaries with individuals other than her significant other. It carries a conceptual essence, depicting Kehlani's carefree abandon during the crash, followed by her return to reality as she confronts her partner, referred to as her "wife," to confess her actions.
CRASH is a stunning piece of art that improves with each listen. It defies any attempt to confine Kehlani and transcends boundaries. Her lyrics, vocals, and songwriting are exceptional. The album exudes a sense of light, protection, and joy. Kehlani appears to be at her happiest and most rejuvenated, and this is reflected in the songs. It is truly refreshing to see and hear her in this way. There is no hint of inner turmoil or darkness; instead, she radiates joy and peace. Drawing from her current experiences of love, desire, and openness, she creates a vibrant moment that emphasizes living in the present.
Comments