Keri Hilson has done much of this before–that is, blowing bubbles of savory pop hits that sail up the charts–but she’s never done it for herself. And although her anticipated debut, In A Perfect World (Interscope), originally slated for a late 2008 release, is her own, she never quite grabs things for herself.
So what’s wrong? With an industry resumé lengthier than a bridal registry, it’s easy to wonder how Hilson got stuck in the quicksand. In the past she’s scored high–with thanks to her five-person songwriting team, The Clutch, and producing pals Timbaland, Polow Da Don, and Danja—helping to shape hits for Omarion (2006’s stirring “Icebox”), Ciara (2007’s empowering “Like A Boy”), and Britney Spears (2007’s vampy “Gimme More”). But perhaps Hilson sold some of the best of her goodies, when she really should have saved the best for last.
World is imbalanced—half of the album is ripe with gutsy, go-girl attitude, while the remainders are leaden attempts at pop poetry. The saccharine chords of “Make Love” sound more like a Disney princess’ cue than a royal highness’ arrival and Hilson’s fairy-dusted vocals sound more platonic than carnal. Hilson can write. It’s her specialty, her muscle, and her credibility. But on “Where Did He Go,” a nostalgic hunt for a past love, and “Tell Him the Truth,” a confession of infidelity, Timbaland and Danja’s usually profound combo fail to raise Hilson’s sentiments.
Hilson shines best when she lets her feminine swagger strut. “Turnin’ Me On,” featuring a particularly animated Lil Wayne, swings with attitude. “Get Your Money Up” is a deliciously boastful green anthem—though Keyshia Cole’s posturing could have used a pinch—and “Return the Favor” delightfully sways in the same electro-pop breeze as Hilson’s 2007 hit with Timbo, “The Way I Are.” And then there’s “Knock You Down”, a beaming mid-tempo featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West that pounds heavier than love at first sight.
Ultimately, Hilson’s debut is simply okay, not quite the sum of its parts. She has the right juice. Now it’s just a matter of how to keep it flowing.
Keri Hilson's album "In A Perfect World" is in stores 03/24/09
Track listing for In a Perfect World
1. Intro
2. Turnin Me On ft. Lil Wayne
3. Get Your Money Up ft. Keyshia Cole & Trina
4.. Return the Flavor ft. Timbaland
5.. Knock You Down ft. Ne-Yo & Kanye West
6. Slow Dance
7.. Make Love
8. Intuition
9. How Does It Feel
10. Alienated
11. Tell Him the Truth
12. Change
13. Energy
14. Where Did He Go
home
