Untitled – R. Kelly album review

Kevin Benoit

R.Kelly embarks on his ninth studio project with Untitled, a fifteen track collection that merges his sounds from previous albums. The starter, “Crazy Night,” feels like a sped up version of Ron Browz’s “Pop Champagne,” but settles in amongst the set as an agreeable dance floor banger…

The melody of “Exit,” gives a nod to TP-2.com, intertwining romance novel lyricism with mid-tempo percussion, while “Get Low,” revisits the storytelling of such songs as “Down Low” and “Sex Me.” “Supaman High,” bumps from speaker to speaker as R. Kelly collaborates with OJ Da Juiceman to create an eccentric sounding track.

R. Kelly does not strive to make stepping jams on Untitled as he did on Chocolate Factory, and Happy People; though “I Love The DJ,” comes close as a fast paced retro song and “Be My #2,” a throwback to 70’s disco with its funk riffs, trumpet backdrop, and wacky synthesizer movements. “Religious,” Untitled’s third single, is a testimonial as R. Kelly pours his heart out to a lover. Containing elements that have made R. Kelly an R & B master, the song is Untitled’s shortest and one of the most memorable of the collection for its howling organ and trembling piano.
The shining star on Untitled is “Pregnant,” that will undoubtedly become a quiet storm groove in the near future. Robin Thicke, The Dream, and Tyrese join R. Kelly as they each describe a woman they’ve met. There are satin sheet touches in the song as R. Kelly says “she’s more than a mistress/I’m about to handle business/I’m gonna put that girl in my kitchen.” The song is one of R. Kelly’s most mature tracks ever.
“Number One,” is a winning collaboration as R. Kelly jives with Keri Hilson over a self-produced rhythm. The song was his highest charting since “Same Girl,” from Double Up, released two years ago. R. Kelly’s sincere vocals mesh well with Keri’s sassy tone making it a heart-to-heart piece.

Untitled, was originally titled, 12 Play, 4th Quarter, but was leaked online and re-recorded. In “Like I Do,” R. Kelly says one thing he is the best at is “making music.” Untitled is another example of just how skilled R. Kelly has become at constructing that music.

Untitled receives a PARL

Rating system
P …Horrible
PA …Tolerable
PAR …Good
PARL …Excellent
PARLÉ …Classic

Untitled‘s Shining Star… R. Kelly f/ Tyrese, Robin Thicke & The Dream – Pregnant

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