To celebrate their 31st birthday, Kehlani released her fifth studio album on Friday, April 24. The album is self-titled, and it features 17 tracks. Nine songs feature other popular artists such as Cardi B., Lil Johnand Leon Thomas.
The album focuses on joy, “including the joy of collaboration with the artists” that inspired Kehlani, according to Apple Music. It is also a symbol of maturity and how far Kehlani has come since releasing her debut album in 2014.
The opener, “Intro,” is a 32-second inspirational speech that discusses change and growth. As uplifting piano music plays in the background, Kehlani declares, “Growth doesn’t sound pretty at first. Sometimes it cracks. Sometimes it bends. But it always finds its way to the light.” While the song is only spoken word, it’s a unique way to start the album. It’s also an excellent way to motivate listeners and persuade them to listen to the rest of the tracks.
The next two songs, “Anotha Luva (feat. Lil Wayne)” and “No Such Thing (feat. Clipse)” have similar themes and background music. Featuring club music and elegant vocals, they discuss romance and having the perfect lover. Lil Wayne and Clipse have amazing solos in the songs; however, I wish they were longer.
“Folded” is the album’s most popular song. It has numerous remixes, and it’s Kehlani’s very first top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit. The track also won Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Overall, the song is a fun one to listen to. Kehlani’s vocals shine all the way through, and they craft a smooth blend with the track’s pop melodies.
The next song, “I Need You (feat. Brandy)” is more on the melancholy side. Containing somber guitar music, the track examines the absence of a lover and the desperation of needing them. At one point, Kehlani sings, “I’m going crazy over heartbreak,” demonstrating their unwillingness to cope with the pain that’s portrayed in the song.
After getting a taste of sorrow, we experience some tranquility in “Oooh.” There’s not much happening in the song. However, it has a moderate tempo and mellow pop backing that makes it a serene listen.
“Back and Forth” is one of the album’s livelier songs. A lovely duet between Kehlani and Missy Elliott, the song focuses on jealousy and an envious boyfriend. One element that stands out is the bridge, where Missy Elliott tells her boyfriend she’s going out. The boyfriend asks her a million different questions such as “Who are you riding with?” In response, Missy Elliot declares, “I’m grown, not a teen,” exemplifying her boldness and ability to stand up for herself.
“Shoulda Never (feat. Usher)” and “You Got It” are two more tracks that encompass club music and R&B melodies. The lyrics of “Shoulda Never (feat. Usher)” are a little difficult to comprehend because of the song’s rapid tempo. However, Kehlani and Usher’s captivating duet allows the track to be enjoyable.
“You Got It” is a nice tune to play for your lover, especially if they’re dedicated to keeping you safe. In the song, Kehlani describes her lover protecting them and shielding them from harm.
“Out the Window” is another popular hit from the album. The song has a music video that shows Kehlani and a few other women dancing in an array of scenes, such as clubs and rainy weather. In the song and music video, Kehlani utilizes powerful vocals to shed rays of misery and anguish.
The 11th track, “Still,” has identical themes to “Out the Window.” Beginning with rain sounds and somber piano music, the music eventually shifts to laid-back pop as Kehlani sings about love and the complications that come with it.
The next three tracks, “Call Me Back (feat. T-Pain and Lil John),” “Pocket (feat. Cardi B)” and “Lights On (feat. Big Sean)” are essentially the same song. They have similar melodies, and they revolve around romance. On a positive note, the duets in each song were stellar, and all the featured artists’ solos were marvelous.
“Sweet Nuthins (feat. Leon Thomas),” “Cruise Control” and “Unlearn” also contain analogous subjects. All three talk about romance again, and while “Unlearn” has laid-back piano and R&B instrumentals, “Sweet Nuthins” and “Cruise Control” contain riveting pop beats and fast tempos that make them catchy.
I think the album could have been better to me. While it had remarkable duets and featured artists, it lacked a variety of background music and melodies, especially in the second half.
Rating: 3/5