Kehlani makes their swift return with “While We Wait 2.”
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TOP 5
5. Ballin
Ballin like crying or ballin like Jim Jones?
I feel like Kehlani is at their best on “Ballin.” Supported by a smooth R&B instrumental with an easygoing rhythm, they deliver airy vocals that are captivating, paired with clever lyrics that dive into their complicated relationship, centered around the games they play with their partner. Overall, I love the track’s gentle, merry vibe and youthful, almost teenage-inspired content.
4. Know Better (Ft. Lil’ Mo & Vince Staples)
Holy s**t, I haven’t heard Lil’ Mo sing in fifteen years.
One of my all-time favorite tracks (and I’m not exaggerating) is Lil’ Mo’s “4 Ever” from 2003. Apparently, Kehlani feels the same way because they decided to remake the track with “Know Better.” Now, personally, I don’t think the two songs sound alike, but Kehlani does recycle parts of Lil’ Mo’s classic chorus. Beyond that, Kehlani drops some bold lyrics, letting their partner know that no one can touch them when it comes to looks or getting money. The track closes with a smooth Vince Staples verse where he reminds his partner he’s the real deal in the streets and isn’t wasting any time when it comes to falling in love. Overall, I think the track blends nostalgic vibes with modern energy well.
3. Love Like
Kehlani makes it abundantly clear what kind of love they want in “Love Like” (Women, take notes).
“Love Like” radiates such gorgeous energy. I love the track’s upbeat, vibrant instrumentation, and Kehlani brings some of their brightest, most vibrant vocals yet. I guess when you’re experiencing a forever love that’s flexible, a little spicy, and even slightly annoying, you’d feel the same way, too.
2. Clothes Off (Ft. kwn)
When those clothes come off and you see stretch marks >.
I think I have a new slow jam to add to the rotation. “Clothes Off” is a sultry track where Kehlani talks about wanting their clothes to come off faster than Adrian Griffin got fired. In between, they describe all the pleasureful things their partner can do for them. Beyond the juicy lyrics, I love the track’s mechanical, Timbaland-like production and the seductive vocals Kehlani delivers (and, to a lesser extent, kwn delivers).
1. When He’s Not There (Ft. Lucky Daye)
If I came home and my bed smelled like perfume, would it bother me? Honestly, probably not.
In “When He’s Not There,” Kehlani and Lucky Daye scheme to link up when their partners aren’t around, but let me just say this: if I walk in on that plan, someone’s getting hit with a shovel. Regardless of how you feel about the song’s theme, there’s so much to appreciate. Personally, I’m all about the silky-smooth R&B production, Kehlani’s alluring vocals that almost have you buying into the mischief, the infectious chorus, and the way Lucky comes in sounding like a guy who’s both nervous about getting caught and willing to risk it all.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
1. Love Like (4/5)
2. When He’s Not There (5/5)
3. Clothes Off (Ft. kwn) (5/5)
4. S.I.N.G.L.E. (4/5)
5. Know Better (Ft. Lil’ Mo & Vince Staples) (4/5)
6. Border (4/5)
7. Form of You (Ft. DESTIN CONRAD & CHILDOFINNES) (4/5)
8. Let Me Down (San Diego Interlude) (4/5)
9. Around (3.5/5)
10. Ballin (4/5)
11. First Life (4/5)
12. Slow Dance (Ft. DIXSON) (4/5)
13. 8 (Remix) (Ft. FLO) (4.5/5)
14. After Hours (Remix) (Ft. LUDMILLA) (4.5/5)
RGM RATING
(B-)
Kehlani redeemed themself with the release of this project.
Kehlani is an uber-talented artist who can tackle any genre they so please. However, sometimes, when you’re that talented, you need to be saved from yourself a little. That said, I feel like Kehlani experimented just a little too much on their last album, leaving their core fans a bit disappointed. On this album, while I don’t think they deliver unbelievable music, I do think they go back to the basics. What does that mean? You get a chance to hear them showcase their gorgeous vocals over both ’90s-inspired R&B instrumentals and truly pleasant modern R&B beats. As for the lyrics, they continue to follow this theme of being an absolute romantic who knows how to balance their playa ways and tender side when needed. All in all, I feel this project aligns closer to the Kehlani I want and expect to hear.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
