What makes Acapella by Kelis notable?

'Acapella' received notable acclaim for its innovative production and was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The song is significant for its empowering themes and became associated with various cultural moments, including being featured in advertisements and dance competitions. By the release of 'Acapella' in February 2010, Kelis was transitioning into a new phase after her divorce from Nas. This single marked her return to the music scene following the experimental album 'Flesh Tone', signifying an artistic shift towards more dance and electronic influences while maintaining her unique neo-soul roots.

How many songs are on Acapella?

Acapella has 2 tracks, running approximately 9 minutes.

Acapella

Kelis · 2010

9 min · 2 tracks · rhythm and blues

A vibrant blend of electronic beats and soulful melodies that showcases Kelis's powerful vocal range and emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Acapella — The title track demonstrates Kelis's dynamic vocal prowess and serves as an anthem of self-empowerment, highlighting her ability to blend genres seamlessly.
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Acapella (Doman and Gooding remix) — This remix expands on the original by infusing additional electronic elements, showcasing how versatile the track can be within different musical contexts.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Kelis's 'Acapella' blends strong production with powerful vocals, marking a notable return to form post-divorce.

What we noticed

The track features a strong, driving beat that underpins Kelis's soaring vocals, creating a dynamic contrast between rhythm and melody.
The remix included alters the original's tempo and arrangement, providing a different interpretation while maintaining the core elements of the song.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked Kelis's return with commercial success and notable acclaim after a transitional phase.
Themes: post-divorce empowerment· electronic soul fusion· dance floor resilience
Career context: By the release of 'Acapella' in February 2010, Kelis was transitioning into a new phase after her divorce from Nas. This single marked her return to the music scene following the experimental album 'Flesh Tone', signifying an artistic shift towards more dance and electronic influences while maintaining her unique neo-soul roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Erykah Badu· Janelle Monáe· Lauryn Hill