Cloud 19
Kehlani · 2014
22 min · 7 tracks · contemporary R&B
A vibrant blend of contemporary R&B and neo-soul, infused with confessional lyrics and smooth melodies that resonate deeply.
Top tracks — play these first
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FWU — This track opens the mixtape with an infectious beat and sets the tone for Kehlani's exploration of love and relationships, showcasing her vocal prowess and rhythmic flow.
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Deserve Better — In this standout track, Kehlani delves into themes of self-worth and empowerment, using a catchy chorus to convey a message of personal growth amidst heartbreak.
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How We Do Us — This song exemplifies Kehlani's ability to weave storytelling with melody, capturing the essence of young love with relatable lyrics and an engaging hook that invites listeners into her world.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Cloud 19 showcases strong songwriting and vocal execution, establishing Kehlani's unique sound in contemporary R&B.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more introspective tone with slower pacing.
- Each song features layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, often with Kehlani's lead vocals intertwined with background ad-libs.
- The mixtape closes with a track that shifts to a more upbeat tempo, providing a contrast to the preceding songs and leaving the listener on a high note.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- concise emotional storytelling moments
- smooth transitions between tracks
- playful yet introspective vibes
- for short listening breaks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
- seek high-energy instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in August 2014, Cloud 19 was Kehlani's debut commercial mixtape following her time as a member of the group Poplyfe. This project marked a significant moment in her solo career, establishing her unique sound and lyrical style within the contemporary R&B landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- SZA· H.E.R.· Jhené Aiko
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Deserve Better
The bridge reveals a moment of introspection where the singer directly confronts their feelings about being undervalued in a relationship.
This shift in tone highlights vulnerability while breaking the typical narrative structure, emphasizing a journey towards self-acceptance.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 FWU 3:25
- 2 As I Am 4:09
- 3 Get Away 3:22
- 4 Deserve Better 2:29
- 5 How We Do Us 3:41
- 6 1st Position 3:13
- 7 Tell Your Mama 2:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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