Flesh Tone
Kelis · 2010
37 min · 9 tracks · rhythm and blues
A vibrant blend of electronic beats and soulful melodies that celebrates freedom and self-empowerment.
Top tracks — play these first
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22nd Century Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Acapella — As the lead single, 'Acapella' exemplifies the album's celebration of independence, combining infectious beats with an empowering message about self-love.
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4th of July (Fireworks) — '4th of July (Fireworks)' captures the spirit of liberation with euphoric production and an anthemic chorus, making it a standout party track.
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Brave — 'Brave' showcases Kelis's vocal prowess against a backdrop of uplifting instrumentation, reinforcing themes of resilience and courage throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong electronic production and maintains a danceable energy, though it may not deeply resonate over time.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro that sets a futuristic tone, followed by tracks that maintain a consistent dance tempo throughout.
- Each song features layered electronic production, often incorporating synths and rhythmic beats that drive the energy forward.
- Several tracks, like 'Acapella' and '4th of July (Fireworks)', utilize repetitive hooks that emphasize the celebratory themes of freedom and empowerment.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- steady flow with gradual build
- empowering anthems for self-expression
- uplifting energy for celebration
- background soundtrack for creativity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer immediate gratification
- seek standalone single experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Flesh Tone represents a shift to a dance-oriented sound, differing from her earlier work.
- Career context
- Released in 2010, Flesh Tone marked Kelis's return after a four-year hiatus since her album, Kelis Was Here. This album showcased her artistic evolution into a more dance-oriented sound, embracing elements of electronic music while maintaining her signature soulful style. It was pivotal in redefining her identity as an artist in the pop and R&B landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Erykah Badu· Janelle Monáe· Lauryn Hill
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Brave
The narrator shifts from expressing vulnerability to proclaiming strength through affirmations, creating a powerful contrast within the song.
This structural change emphasizes personal growth, driving home the message that overcoming fear is both a journey and a declaration.
Tracklist
- 1 Intro 3:31
- 2 22nd Century Start here 4:55
- 3 4th of July (Fireworks) 5:40
- 4 Home 4:03
- 5 Acapella 4:28
- 6 Scream 3:30
- 7 Emancipate 4:26
- 8 Brave 3:32
- 9 Song for the Baby 3:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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