Food cover

Food

Kelis · 2014

50 min · 13 tracks · rhythm and blues

A vibrant fusion of eclectic sounds, blending soul, hip-hop, and R&B with a culinary twist that invigorates the senses.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Jerk Ribs — 'Jerk Ribs' stands out for its catchy melody and clever lyrics that intertwine personal narrative with culinary imagery, making it emblematic of the album's theme.
  • →
    Breakfast Start here — Opening the album, 'Breakfast' sets the tone with its rich instrumentation and playful lyrics about starting the day right, showcasing Kelis' signature style.
  • →
    Change — 'Change' features introspective lyrics that reflect on personal growth and transformation, resonating deeply within the context of the album’s overall journey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Kelis' 'Food' showcases strong songwriting and production while maintaining a cohesive theme around culinary experiences.

What we noticed

  • Each track incorporates diverse instrumentation, blending elements of soul, hip-hop, and R&B, often featuring layered vocal harmonies.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo groove throughout
  • culinary metaphors sparking introspection
  • for shared mealtime moments
  • satisfying exploration of personal themes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced music
  • seek immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows Kelis' continued artistic evolution after a hiatus, exploring new themes and sounds.
Career context
Released in 2014, Food marked Kelis' sixth studio album and came after a four-year hiatus following her previous record, Flesh Tone. At this point in her career, she was exploring new artistic directions by integrating more personal experiences and influences into her music. The album showcases her continued evolution as an artist while reaffirming her unique voice in contemporary music.
Stylistic neighbors
Erykah Badu· Janelle Monáe· Lauryn Hill

Tracklist

  • 1 Breakfast Start here 4:20
  • 2 Jerk Ribs 4:12
  • 3 Forever Be 3:32
  • 4 Floyd 4:59
  • 5 Runnin’ 4:17
  • 6 Hooch 3:29
  • 7 Cobbler 3:19
  • 8 Bless the Telephone 2:31
  • 9 Friday Fish Fry 4:41
  • 10 Change 3:42
  • 11 Rumble 3:13
  • 12 Biscuits ’n’ Gravy 4:23
  • 13 Dreamer 3:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata