Released 20 years ago
Kelis Was Here
Kelis · 2006
72 min · 18 tracks · rhythm and blues
A bold fusion of alternative hip-hop and neo-soul, layered with confident lyrics and infectious grooves.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bossy Start here — As the lead single, 'Bossy' exemplifies Kelis's assertive persona and features a catchy hook that became an anthem for confidence and empowerment.
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Living Proof — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics and soulful delivery, highlighting Kelis's growth as both a vocalist and a songwriter.
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Lil Star — 'Lil Star' showcases a softer side of Kelis, blending emotional depth with an infectious melody that resonates with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends genres effectively but has uneven pacing, impacting its overall cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro, followed by the high-energy single 'Bossy', which sets a confident tone for the first half.
- The latter half features more introspective tracks such as 'Goodbyes' and 'Trilogy', which shift the mood and pacing significantly.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- layered, dense sonic textures
- energetic workout motivation
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Kelis's status with hit single 'Bossy' and positive critical reception.
- Themes
- female empowerment· introspective soul
- Career context
- Released in 2006, 'Kelis Was Here' was Kelis's fourth studio album, following her critically acclaimed 'Tasty.' At this point in her career, she was transitioning from mainstream success to a more experimental sound, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Erykah Badu· Janelle Monáe· Lauryn Hill
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Living Proof
The narrative shifts from self-doubt to self-affirmation as the narrator embraces their identity and strength.
This progression in tone effectively illustrates the journey of overcoming challenges, making it a pivotal moment in the album.
Tracklist
- 1 Intro 1:27
- 2 Bossy Start here 4:34
- 3 What’s That Right There 4:17
- 4 Till the Wheels Fall Off 4:13
- 5 Living Proof 3:41
- 6 Blindfold Me 3:48
- 7 Goodbyes 4:42
- 8 Trilogy 3:56
- 9 Circus 4:40
- 10 Weekend 4:42
- 11 Like You 3:00
- 12 Aww S***! 4:09
- 13 Lil Star 4:55
- 14 I Don’t Think So 3:02
- 15 Handful 2:59
- 16 Appreciate Me 4:02
- 17 Have a Nice Day 6:33
- 18 Fuck Them Bitches 3:49
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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