K.T.S.E.
Teyana Taylor · 2018
22 min · 8 tracks · contemporary R&B
A lush blend of contemporary R&B and hip-hop, underscored by emotive vocals and intimate storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gonna Love Me — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core, blending vulnerability with a nostalgic sound that resonates with listeners while showcasing Taylor's vocal range.
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Issues / Hold On — By weaving personal struggles into its narrative, this song highlights Taylor's lyrical depth and ability to address complex emotions within a concise format.
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Rose in Harlem — This closing track serves as a powerful reflection on Taylor's journey and growth, integrating elements of self-affirmation with a soulful delivery that leaves a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
K.T.S.E. showcases strong vocal performances and production but lacks some depth for lasting impact.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track, followed by a shift to more introspective themes in the second and third tracks.
- Vocals are layered with harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly evident in 'Gonna Love Me' and 'Rose in Harlem'.
- The final track, 'WTP', introduces a faster tempo and a more upbeat energy, contrasting with the preceding songs.
- 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
- concise emotional storytelling
- intimate moments of vulnerability
- front-loaded energetic pacing
- short bursts of expression
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer immersive albums
- seek standalone radio hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- K.T.S.E. is Teyana Taylor's second studio album, following her debut, VII, released in 2014. By 2018, she had gained significant recognition through her collaborations and appearances, notably on Kanye West's projects, positioning her for a larger audience. This album marks a pivotal moment in her career as she fully embraces her artistic identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- SZA· H.E.R.· Kali Uchis
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 No Manners 1:38
- 2 Gonna Love Me 2:46
- 3 Issues / Hold On 3:05
- 4 Hurry 2:54
- 5 3Way 3:23
- 6 Rose in Harlem 3:42
- 7 Never Would Have Made It 2:39
- 8 WTP 2:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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