What makes Milkshake by Kelis notable?

'Milkshake' became a cultural phenomenon, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance. Its memorable hook and provocative themes influenced the sound of early 2000s pop and hip-hop, inspiring numerous covers and parodies that solidified its place in popular culture. Released on August 25, 2003, 'Milkshake' was a pivotal single for Kelis, showcasing her unique fusion of R&B and hip-hop. This song followed her debut album 'Kaleidoscope', which had established her as an artist to watch. At this point in her career, she was transitioning into mainstream recognition, leading to greater visibility and collaborations.

How many songs are on Milkshake?

Milkshake has 4 tracks, running approximately 28 minutes.

Milkshake

Kelis · 2003

28 min · 4 tracks · rhythm and blues

A sultry blend of hip-hop and R&B, dripping with confident sexuality and infectious grooves.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Milkshake — The title track exemplifies Kelis's signature blend of catchy hooks and bold sexual confidence, making it an anthem of empowerment. Its innovative production, featuring a distinct bass line, helped redefine the sound of mainstream pop at the time.
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Milkshake (X-Press 2 Triple Thick vocal mix) — This remix expands the original's club appeal with extended beats and layers, showcasing how the song transcended its radio roots to dominate dance floors. It highlights the versatility of the track while maintaining its core essence.
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Milkshake (Tom Neville remix) — This version adds a fresh electronic twist to the original while preserving its catchy elements, demonstrating the adaptability of Kelis's music across different styles. It emphasizes the song's universal appeal in various listening environments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The single's strong hook and varied remixes highlight its infectious nature and distinct sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Kelis' reputation with a cultural phenomenon and Grammy nomination.
Career context: Released on August 25, 2003, 'Milkshake' was a pivotal single for Kelis, showcasing her unique fusion of R&B and hip-hop. This song followed her debut album 'Kaleidoscope', which had established her as an artist to watch. At this point in her career, she was transitioning into mainstream recognition, leading to greater visibility and collaborations.
Stylistic neighbors: Erykah Badu· Janelle Monáe· Lauryn Hill