Kelis Soars on 'Flesh Tone'

The R&B diva is back with a surprising new sound and focus. Flesh Tone finds Kelis laser-focusing on the dance floor to eccentrically organic results. This artist has likely never sounded more human or personal. The maturity ditched by artists like Christina Aguilera in favor of oozing sexuality in the club is absolutely not on display for the "Milkshake" singer. She's a recently divorced mother, and the entire album reads like a love letter to a baby son from a super-cool mom.

Flesh Tone's atmosphere can only be described as driving and inspirational. It's a sleek piece of work, clocking in at just under thirty-eight minutes. In an era of singles, this album actually feels like an album, connected by intriguing segues and a hyper-coherent structure of interconnected melody.

She sings of empowerment ("22^nd Century," Emancipation," "Brave"), reflection ("Scream"), and most of all, love ("Acapella," "4^th of July," "Song for the Baby," "Home"). Flesh Tone feels as though Kelis dropped her personal diary into the laps of the audience.

David Guetta provides some of the strongest moments through his production on the lead single "Acapella" and "Scream," the tracks most likely to be remembered by casual listeners for their driving dance melodies and soaring crescendos. But the best moment on the album arrives at the very end, when Kelis lays out a simplistic letter of love and commitment on "Song for the Baby." Straight-forward and wonderful, the hook is simply: "But I love you more than you'll ever know. With you, love never dies. 'Cause I love you more than you'll ever know."

It's impossible not to believe Kelis as she sings, "Had a baby. He's amazing. He's what saved me." Audiences can be grateful that her renewal has led to the album that may come to define her career. The dance floor's never felt so much like home.

GPA - 3.7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisSosa