For anyone who still says ‘Who?’ in relation to Keri Hilson, think of the other half of Timbaland’s The Way I Are. The single was her launching pad into the music scene and it was a great opportunity for her to showcase her talent with the hottest producer on the planet. She has appeared on various albums and videos, and now she has her own career as a solo singer through her debut album In a Perfect World.
The album starts off strong with its intro and the next four tracks, but then fades to an average level with Slow Dance and doesn’t particularly pick up, even if it ends with a decent ballad, Where Did He Go. tired. It’s a shame because the beginning of the album is so promising, which begs the question of whether Keri Hilson is one of those artists, like Jamie Foxx for example, who play better with others and lack a bit when they go solo.
The singles are Turnin Me On, which features Lil Wayne, Return the Favor with Timbaland, and his latest, Knock You Down with Kanye West and Ne-Yo. It’s not exactly an original lineup with guest stars, but including top charting artists on a debut album is a sure way to turn heads. These would-be club bangers are three of the best tracks and paired with other songs he’s collaborated on, like The Way I Are and Happy Juice with Snoop, it feels like Hilson should stick with the upbeat joints instead of the slow jams.
Keri Hilson fits right into the pop R&B genre, alongside Ciara and Kelly Rowland, and she does it well, so why not? She may not be as deep as Alicia Keys or Lauryn Hill, but she has a perfect voice and style for rap song hooks, and her own music can get a party started. These days it seems like you can’t go wrong with Timbaland holding your hand, he just looks at Justin Timberlake. Hilson has checked all the right boxes, and at least from a strategic standpoint, there’s no reason In A Perfect World shouldn’t do well.
Available through Interscope Records