Keri Hilson press photo

By: Gregory Brand, Jr.
Entertainment Editor
SOTG Magazine

Keri Hilson
In A Perfect World
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Talented songwriter and emerging "it girl" Keri Hilson aims to make a name for her own beautiful voice in her richly entertaining debut, "In A Perfect World."

After months of delays and push-backs, the album finally makes it to the purchasing public and delivers with a spirited collection of dancefloor gems and cleverly weaved wordplay.

Ms. Hilson is first and foremost is a songwriter and her wordplay is the dominating force throughout the work. As a member of the songwriting and music production collective know only as the Clutch, Hilson has penned hit singles for the likes of Ciara, Timbaland and Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls. She holds tight to the writing skills that have been a major earner for her by blessing her own debut with catchy hooks and introspective lyrics.

Clever wordplay is one of the first things a listener is likely to pick up with this collection of tracks. On the current chart topper, "Turnin Me On," Hilson delivers a list of do's and don'ts to fellas that have the gall to approach her. Power is added to the track by the ubiquitous emcee Lil Wayne giving "Ms Keri" the types of lines she wants to hear from her ideal man.

Mixed in with the solid lyricism is the use of interesting song concepts with emotional ties. On the lead single, "Energy," Hilson does well with a song dedicated to a lover that is taking more than they are giving. This is also the case on the smooth groove of "Alienated" where she addresses her loneliness after the disappearance of a lover.

The album is backed mainly by production from frequent collaborators Timbaland, his protegee Danja and Polow Da Don and their sonic soundscapes do nothing but add additional power to the already solid effort. Hilson's sweet vocals and songwriting could have easily dominated the album alone but the beats make it a classic-level debut.

Having cut her teeth in the industry as a writer before making an attempt to take the spotlight for herself, Hilson has made a lot of friends in the music industry and those connections support her through out the LP. With tracks laced by the aforementioned Timbaland and Polow Da Don and features from R-Kelly, NeYo, Lil Wayne and Kanye West, it is clear that Hilson means business.

The album's only weakness shows itself with the songs that don't necessarily fit in with the cohesively eclectic sounds.

This is apparent on the Akon assisted moan-fest "Change Me." While the song isn't horrible, it fails to match the futuristic scoring that carries the album.

Overall, the album is amazing and is almost totally flawless. Hilson is a colossal talent and "In A Perfect World" shows her skills well.

Bottom Line: Keri Hilson is the truth and the album is definitely one that should be placed in everyone's personal collection.

Gregory Brand, Jr.

Labels: music, reviews