Kehlani’s fourth studio album, Crash, ventures into an expansive range of musical genres, capturing the tumultuous essence of passion and self-reflection. A stark departure from their 2022 release, blue water road, which gently navigated themes of love with delicate guitar pop, Crash plunges into a diverse sonic landscape. The album kicks off with “GrooveTheory,” seamlessly blending vintage girl-group melodies with bold, contemporary beats, showcasing Kehlani’s flair for merging different styles. The title itself, symbolizing sudden emotional bursts, is brought to life through a mix of dancehall, trap-infused R&B, and country-tinged ballads.
The album’s dynamic nature continues with standout tracks like “Sucia,” featuring contributions from Jill Scott and Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko. Jill Scott’s sultry spoken-word delivery and Young Miko’s smooth verses create a rich, atmospheric backdrop for Kehlani’s exploration of lust and longing. This track vividly captures the depths of desire. “What I Want” is another highlight, skillfully blending a Christina Aguilera sample with trap beats to produce a dark, assertive anthem. The track’s chip-tuned sample and thundering bass showcase Kehlani’s fearless creativity and innovation within R&B and pop. Meanwhile, “After Hours” offers a fresh take on a classic riddim, transforming Nina Sky’s “Move Ya Body” into an airy, upbeat celebration of romantic encounters.
Kehlani’s smooth and relaxed vocal delivery ties together the album’s diverse influences, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience. Tracks like “Better Not” add a touch of country flair, reflecting on themes of longing and heartache with a simple yet poignant delivery. The nostalgic “Vegas,” with its ’80s-style guitar solos, explores fleeting moments and the allure of escapism, underscored by the lyrics, “What happens here stays here.” The dancehall-infused “Tears,” featuring Omah Lay, delves into the vulnerability found within nightlife settings, presenting a compelling “crying in the club” narrative. Kehlani’s heartfelt performance infuses these tracks with a deep emotional resonance, drawing listeners into their introspective world.
The theme of desire and emotional depth runs throughout Crash, culminating in the powerful track “Deep.” Blending heavy psych-rock elements with introspective lyrics and featuring background vocals from Kehlani’s family, including their daughter, this song provides a raw and honest look at their journey from adversity to success. The emotive vocals and powerful beats highlight Kehlani’s skill in balancing personal storytelling with innovative music production. One of the unique aspects of Crash is its ability to bring together a wide array of musical influences without losing its sense of direction. Each track contributes to a larger narrative about the highs and lows of love and self-discovery. For example, the song “Sucia” stands out not only for its guest appearances but also for its layered production that builds an atmosphere of intense passion. Similarly, “After Hours” reimagines familiar sounds in a way that feels fresh and exciting, adding to the album’s overall sense of innovation.
Tracks like “Better Not” and “Vegas” might initially seem like departures from the album’s more energetic offerings, but they serve an important role in rounding out the emotional landscape of Crash. “Better Not” uses its country-inspired sound to explore themes of regret and longing in a stripped-back, heartfelt way. “Vegas,” with its nostalgic nods to ’80s music, captures the fleeting nature of moments that feel both significant and ephemeral. These tracks, while different in style, enhance the album’s exploration of complex emotions and experiences. The closing track, “Deep,” encapsulates everything that Crash aims to achieve. It’s a raw, introspective piece that delves into Kehlani’s personal history, marked by both struggle and triumph. The psych-rock influences and background vocals from family members add layers of authenticity and depth, making it a fitting conclusion to an album that never shies away from vulnerability.
In 2022, Kehlani’s album blue water road ushered listeners into a world of soothing love with its gentle, guitar-driven pop melodies. This album marked a departure from their previous work, which was characterized by intense R&B and a darker, more atmospheric sound. The change reflected Kehlani’s growth, showcasing a deeper understanding of the complexities of love’s triumphs and heartbreaks. With Crash, Kehlani continues to push musical boundaries while retaining their distinct confidence and flair, making it an exhilarating experience for listeners.
Stream Kehlani’s Crash below!
