Keri Hilson’s brand new album No Boys Allowed dropped yesterday, and we’ve had a chance to listen to it all the way through. After listening, we’ve gotta say that we’re definitely digging the new album. Below you can find three of our favorite tracks from the album to give you a taste of what Keri has to offer.

“Buyou”

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No Boys Allowed starts out with a bang, as the thumping horn beat of the first song, “Buyou,” rolls hard. On the song, Keri sings about not needing any more mooching guys in her life. Much like TLC’s classic track “No Scrubs” did, “Buyou” delivers a message loud and clear to all the guys interested in Ms. Hilson: She’s in the market for a boy not a man, so don’t come calling if you don’t have the maturity (and money, for that matter) to back it up. The song has all the makings of a hit, like a dance-worthy beat, and some hip-hop flavor, thanks to J.Cole’s solid verse, making it a definite album highlight.

“Pretty Girl Rock”

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If there’s one thing you should take from the smash hit single, “Pretty Girl Rock,” it’s that Keri Hilson is hot stuff and she knows it. On the track, Ms. Hilson sings, “My name is Keri. I’m so very fly. Oh my, it’s a little bit scary.” And even though some might interpret these lyrics as arrogant, it turns out “Pretty Girl Rock” is more of an anthem for female empowerment. It’s another high points on the album, and we’re not the least bit surprised that it’s been a mainstay on the MetroLyrics charts for weeks.

“Breaking Point”

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On “Breaking Point,” Keri let’s us know she’s got a limit. Her man is giving her the run-around and she’s reached the “breaking point.” There’s a limit to her love, and she’s urging other ladies to set a limit too. It goes like this: If he ain’t man enough, girl, if you’ve had enough, tell him, there’s a limit to my love.”

The image of Keri Hilson as a strong and powerful woman comes through on these songs and the rest of the album through a mix of really catchy tracks. No Boys Allowed is a solid sophomore effort from Keri Hilson, and with any luck, the album will stake her place as an R&B force now and into the future.

Look for No Boys Allowed now, available in stores everywhere. Check out the lyrics to the album here.

Robyn

Body Talk Pt. 1

****~ (4/5)

Robyn has been out of the music scene for 4 years, which, judging by her newest release, was WAY too long.

The album, Body Talk Pt. I, is, in short, an electro-pop gem packed with enough would be hits to make Lady Gaga nervous. The album’s lead single, “Dancing On My Own,” is a shoe-in to be a certified club smash this Summer. The song’s pulsating synth-beat is overlaid with Robyn’s honest lyricism, detailing the pain of witnessing an ex-boyfriend out at the club with a new girl. “I’m in the corner, watching you kiss her,” she sings, and then goes on to ask, “I’m right over here, why can’t you see me?” In the middle of the anthem, the backing track drops off to leave only Robyn’s voice as she closes the chance encounter with the words, “So far away but still so near … I just came to say goodbye,” which is met, seconds later, with a machine gun beat that kicks the song into a climax that would make any club DJ drool.

The middle heart of the album is the strongest and boasts a great selection of pop jams. Leading the way is “Cry When You Get Older, “ a track in which Robyn pleads with her audience to sing along, as she plays the part of the seasoned veteran, schooled in the ways of heartbreak, giving advice to wide-eyed youth everywhere; “love hurts when you do it right; you can cry when you get older,” she declares. Meanwhile, on “Dancehall Queen,” Robyn showcases a need to dance, almost as if it’s therapeutic, as she recounts a solo night out. “I came to dance not to socialize … I really don’t want no hassle,” she sings, as if to camouflage her vulnerability.

To contrast this album with much of the electro-pop trash on the radio takes little effort:  Robyn’s album is packed with smart, emotional lyricism where so many artists’ efforts are hollow; the catchy beats and synthesizers support her vocals rather than overcompensate for their lack; and the unbelievably catchy choruses are resonant rather than disposable. At only 8 songs, the album runs a bit short. But this disappointment is quelled by the fact that Robyn plans to release 3 albums this year (yes, you read that correctly, 3). And then somehow, the feeling of disappointment quickly changes to one of anticipation. This is a good thing. Bring on Pt. 2, Robyn.

Video:

Robyn – “Dancing On My Own”

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