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REVIEWS

Reviews of her albums and singles !

SIMPLY DEEP REVIEWS

SIMPLY DEEP REVIEWED BY BRONLIN WINNING
On her solo debut, Kelly Rowland proves she can make her own hits without help from her Destiny's Child bandmates. Stylistically, Simply Deep isn't much of a departure from the glossy R&B that made her famous, but her voice definitely shines on these relationship-minded tracks. Includes the single "Dilemma" with Nelly.
- Brolin Winning

SIMPLY DEEP REVIEWED BY CHRISTIAN HOARD

On her solo debut, Destiny's stepchild steps up with a bunch of low-key soul-pop fare. The tired character sketches and polite R&B hooks will make you long for the sass and spirit of her main outfit.

SIMPLY DEEP REVIEWED BY ANDREW LYNCH

Always overshadowed by Beyonce Knowles when she was in Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland is now making a determined bid for stardom in her own right. On the evidence of Simply Deep, however, you have to wonder whether she's really cut out for the part. Lavishly produced it might be, but this insipid mix of lightweight R'n'B and syrupy ballads is simply too shackled by the cliches of the genre to make any emotional impact. Its most notable success is 'Dilemma', a slinky duet with rapper Nelly that links their two contrasting voices to good effect. Elsewhere, however, proceedings are dominated by the kind of diva histrionics that Rowland just doesn't have the personality to carry off. Destiny's Child fans may well be tempted to save their money for Beyonce's debut instead - and chances are, they'll be making the right decision.

SIMPLY DEEP REVIEWED BY CHERRY

This album is realy good full of fun songs that would cheer you up when ever you feel like cheering yourself up or just want to have a good time.

Some of the songs on the album sound similar to the destinys child songs but they have a more fresh sound. Kelly rowland collabrates with nelly, Solange Knowles and Joe Budden on some of the songs on the album so the songs have their own sound and each are different.

The album contains 15 songs including bonus tracks. The songs are:

1. Stole
2. Dilemma - Nelly & Kelly Rowland
3. Haven't Told You
4. Can't Nobody
5. Love / Hate
6. Simply Deep - Rowland, Kelly & Solange Knowles
7. (Love Lives In) Strange Places
8. Obsession
9. Heaven
10. Past 12
11. Everytime You Walk Out That Door
12. Train On A Track
13. Beyond Imagination
14. Make U Wanna Stay (Bonus Track) - Rowland, Kelly & Joe .Budden
15. No Coincidence (Bonus Track)

The album contains the number 1 Dilemma featuring Nelly which was Kelly Rowlands frist sole song while destinys child were on a break. She then went onto realise the songs Can't nobody, Stole and simple deep all top 10 hits in the uk.

This album is good for any one to listern to with its pop and RnB sound. I also think it is a good album to play during the summer or when you go out and party the night away as some of the songs would get everbody up and dancing.

I would recommend this album to anyone that liked destinys child or that want to listern to a fresh sound and likes the mix of RnB and pop music.

SIMPLY DEEP REVIEWED BY JOY DUNBAR

The release of Kelly Rowland's debut album Simply Deep, firmly fixes the spotlight on the 22 year old. It also highlights she is more than a mere backing vocalist for Beyonce Knowles. Her inconsistent and monotonous, lightweight, commercial soul album has also ignited controversy in music circles: Will the release of a successful solo album mark the end for Destiny's Child - one of the most successful girl groups of all time? If the triumph of her number one, Grammy Award winning single "Dilemma" is anything to go by the break up of the group may not be a problem for Kelly.

In addition to this gong gathering ditty we have "Make U Wanna Stay" - another stand out moment on the record. A track inspired by Destiny's Child album Writings on the Wall featuring Joe Budden thats about keeping your man interested. Whilst not scoring any points for an original theme, this is R&B free from the formulaic musical clichés with seductive beats, strong lyrics, and it succeeds where most of the album, essentially, fails to deliver.

The Sade influenced "Stole" which is about universal life experiences highlights Kelly's soulful, spine tingling singing voice. However, it is much like that of her contemporaries - Alicia Keys, Mary J Bilge and Tweet and the album verifies she is only emulating the genre and failing to make an unique contribution or impact.

Ms Rowland makes a faint break from the Destinys Child ethos as "Train On A Track" attempts to rebel against her former sound with the occasional, edgy rock chords and heavy use of guitars. However, this uninspiring, longing love song tries too hard to promote her shift away from the group and interferes with the structure of the album.

Simply Deep endeavours to demonstrate another side of Kelly Rowland, as a song writer and an independent solo artist. The albums main weakness is that it tries to offer too much diversity and Kelly tries too hard to stand outside her former incarnation. However, if you are a fan of R&B music the in frequent high points make this must for your collection.

Reviewer: Joy Dunbar

SIMPLY DEEP REVIEWED BY stephen

most of the songs are slow,but they are deep I enjoy stole,past 12,train on a track all because it actually means something.this is a album were you dont just sing the song but you understand it.Oh dont even bother getting online for lyrics because they are provided inside the album booklet.well as I said befor this album is simply real. so go out and get it.

Amazon.co.uk Review

It's hard to say what adds more ballast to singer Kelly Rowland's solo debut, Simply Deep--her chart-topping past with Destiny's Child or her insanely sexy duet (and accompanying video) with hip-hop star Nelly on the song "Dilemma". For certain, Rowland will take her place alongside fellow Destiny's Child member Beyonce Knowles as a hip, self-assured R&B force with a terrifically elastic voice, if not groundbreaking material.

A slick, mostly upbeat clutch of smoochy urban ballads and he-done-me-wrong laments, Simply Deep sounds expensive and Cristal-soaked, which was doubtless the goal. And there are notable exceptions--"Love/Hate" is a electronically juiced rump-shaker while the poignant album opener, "Stole", stands as a beacon to the underdog, delivered in a voice as striking as the face it belongs to, which is saying something. --Kim Hughes

Description
This is the debut album from Kelly Rowland, one third of the chart topping R&B outfit, Destiny's Child. 'Simply Deep' mixes soulful R&B, hip hop styled beats, and Kelly's unique vocals helping create her own identity away from the success of Destiny's Child. The album features guest appearances from Nelly, and Joe Budden and also includes the number one single 'Dilemma'.

Review by Epinions.com

The Main Idea:
Kelly Rowland has always been my favorite Destiny’s Child member from the debut album. I always thought she was cute, sweet and talented although she was played down to be Beyonce’s sidekick. I was excited when the Survivor album dropped because Kelly finally got a chance to show her vocal talents. And when I found out that all 3 girls were going solo, I was most excited to hear Kelly’s solo debut. Beyonce was going to be the 1st one out and she started off with her acting in Austin Powers: Goldmember and having the lead single from the soundtrack with “Work It Out.” I was kinda glad when it flopped at radio because I was tired of her getting all the praise and Kelly & Michelle being pushed into the background. And when Kelly and Nelly teamed up for the summer jam of 2002, “Dilemma”, and it went to #1 for 11 weeks, I was ecstatic for Kelly because she was finally getting her rewards. The success of “Dilemma” allowed Kelly’s debut to drop 1st & on Sept. 12th 2002, Simply Deep hit record shelves. When I finally got my copy, I was very pleased with the end product. Kelly really showed she had skills and that she could hold her own. The album didn’t sell like it should’ve which is why I decided to review the LP so I could persuade everyone who reads this to go & buy it because it’s worth it. A track-by-track breakdown is below;

1. Stole - The album’s official lead single and Kelly kicks off the album by showing how diverse her music is. Everyone talked about the various school shootings that had occurred over the past few years, but Kelly was the 1st R&B artist to really explore that subject. The song talks about a kid who is viewed as an outcast who becomes fed up and goes to school and kills his classmates and Kelly sings about how their lives were stole. The track in itself is great because it has a great rock edge with the guitars and drums. It was remixed for the R&B stations but the rock version is much better. Kelly sings this track but doesn’t over sing it like Beyonce tends to do. The lyrics are very poignant as well:

He was always such a nice boy
The quiet one with good intentions
He was down for his brother, respectful to his mother
A good boy but good don't get attention
One kid with a promise, the brightest kid in school
He's not a fool
Reading books about science and smart stuff
It's not enough, no, cause smart don't make you cool
He's not invisible anymore with his Father's nine
And a broken fuse
Since he walked through that classroom door
He's all over primetime news

Although radio didn’t embrace this track the way they should’ve, the track is very tight and important and I’m glad Kelly wasn’t afraid to address this issue. 10/10

2. Dilemma (Duet with Nelly) - Anybody and everybody has heard this track which blew Kelly up in a big way as a solo artist. I’m glad Nelly chose her to do this track because she brings her southern charm, sweetness & sexiness to this track. The song was simple in its concept with Nelly feeling this girl that’s in a relationship thus making it a dilemma but it has a great summery vibe and it got Kelly played in cars and stores and clubs everywhere. Kelly did her thing and Nelly did his too. Hot track. 9/10.

3. Haven’t Told You - This track hasn’t fully grown on me yet but it’s still a nice record with its simple beat thanks to the acoustic guitars and slight use of percussion. Kelly basically sings to the object of her affection and tells him how she hasn’t told him how much she loves him or how she really feels about him. I can just see Kelly sitting on a porch swing in the summertime in the country just singing to her man. The song is very nice and relaxing and Kelly’s vocals are just right for the track.

4. Can’t Nobody - The album’s 2nd single which wasn’t embraced by radio either and I can’t figure out why because it has all the right elements for a hit; a sexy siren singing it, a tight beat and catchy and infectious lyrics. I don’t understand what radio is doing nowadays. Anyways, this record was produced by Rich Harrison who produced Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love” and although that beat is tighter, this record isn’t any less hot. The lyrics and concept are simple; Kelly is basically telling her man that although she has made some mistakes, she knows that he knows that can’t nobody else love him and treat him and do him the way she does so he shouldn’t be a fool and make a mistake by letting her go. He’ll regret it. The video was cool as well and this was a good choice for a 2nd single. 10/10.

5. Love/Hate - One of my favorite records on the CD and should’ve been a single. This track was produced by Robert “Big Bert” Smith (R&B singer’s Brandy’s husband at the time) and Brandy herself even co-wrote this track in which Kelly gets to portray an angry girlfriend who’s fed up and is moving on. She tells her guy that she loves to love him and loves to hate him so she’s letting him go because he’s not worth all the stress. You can somewhat hear Kelly’s anger in her vocals. The track would’ve been better if they would’ve used live guitars but it’s still a hot record especially with the faint ambulance noises in the music. Kelly did this track up right. 10/10.

6. Simply Deep ft. Solange Knowles - Kelly slows the album down with this track and this track is one of 3 that Beyonce’s little sister Solange wrote for Kelly. I found it interesting how Solange was absent for Beyonce’s project. HMMM? Anyway, this is a nice little love ballad with Kelly and Solange professing that their love for their men is simply deep (an oxymoron). Solange definitely has writing skills. Her lyrics are very poetic;

Is anybody home in there?
I unexpectedly dropped by your heart
I simply wanted you to hear
The cry of my love's never ending start
Impossibly escaping you
And circumstances never stand a chance
So intrigued by the things you do
Through my eyes I vision you
Your love protects my every move
My life swings to your heart beats
My everlasting love is simply deep

The production could’ve been a bit better but Kelly sounds nice on this track. Solange needs to sing a little louder though because it’s hard to hear her at times and she sounds too similar to Kelly on the 2nd verse. But both ladies did a very nice job on this record. 8/10.

7. (Love Lives In) Strange Places - Kelly’s turn to pick up a pen and pad and she does a good job on this song about remembering that love does live in strange places. It may not always be so obvious so it may sneak up on you unexpectedly but you shouldn’t try to run from it. I also likes how Kelly reminds us that “true love isn’t digital/it’s invisible.” In this materialistic world, we can forget that. The song is a nice R&B track and it grew on me after a few listens. Kelly doesn’t forget her roots though as she sings “like a child of destiny.” Oh well. You don’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been. 8/10.

8. Obsession - This song is very soothing and has a Sade vibe to it. I like the simple, understated beat with its light percussion and guitar. The song is basically about Kelly obsessing over this guy that’s not hers but she wants him to be. Ultimately, she fails. I love the poetic lyrics:

I wanna be the everything you need
The every sight you see
The closest thing to epidemic, slightly your disease
A love without a cure, no uncertain for sure
The closest thing to alcohol that calls you back for more
Your sensuous touch is all too much
The bearing love of my obsession
I speak your tone, dance to your song of my confession
Of my obsession

Solange wrote this track as well and she did another nice job. This girl has got skills. She’ll be big one day. Kelly’s vocals on this track are reminiscent of Sade as well. Very smooth. 9/10.

9. Heaven - This is my least favorite track but I don’t hate it. I just never really listen to it. Kelly wrote this track as well as she gives her description of heaven which is being with her man. This song has a jazzy feel to it so it’s very relaxing. Kelly scats over this track adding to that effect so I can picture listening to this in a hammock on a cool, sunny day. I don’t know why I don’t care for this track but it’s still a good track. 5/10.

10. Past 12 - Kelly picks up the pace with this track as she makes a song for the clubs. It’s definitely club material; it has a catchy, bouncy beat and has a lot of club references such as “crunk”, “dubs”, “poppin” & so forth. I use words like that all time so this song got high points for keeping it real, even if it is ghetto. Kelly basically sings about it being past 12 at the club and she spots this guy and tells him to make his move. Overall tight track and this is definitely one to play while getting ready to go out. 10/10.

11. Everytime You Walk Out That Door - Kelly slows it down again with this easy flowing ballad about being in a relationship and still feeling lonely. The lyrics tell it all;

A table set for dinner, only just for one
Staring at your empty chair
Remembering the love, the crazy laughs we shared
Last time you were sitting there
I can hear your voice still calling out my name
It's now your scent upon the pillow next to me
Imagining your kisses when I close my eyes
They don't replace you holding me
A house is not a home when I'm alone here
Summer turns to winter when you're gone
And all I see are clouds outside my window
Everytime you walk out the door

Kelly definitely incorporated a lot of songs onto her album that people can relate to. The beat is very simple and standard R&B but I still like this song, no matter how ordinary. 10/10.

12. Train On A Track - Probably the most Pop record on the album. You may remember this song as it was played at the end of Jennifer Lopez’ flick Maid In Manhattan. The song is basically describing how natural the love is between Kelly and her man. The lyrics;

Like a train on a track, like spokes inside a wheel
Involuntary motion like rolling downhill
And there's no way to stop it
It's a natural thing like sunrise and dusk
Snowflakes, waterfalls, same thing with us
And there's no way to stop it once you fall in love

The song almost has a folk vibe with the guitars in the background. A very fun love song. This is one to dedicate to that special someone. Lovely record. 10/10.

13. Beyond Imagination - Definitely the most personal track on the record but Kelly didn’t write it; Solange did. Kelly said that she told Solange when she was in the studio that she wanted a song to portray how her home life was growing up and how she felt as a child. I feel Solange captured it perfectly. Kelly said the recording of the song was very emotional and everyone was crying after it was finished. The song is emotional with very deep lyrics;

Your life seems dysfunctional
It only acts what you show
You're your own psychiatrist
A slight minute from quitting
Showing signs of depression
Life's falling over and crashing
Your heat burns through like lava & rapes ur problem solver
To somewhere beyond imaginations flow
Hear my tone, it says I am alone
A hideout, manifest stability, let go of doubt, get away
Thoughts will inject or exit my present place
I gotta burn, experience only allows what I will earn
Hear my tone, it says I am alone!

The lyrics and music with the rock edge and live guitars capture the anger and pain that Kelly wanted it to. It may sound contrived to some people but it sounds real to me. Thanks for sharing this with us Kelly. 10/10.

14. Make U Wanna Stay ft. Joe Budden (Bonus Track) - If Kelly would’ve made this track a single, she would’ve had a hit album. This record is crazy. The beat is ridiculous with its middle-eastern vibe and heavy bass. Great to play loud in your speakers. Joe’s rap makes it even hotter. You may have heard the beat if you’ve heard Fabolous’ song “Make U Want Me” although that beat is a diluted version of this one. You have to play this song loud to get the full effect. This song is about Kelly saying that she’ll make this guy wanna stay with her. Joe & Kelly make a nice joint. Hottest joint on the record. Even the hip-hop aficionados would bump this one. 10/10.

Final Thoughts:
Overall, Simply Deep was in some ways better than Dangerously In Love. Beyonce basically stuck with the formula that worked for Destiny’s Child and added a little more spice to make it seem different while Kelly totally branched out and tried different things to make an enjoyable album full of variety that wasn’t boring or didn’t try too hard. Some may say Kelly didn’t try hard enough but I disagree. A lot of female R&B artists should take the time to listen to this CD and see the type of the album they should make/should’ve made. Don’t get me wrong, this album was rush-recorded and it shows but it’s still a great album. And if Kelly would’ve really taken her time, the album would’ve been even better. Kelly put her all into this project and she should be happy with the end result like her true fans were and are. Some girls don’t even bother and make an album filled with 2 or 3 hot songs and 10 or 11 pieces of junk. Ultimately, SIMPLY DEEP went on to peak at #12 in the US, debut at #1 in the UK and was certified Platinum. That may not seem like a lot compared to Destiny’s Child’s numbers but it’s still respectable and well-earned. Besides, you shouldn’t be surprised that the album didn’t sell millions. Haven’t you figured it out? It’s always the great and classic albums that never sell anything. They’re all just a bunch of diamonds in the ruff waiting to be found. I found my diamond so it’s time for you to find one too and this CD is it.

Recommended:
Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends

Review by Enternaiment

Review by http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/

An Impressive Debut Album

Advantages Voice
Disadvantages Price
Kelly Rowland's chart-topping past repersents her as a hip, self-assured R&B force with an terrifically elastic voice. Kelly Rowland make's a great debut album that will surely make a groundbreaking mark of her material and make an quality impact on everyone.

Kelly Rowland's sucess has been massive, but her debut album ''Simply Deep'' sounds expensive as Cristal soacked,which was doubtlessly the goal. This is a great album opener and includes electronically juived rump-shakers to poignant album songs. Kelly Rowloand's album reflects her great talent and reasons for sucess.

Stole
A Great song with unique style, groundbreaking material - Has a Great Chorus

Dilemma
A Sensational track, Has a Great beat to it

Haven't told you
A Great Song, Well Produced and has a great song that is well produced

Can't Nobody
A Really Good song, Great Chorous, Well Made Song.

Love/Hate
A Stunning song, with a great beat.

Simply Deep
A Great Song, has a good chorous, and is very well produced.

Obession
A Good song, has a good beat to it

Heaven
A Great song, has a really well made chorus.

Past 12
A Sensational song, Has a great Beat to it as well.

Everytime you walk out that door
A Really good song with a great chorus.

Train on a track
A Good song, with a great beat to it as well.

Beyond Imagination
A Stunning song with a great chorus to it.

Make U wanna stay
A Great song and has a good chrous and is well produced.

No coincidence
A Good song, has a great chorus and is very well made.

Kelly Rowland's public persona has amounted her sucess hugely, and give her a sidekicked well made album which was diversely, well put together. The album is a great debut album. The glittering modern R&B artist has put together a great album that surely is a well-recomm ended.