It’s not often that R&B fanatics are introduced to an act and afforded the opportunity to watch as he/she develops and grows into their artistry…at least not in recent years. Our new artists are often thrown out in the industry jungle, without perfected craft and direction, and left to exercise “trial-and-error” when, instead, a confident and well-worked product should be at the hands of listeners (See: J.Cole/Jay-Z Cole World development).
Bridget Kelly is, fortunately, an entity to keep an eye out for-considering her years of experience away from the spotlight, honing her skill and the direction she’s taking from Roc Nation‘s boss, Jay-Z. The NYC-native released her EP, Every Girl, just yesterday and the eight-track set carves out a lane for Bridget on the Roc Nation roster.
Peep our review below…
Every Girl opens up with the already-acclaimed, “Thinking About Forever“, penned by Frank Ocean…which is much-deserving of its praise due to its lucid production, clever and relatable lyrics and not to mention Bridget’s rich and multi-colored vocals laced over it.
The Dream and Shea Taylor take the next track, “Seek & Destroy“, and completely SMASH it….in a good way. The mature, gritty and drum-heavy stadium-tune repeats “you better not f**k this up!” and for a slight second you feel obliged to reply, ‘you didn’t!’-speaking to the creative team behind the record. The buzz around the net says that this track could’ve possibly went to Beyoncé‘s 4 project…the intimidating vocals suggest so as well.
By the title track, “Every Girl“, you notice that no tune is the same as another in the sonically-cohesive set. This particular number is a synth-laced narrative that uses anthemic and spacey elements to convey Bridget’s mission to axe off every girl her lover’s ever loved besides her. James Fauntleroy II and Scyience are responsible for the crazy production and lyrics on this one.
“White Lies“…within the first 45 seconds I’m familiar and excited about the record. The title, the vocal approach and lyrics suggest a sense of innocence and it’s absolutely alluring-hence my excitement. This one is written by Young Money’s, Shanell, who has a knack for penning fairytale-like songs that resound with a relatable message and a vocal savvy. This is one of those wind-in-the-hair, highway pedaling, sing-a-long, MJB scarf-and-sunglasses-type tunes.
“In The Morning” takes notes from Drake’s “Marvin’s Room”, recounting an alcohol-influenced confession of love that Bridget ultimately denies “in the morning”. The simple production proves to be an asset to the tune, because Bridget’s passionate vocals and personal connection shines through-inviting fans to draw from a personal experience and connect as well-much like the aforementioned tune by Drake. Shea Taylor and Ne-Yo offer their talents to the production and writing.
“My Heart” reminds me of the sound Bridget originally surfaced with in 2007, which is a stadium music/rock-influenced/Pop&B fusion. Think Kelly Clarkson meets ‘Rated R’ Rihanna. Ester Dean uses the pen to perfection, expressing “I never taught my heart how to love, I never taught my heart it can trust…it’s been long/it’s all false, but I’m gon’ bring it home”. Listen to Bridget use unconventional vocal techniques over the guitar-laced groove.
Bridget Kelly’s bad girl is out and about on “Love You After All“, a rebellious, revenge-seeking tune that sees Bridget belting over a busy, yet symbiotic beat. History has proved that sorrow/grief is one of the best fuels for good music and her vocals come across as if she’s still mending the pieces from a broken heart…which she claims isn’t broke because she didn’t love him after all. Word to James Fauntleroy II on the lyrics.
BK mellows it out for the final track, “Stranger To Love“, which is a piano-led ballad (written by Sonyae Elise & Brian Judah) that demonstrates her vocal prowess and fearless attitude, exclaiming “I love how you just know how bad I need to take this slow…like I’m a stranger to love”. The shifting-tempo along with Bridget’s raspy, heart-calling bridge adds distinction to the record.
If this is Bridget Kelly’s way of warming up fans for a stupendous album, this year’s winter is already starting off well.
Genius Report: A-
Standouts: “Stranger To Love,” “Seek & Destroy,” “White Lies,” and “Thinking About Forever”
Download Every Girl HERE.
Have you heard the EP yet? What are your thoughts?
