Calling All Hearts Album Review, Part 1

Overview

I use to have a bone to pick with Keyshia Cole. And with this latest release, Calling All Hearts, I find myself picking up the pieces of a difficult musical romance with old scars in tender places. I’ve written an article about Keyshia’s about my personal displeasures with her unflinching and raw attitude in regards to love, life, family and music. Back in 2005, Keyshia Cole, under the guidance of A&M Label executive Ron Fair (who know helms at Geffen Records, a subsidiary label of Interscope), was thrusted into the national spotlight with her boldly titled debut, The Way It Is. Gritty, sassy smart, and unapologetic, Keyshia roared volumes to the world by serving as the main voice of avenging bachelorettes for lovelorn women all over. She bogarted herself through the industry doors and made it okay to be bitter about a nasty relationship. Cole’s voice was a reminiscent version of Mary J. Blige, a soulful grit with vocal intensity, left vulnerable, and unrefined. 2007 hit her Just Like You era, where Cole tried to move away from that roughened image of a girl who’s suffered all her life to a more relatable personality. The musical distance on Just Like Youwas a bit more smoother and less aggressive. But, her voice still remained a challenge—-there was still some after burn from venting as Keyshia tapped into the pain from her past with songs that are emotionally admirable. At that point, Keyshia Cole was progressing: vocally, musically, and personally. Hence, A Different Me. Lyrically, A Different Me explored the upside of relationships—-being giddy in love, dedicated and ready for something romantically serious. That girl from around the way, the girl you thought you knew, was on to something better. Keyshia’s longing soprano even grew noticeably different—-no more rough singing or blaring out the notes from the depts of her tainted spirit. She took more control as a vocalist by stifling her voice, and even takes her sweet time to build a major climax. Even when she’s muted, Cole’s voice can sell the ups and downs of emotion. The rose stuck in the concrete had finally blossomed into a daisy. Still blunt, resistant and sweet, Keyshia’s personality and romantic philosophy has completely changed. With Calling All Hearts, everything has come full circle. With a new love, a precious baby boy, and a more vibrant outlook on life, Keyshia Cole delivers a turning point and that is en-route with all her imperfections shadowing along her side.