Nothing like the ghetto, booty-shakin beats of ‘Milkshake’ circa 2003, or even remotely like the techno, electronic bass that she delivered in ‘Bossy’ in 2006 – Food is yet another face of the always evolving RnB/Hip Hop/Soul/House musician that is Kelis.
More of a soul sound, with jazzy, toe-tapping beats and old-school blues and bass – Food is a journey, not only through what I have to imagine are some of Kelis’ favourite cuisines – but through the highs and lows of Kelis’ emotional journey as an artist.
Bringing it all the way back to home base, the opening tune – ‘Breakfast’ is introduced by Kelis’ four-year old son Knight who opens with the line “Hey guys! Are you hungry? My mom made food.” A breezy track to open the album, Kelis’ husky, buttery voice glides through the lyrics.
The album peaks with the funky tracks ‘Cobbler’ and ‘Friday Fish Fry’, with a tweak of 80’s soul and a smooth jerky and almost Caribbean brass and percussion fusion, it really makes you want to boogie on down (specifically in a roller rink with bell bottoms and a perm).
She slows things down at a few points throughout the album, with campfire duet ‘Bless The Telephone’ and loving ode ‘Dreamer’, but ultimately she presents a mash up of her hip hop roots with a more advanced sound. A real demonstration of her progression as an artist, Kelis shows that as she grows older, she will also allow her music to mature with her.
7/10
Reviewer: Marley Tinnock