Kesha’s powerful comeback album Rainbow has caught many critics off guard, will this triumphant return be the beginning of a new chapter for the young Californian?
Since 2013 she has been involved in horrific legal disputes with her former producer Dr. Luke, during which she released only a single record. Her appearance alongside Zedd at last year’s Coachella was the first fans had seen of her since the law suit began. Just one day after an announcement via her Instagram page, the lead single Praying was released.
Kesha has written many songs for others during her seven years in the industry, such as Britney Spears’ Till The World Ends. Rainbow features co-writing from Ryan Lewis, a former Macklemore collaborator, as well as crediting Dolly Parton, Eagles Of Death Metal and The Dap-Kings Horns. Kesha Rose Sebert formerly known as Ke$ha has arrived with her most emotionally fuelled album yet. Her open letter describes feelings of “severe hopelessness and depression” inspiring some of the album’s content. However, there are also many optimistic tracks, to balance out the more melancholy moments.
The bare production of the album’s opening track is a reflection of the raw, unfiltered lyrics used to welcome listeners to Rainbow. Slide guitar echoes and soft steel strums paint a very American picture, and with lyrics such as “they won’t break my spirit” and “don’t let the bastards get you down” you can almost hear the sing-along already. Three minutes into the track and it bursts into a full blown production masterclass, the song before almost being forgotten as is shifts dramatically.
The album twists and turns keeping listeners on their toes, from soft ballads to up beat rock-pop. Let ‘Em Talk features Eagles Of Death Metal and is a playful, energetic nod to Avril Lavigne and Kiss simultaneously. Fans of this one will also enjoy Boogie Feet, which takes inspiration from acts like Adam Ant.
Those that are unaware of her recent tour where she reworked many of her hit songs into country and rock, may be surprised at the lack of club and pop music on this album. She appears to have matured as an artist and is happy to wear her musical heritage on her sleeve. Hunt You Down pays homage to the great Jonny Cash, while Dolly Parton lends a hand on Old Flames. Their partnership is a surprisingly harmonious one, and both of the singers’ gravelly tones only add to the tracks authenticity. Even though there are some modern twists with regard to studio effects, Old Flames does not lose its charm.
Kesha transforms on Woman with empowering lyrics such as “I’m a mother f@cking woman!”, only to retreat on the gentle R&B track Hymn. Fans are treated to a rare insight into the woman behind the microphone, during charming out takes that have been purposefully left in.
Her stand-out moments come in the form of ballads, showing off one of pop music’s most powerful voices. Previous works have hidden this versatile voice until now, where it is presented untouched and without a hint of auto-tune. With another Christian inspired title, Praying is surrounded by distant choirs and delicate grand piano. It is possibly the album’s best piece of songwriting, and undoubtedly it’s most technically difficult vocal performance. The album’s title track, Rainbow, is another ballad with a very different flavour. It could work as a Disney classic, brought to life with epic orchestral movement.
There is a lot to offer here, and with every fan she may lose she will no doubt gain another. With almost no rap, this has been an opportunity to spread her musical wings. Whether it is your cup of tea or not, you have to commend Kesha for returning with an album this strong. Not convinced? Come and hear it on our separate Hi-Fi systems in store today!
