Fulfilling Contracts

In spite of individual successes, all three members of Destiny’s Child went back into the studio to record Destiny Fulfilled. They needn’t have booked the studio time. The album is uninspired and bland, especially in comparison to their earlier recordings. The ladies sound as if they’re going through the motions of working together without actually feeling any creative spark.The only exception is “Lose My Breath,” which does suffer from overused breathy vocals, but remains the only standout track. The heavy drum beat on the single keeps the energy high, and the strong, confident tone is one familiar to Destiny fans.

Unfortunately the very next track, “Soldier,” takes an immediate nosedive. The song is the most streetwise track Destiny’s Child has done, and sounds like pure posturing. “If your status ain’t hood/I ain’t checkin’ for him/Betta be street if he lookin’ at me/I need a soldier” doesn’t ring true coming from this trio – one of whom previously released a hit gospel album.

The remaining eleven tracks all sound like music that normally would be sent to the cutting room floor. Each tracks’ production is as precisely choreographed as the timing of the album’s release. Even though familiar faces such as Rich Harrison and Rockwilder were brought in, all three ladies are listed as executive producers. The perfectionism in production eliminated mistakes, but also smoothed away the beauty of rough edges missing from a sterile product.
Destiny’s Child has consistently portrayed a confident, fun attitude that is missing from Destiny Fulfilled. All three members are blessed to have gorgeous voices, but the concentration and passion needed to connect with listeners was not poured into this disc.