Dinner Is Served

Take in Kelis’ Food — a thirteen-course album titled with numerous food references. Sadly, there is no sign of “Milkshake.” Completely laid-back, the album delivers a soul-food like listening — funky bass lines and horn sections complete with ’70s throwback feels.

The second single of the album, “Rumble,” carries a definite swagger. “I don’t know how to feel / This whole thing seems so surreal / So you keep one foot out the door / I know I said ‘leave’ but, baby, don’t go.”  The song almost seems too laid-back to be about a fight– the music pulls you into a kind of calm, then you listen to the lyrics and are jolted when you catch the subject.

“Bless the Telephone” is the sole acoustic ballad on the album. Vocals and a guitar are the only thing to be found here. It’s a gentle lullaby-type of song. “It’s nice the way you say my name / Not very fast or slow / Just soft and low, the same.”  Vocals on this song are slightly more subdued than they are on the rest of the album, but Kelis’ raspiness creates a sort of vulnerability in the soft tune.

Each song carries its own genre representation. “Forever Be” is one of the more danceable tunes on the album. A lone piano trades off with the horn section as a beat drops in and out under Kelis’ vocals.

Overall, the album is a nod to the ’70s with its sound and makes you feel like you’re listening to someone in the kitchen cooking up a grand feast. The best part is it’s served up as great old-fashioned soul food.  Food has a great balance between old soul ballads and newer uptempo songs, but is also Kelis with the swagger, front and center. It’s a complete meal in the making where every course (or track) deserves attention and offers something new to the overall picture.