Celebrity 6 months ago

‘Blue Water Road’ by Kehlani: Her Most Confident and Groundbreaking Album

Kehlani’s ‘Blue Water Road’ review: Dive into her most introspective album yet, featuring a mix of reflective lyrics and vibrant tracks. Grade: B

On the opening track "Little Story" from Kehlani's album "Blue Water Road", the singer reflects on growth and self-awareness with lyrics like, "We got one hell of a story/You're a hell of an author." These words capture a moment of vulnerability and personal development, highlighting Kehlani’s journey toward becoming a more enlightened version of herself.

This sense of acceptance and openness is central to Kehlani’s third studio album, which continues the candid approach seen in their previous work. As a two-time Grammy nominee who identifies as a lesbian and uses the pronouns she and they, Kehlani has always been transparent about their life and career. They mentioned in 2020 that their honesty allows fans to connect deeply and grow alongside them.

For fans who have followed Kehlani since their 2017 debut, "Blue Water Road" represents a natural progression. The album builds on the themes of their earlier work: SweetSexySavage was bold and expressive, reflecting a teenager's self-discovery, while It Was Good Until It Wasn’t dealt with love and heartbreak. "Blue Water Road" shifts focus to a more mature, introspective journey.

The album’s 37-minute runtime is like a smooth coastal drive, with most tracks offering a relaxed, beachy vibe. However, songs like "Any Given Sunday," featuring blxst, and "Up At Night," a duet with Justin Bieber, bring a lively energy, capturing the excitement of summer romance. In contrast, "More Than I Should" (featuring Jessie Reyez) explores themes of temptation and desire.

Kehlani's "Blue Water Road" marks a significant step in their life, reflecting on their role as a mother, artist, and flawed individual, and acknowledging the challenges ahead. This transition is encapsulated in the closing track "Wandering/Wondering," where Kehlani sings about trusting and surrendering to life's journey: "I had to learn to trust and fall/Receive it all, surrender/The push and pull to break the wall/Rebuild it all, it found me." Grade: B