WERS 88.9 fm - Album Review: Keri Hilson - In A Perfect World

August 27^th, 2009

On Keri Hilson's debut album In A Perfect World, the singer/songwriter casts a contrasting figure. On certain tracks she presents herself as a sassy, slang-spitting siren; recognizing game well before it spots her, and on other tracks she's a vulnerable, love-torn damsel, yearning for the affections of all the wrong men.

Hilson may be able to attribute her chameleon-like song-writing skills to her pre-star career as a wordsmith for artists such as Britney Spears, Usher, and Ludacris. It's with these artists that Hilson cut her teeth in the industry building a diverse catalog of hits that helped to craft the sound for her debut record: a meld of futuristic pop, soulful ballads, and hip-hop tinged beats.

In A Perfect World acts as a reflection of Hilson's eclectic musical background, and her star-studded rolodex. Featuring an extensive who's-who's in the hip-hop world, Hilson proves herself to be a heavy-hitter and holds no punches when it comes to collaborations. On the album's first single, "Turnin' Me On," Hilson hooks up with hip-hop bad boy, Lil' Wayne, for an ultra sassy send-up to presumptuous players vying for her attention. Although Wayne's cameo could have come off as a trite and uninspired ploy on Hilson's part, the two actually work well together, turning the song into an amusing he-said she-said, destined to be quite the club banger. Hilson continues with the hip-hop heavy-hitters as she employs super-producers Timbaland,  Polow da Don, and Danja to create hits like the mid-tempo ballad "Knocks You Down," featuring Kanye West and Neyo.

Even though she puts up a harder edge when playing with the boys, it's when Hilson is solo that she brings down her defenses and gives the listener a glimpse into her girlier, more sensual side. This is also where her biggest weakness is displayed. Although romantic tracks like "Slow Dance," and "Make Love," fit rather comfortably into the "slow jam" category, the songs are hindered by Hilson's stunted vocal talents. Ballads that could reach atmospheric, Whitney-like heights, don't surpass modest love songs when left in Hilson's less capable, under-developed vocal range.

Although, not quite a perfect debut, In A Perfect World is a strong effort and successfully shows off Hilson's equally strong writing skills. This coupled with her music industry connections will surely send this songbird, and this album. to soaring heights.

-Simone Tetteh