Album Review: Kehlani Makes Her Strongest Statement Yet on Self-Titled Album
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Kehlani is back with her fifth studio album and this time, it’s self-titled.
This is a big moment. Self-titled albums are statements. They signal identity, confidence, and a sense of arrival. After years of growth, evolution, and consistency, Kehlani finally feels comfortable enough in her own skin to put her name on the front cover and that alone sets the tone for what this project represents.
It also arrives at an interesting time. R&B is quietly experiencing a resurgence after years of feeling stagnant. Alongside a handful of artists pushing the genre forward, Kehlani continues to be one of the voices helping bring it back toward that nostalgic, 90s-inspired peak many fans still chase.
Now, with Kehlani, she gets the chance to fully “wow” us.
And right from the jump, she makes it clear what this album is about. The opening “Intro” is brief, just 30 seconds, but powerful. Over a soft instrumental, she sets the stage:
“You’re about to hear a heart that’s been stretched, healed and reborn… I am Kehlani.”
From there, the ride begins.
“Anotha Luva” featuring Lil Wayne is a solid start. Kehlani sounds great, but Wayne’s appearance feels more like a cameo than a full feature. At around 30 seconds, it leaves you wanting more, especially if you’re a fan of the legendary rapper.
Then comes “No Such Thing” with Clipse. And honestly, this feels like a fever dream in the best way possible. Kehlani glides over the track with her signature smooth delivery, while Pusha T and Malice trade lines effortlessly, finishing each other’s bars with precision. It’s unexpected, but it works.
“Folded” continues to prove why it’s already being talked about as a hit. There’s not much left to say, it’s catchy, polished, and feels like one of the album’s defining tracks. This will be a staple on radio play for a long time. And with over 83 million views on the official video, it seems like I’m not alone with this sentiment.
“I Need You” featuring Brandy leans fully into 90s R&B nostalgia. And with Brandy involved, that’s no surprise. The vocals, especially in the final stretch, are stunning, dripping with emotion and throwback energy.
“Oooh” is where Kehlani really locks in solo. This is classic sensual R&B, slow, smooth, and melodic. The vocal runs here are insane, especially on the hook. It’s one of the clearest moments on the album where she simply shows off her ability.
“Back and Forth” with Missy Elliott feels like a future radio favorite. The chorus is infectious and built to stick. The only downside? Missy’s role is minimal; more ad-libs than a true feature, similar to the Lil Wayne situation earlier.
“Shoulda Never” featuring Usher is one of the album’s best executions of a duet. This is what you want from a collaboration. Real back-and-forth chemistry, strong vocal performances, and a sense of balance. Both artists shine here. This feels more of a Kehlani and Usher track, instead of it just featuring Usher. He owned this, she owned this. What a hit.
“You Got It” brings a mixtape-era Kehlani feel, just elevated with cleaner, more refined production. That production quality is a consistent strength throughout the album.
“Out The Window,” another pre-release single, may have initially been overshadowed by “Folded,” but it absolutely deserves its respect. It holds its own. Give this song its flowers because it absolutely deserves it. Then there’s “Still”, a standout moment. The kind of track that gives you chills. Kehlani’s vocal performance here is genuinely next-level.
“Call Me Back” featuring T-Pain and Lil Jon brings early-2000s energy with that signature snap-style production. It’s fun, but not quite as impactful as other tracks. Lil Jon’s late appearance doesn’t add much, and may actually take away from the overall feel.
“Pocket” with Cardi B has solid verses, especially from Cardi, whose flow fits the track well. But the chorus feels repetitive and doesn’t quite land, holding the song back from being a standout.
“Lights On” featuring Big Sean rides a boom-bap-inspired beat that pairs nicely with Kehlani’s vocals. This is a lane where Big Sean thrives, and while his verse is a bit short, it’s effective.
“Sweet Nuthins” with Leon Thomas delivers on its promise. Both artists represent that new wave of R&B keeping the genre’s soul intact, and together they create one of the album’s most replayable tracks.
“Cruise Control” is a well-placed wind-down track; smooth, calming, and perfectly positioned before the finale.
And the finale, “Unlearn,” sticks the landing. It’s beautiful, reflective, and feels like the emotional conclusion the album needed. The word that keeps coming to mind is complete.
Overall, Kehlani delivers in a major way.
Standout tracks include “Shoulda Never,” “No Such Thing,” “Oooh,” and “Sweet Nuthins.”
But the truth is, there are very few misses here, if any. In an era where albums often struggle to hold attention beyond a few weeks, this feels like a project with real staying power.
It’s the kind of album you revisit. The kind you consider buying physically, which says everything.
As always, I have to shout out the entire production and everyone who helped work behind-the-scenes on this album. Khris Riddick-Tynes had hand in producing every single song on the album. So, a great acknowledgement goes out to him, as well.
Giving a perfect score is never easy, but this comes close. And solely based off of first listen, we’ve got a monstrous score.
Final Rating: 9/10
Kehlani didn’t just meet expectations with her self-titled album, she over delivered.
She could’ve easily coasted on the success on the few previous singles, but she decided to give us an hour long album full of hits and in the process, continues to help carry R&B into its next era.
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