Keyshia Cole

Just Like You

3/5

Key Tracks: Fallin' Out, Heaven Sent, Let It Go

With the majority of the tracks dealing with flagging relationships, "Just Like You" would make the perfect breakup CD when you need something to commiserate with on the stereo. Unfortunately, if you're in a happy arrangement, the CD can be downright depressing.

Though Keyshia's vocals are stellar and accurately convey the range of emotions for each track, the CD as a whole is lackluster. It's not bad, but it doesn't exactly stand out from the current overcrowded R & B offerings. The addition of Missy Elliot and Lil' Kim on "Let It Go" adds a bit of interest and diversity, while the arrangements on "Fallin' Out" and "Heaven Sent" make both tracks worth listening to again.

When your significant other has done you wrong, pour yourself a glass of wine and slide "Just Like You" into the CD player. If it's a party you're looking for though, this isn't it. I'd love to see Keyshia do something that showcases her talents with a lot more energy in it, instead of the melancholy infused in this particular album.

+ Arlie MacGregor
September 6, 2008