“It is kind of a comeback,” Keri Hilson utters towards the end of “Grateful (Intro),” the opening track of her long-awaited album, We Need To Talk: LOVE. Hilson’s first album in 15 years, available now, will be released in three parts. The first installment is a heart-to-heart with herself, her fans, and future romance.
“It’s not a super conceptual moment. It’s not super melodic or too heavily arranged. It is just straightforward,” Hilson told Rated R&B in an exclusive interview. “This is what that means for me and the project. It’s kind of like step one. The inspiration is simplicity.”
On Danja-produced “Naked,” Hilson strips down to her bare essence, revealing a self that’s vulnerable yet fully realized. “I was heartbroken / I’m human, but I’m better now / I took the red pill / Remember, all I’m offering is the truth, nothing more,” she sings.
Aside from self-love and self-acceptance, Hilson also explores romantic love. The Method Man-assisted “Searchin” is a hip-hop soul smash where Hilson seeks to find an authentic love: “I’m looking for a real love / I’m searchin’, I’m searchin’ / Tell me is it you.”
Songs like the ‘80s-tinged “Somethin (Bout U)” and the lead single “Bae” underscore love’s euphoria. “Love it when you love me, hold me, touch me, come here bae,” she coos on the latter track. Hilson’s fans will be delighted that she included “Scream,” which many demanded to be released despite getting leaked years ago.
Closing with “Say That,” Hilson seeks reassurance from her partner, urging him to love her out loud. “If it’s yours / Say it’s yours, yeah / Don’t be insecure / Put your name on it,” she sings.
We Need To Talk: LOVE feels like a return rather than a comeback. The nine-track offering is more personal and expressive and less about chasing a hit. Don’t get it twisted: Keri Hilson has hits — her own and ones she’s written for others. There’s no sense that she’s trying to prove anything, except a new sense of purpose, growth and presence.
We Need To Talk: LOVE is Hilson’s first body of work since her 2010 sophomore album, No Boys Allowed. The album included the hit single “Pretty Girl Rock,” written by Ne-Yo and produced by Chuck Harmony.
No Boys Allowed, which debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200, included collaborations with Chris Brown, Nelly, Kanye West, Timbaland and Rick Ross.
Stream Keri Hilson’s new album We Need To Talk: LOVE below.
