As many know, I love Destiny's Child and love each member equally, of course. Kelly has always gotten my respect; her voice is a deep, sultry alto and her clarity is unmatched. Unfortunately, I believe she was falsely made out to be the oddball or "alternative" member of the group, sporting short, color-highlighted hair. This cut-out personality carried out into her solo debut, `Simply Deep,' which was a so-so effort full of sappy pop/rock ballads, a few half-baked fast tracks and enough lyrical similes and metaphors to make your head spin! (By no means was it terrible, but I expected better.) Even Kelly herself has admitted in recent interviews that the album was "rushed" and she was "not ready." Well... now she is! Rowland has shed that image to reveal a sexy, distinguished and confident young woman; hence, the title, `Ms. Kelly.'

This album is a result of over two years of hard work. After the recording of the final Destiny's Child album, Kelly returned to the studio with a vision. About this time last year, she and Columbia Records invited some critics to come and listen to the result, tentatively titled, `My Story.' Sadly, they didn't have much good to say about the project. Determined to create a perfect and balanced album, she returned once again to the booth, agreeing that it was "too full of ballads." (She really has a thing for those love ballads, even still on the final product.) Time and time again, it was pushed back, from late 2006, to February 2007 to June 26. Thankfully (and finally), all the effort has paid off and the product is an excellent album.

The first single, "Like This," was a perfect choice to introduce the world to the new Kelly Rowland. She graces the Polow Da Don track with effortless swagger and confidence. Eve's verse adds a nice touch, too. (It's nice to see her back.) "Comeback" is a fierce, powerful and boisterous anthem. A club banger, for sure, Ms. Kelly brags and teases about her "hubba bubba" that will make you "run back and tell your motha." Hahahaha! "Ghetto" is the cool, laid-back cousin of DC's "Soldier." Snoop Dogg makes a great appearance, also. "Work (Put It In)" is another Scott Storch-produced club banger in which Kelly sings at lightning speed. Amazingly, she keeps her composure with perfect diction over the percolating beat, making every lyric understood and heard. It is definitely one of the album's highlights.

From this point on, the album slows down a bit. "Flashback" has been readily available on the net for quite a while now, but is it definitely worthy of inclusion. Kelly mutters out thoughts, regretting a past breakup. It is truly entrancing with layer upon of smooth vocals. On "Every Thought Is You (Addicted)," she reflects on her infatuation with that special someone. Very nice and sweet. "The Show" is a sleek and sexy track featuring Tank. It's very similar to Fantasia's "I Nominate U" in content. It is alright, but definitely not my favorite. It's kind of been-there-done-that material. During the "Interlude," Kelly delivers the first few lines of the following track, with only piano and vocals. It is emotionally moving and it shows off her vocal skill.

Immediately following is "Still In Love With My Ex," which is, in my opinion, the best track of the album. The version included is different from the synth-heavy, hip hop inspired version that leaked this February. The vocals are the same, but the production is now a syncopated guitar riff. The song flows, the lyrics are relatable and Kelly is at her best vocally. This would be the perfect choice for a second single and it has extreme crossover potential. "Love" is also an amazing song with lyrics that may just be autobiographical, looking at her serious relationship with that football player, Roy. She sings the bittersweet "you had me, lost me, now you want me back" lyrics with true artistry and emotion. Amazingly, the Solange Knowles-penned verses avoid those annoying clichés. Love it! "Better Without You" also put me in a trance. It's a great track where Rowland overcomes sorrow and moves on from a painful split. The final track, "This Is Love," is my least favorite of the bunch. It's a bit sappy at times. The lyrics are very `Simply Deep'-esque. Her voice is great, though. (Of course.) It's still a nice song, just not my cup of tea

Although `Ms. Kelly' has a few flaws, is in need of a few more up-tempos and the songs wouldn't suffer from a new sequencing... the album is still a great breakthrough album that truly distinguishes Kelly Rowland as a solo artist. I wish you all the luck in the world, Kelly!

Well to begin, I have always liked Kelly but remained to see why she never really sold albums and why she was the background singer. Kellys voice has never really been that strong and her stage performance lacks alot of things. This album starting off with "Like This" was utterly disappointing. First because "Like This" lacks the bump that she is proclaiming to give us throughout the song. The song doesn't even have a big enough beat to bump anything. To me if "Like This" was a b-side track on the album then the rest of the album would've probably been spectacular. Then she follows a lackluster song with "Comeback"....and she didn't redeem herself even on this song. Production was subpar and the producer didn't work with her voice or to her advantage in this song. "Ghetto" left something to be desired however it was a bit flud and laid-back and slightly enjoyable. "Work" was another "Comeback" which was something we had already heard before. Skipping "Flashback" because it was heard before sounds like something that should be on a soundtrack instead of an album. Basically to save time and reading the best songs on this album are "Every Thought Is You", "Still In Love with My Ex" and lastly a serious Brandy sound-a-like is "Better Without You".

Oh my God. I was so ready for this album and I was so disappointed. This was not as good as I had hoped...it was nothing that I has expected. I had high hopes for this album after I heard the first single. My hopes are now destroyed. I dont know what to say because Kelly is better than this album. She could've done far better than she did. I enjoyed LeToya album better than Kelly's. It seemed as though Kelly tries the Destiny Child sound without the other girls...and that was not a good idea. Kelly please come up with your own sound and leave Destiny Child alone. I commend LeToya she had her own sound and the album was great. I see why Beyonce came out with her album when LeToya came out with hers. If Kelly would've come out with LeToya...Kelly would've been out shined. I gave Kelly 2 stars only because her single with my girl Eve. Sorry but thats my opinion.

I'm a huge music fan, I listen to a wide variety of things and I'm a huge Destiny's Child fan. Kelly's last CD is just okay to me because I didn't think she had that much creattive control so I was soooo excited about this CD even though I can't think of a live performance with her singing solo that I cared for. Bottom line I was really pulling for her even though I wasn't crazy about her single because I felt as though she had more creative control with this project. I was deeply disappointed with it the first time I listened to it but didn't give up on it yet, Ilistened to it on a road trip but still wasn't feeling it. Still wasn't ready to give up on it yet, I listened to ir late at night when I'm in more of a mellow mood and nope still didn't like it. I gave it one last time and listened to it twice at work and finally just realized I just don't like even though I really wanted to. Everyone really wanted this to work for her but not everybody in a group is meant to be a solo artist and I'm afraid Kelly isn't meant to be one. She has an okay with no stage presence and a weak CD and I think her CD sells says it all. I gave her 2 stars because I haven't given up on her, just this CD. Who knows.... maybe the third is a charm.

What I enjoyed about this album the most was the fact that MS.Kelly was woman enough to say I own this, and I take responsibility for failer and the departure of this relationship. And for the track " Still In Love With My EX" show cases her owning up to that responsibility. For the song "Flaskback" I like that song because it gives you some insight into what was going on in her mind as well as What goes on in the minds of many woman like Ms.Kelly. And I can only speak for myself.When I say this,when you are scared internally your not quit ready to admit to yourself at first. Which inturn makes you find fault in someone else.,But as time goes on you do realize within yourself the truth must be told. The reason I like the tracks "work" and "Comeback" is because I like the confidence as well as the attitude within the songs. I would have to say that "Work" and "The show" feat. Tank are to of my absolute favorite tacks on the album. What can I say Tank really brings something special vocally to that song.

Another reason Why I like this album is because musically it not only takes R&B music to a whole nother level,but other musical geners as well along with it. Which makes it fresh as well as renewed. The sound of this album is unique in it's own right. But,I will say this I'am disapointed in the shortness of the album. Hopefuly once it's first release becomes a success in it's own right it will be release with extra tracks.