I was introduced to Keyshia Cole when I heard the track "I Changed My Mind" which featured and was produced by Kanye West. I felt that she was a nice, fresh voice to the music scene and it didn't hurt that she was easy to look at. The next track that I heard was "We Could Be" and eventually I heard "I Just Want It To Be Over" and I was convinced that I would pick up Keyshia's debut once it was released.

The Way It Is was released in 2005 and once I listened to the disc it instantly reminded me of Teedra Moses' Complex Simplicity because of the song content and the attitude and feeling in the voice. "The Way It Is" was a late bloomer on the charts but once Keyshia's 4th single, "Love" was released it drove "The Way It Is" to platinum sales. My personal favorites were all of the singles, which included "I Changed My Mind", "I Just Want It To Be Over", "I Should've Cheated", and "Love", as well as, "Love, I Thought You Had My Back", and "We Could Be".

I began to hear "Let It Go", which also includes Missy Elliott and Lil Kim, a couple of months back and that's when I learned that "Just Like You" was going to be released on September 25, 2007. "Let It Go" sets the tone of the CD at the beginning as Keyshia is headed on a night on the town with her girlfriends because she has just broke up with her man. The theme isn't new but with Missy Elliott's reworking of Mtume's "Juicy Fruit" sample the track ends up being a song that will be in the clubs for awhile and my intsant favorite. Biggie would be proud as he also used the same sample for his introductory single, "Juicy". "Didn't I Tell You" is produced by The Runners, who are credited with producing Rick Ross' "Hustlin'" and has also done work on the latest CDs from UGK, Chamillionaire, and DJ Khaled. Bay Area veteran Too Short is also featured on the track but he tones down his usual sexually explicit tales about women to tell Keyshia that if she is feeling bad about her breakup that doesn't need to sit around the house and cry she needs to be out on the town with her friends and homies. Basically, this track employs the same idea that Usher's "U Don't Have To Call" did. "Fallin' Out" has Keyshia explaining how she is falling out of love with the man in her life because they aren't doing the essential things that couples must do to be together by keeping good communication and spending quality time with each other. Scott Storch must have been taking notes from Rich Harrison because "Give Me More" sounds just like something that he would have created for Amerie on "All I Have" or "Touch". However, Keyshia is able to put her own touch on the track. She is just wondering why the man in her life can't do the things that he use to do for her. "I Remember" is a sweet slow jam that has Keyshia reminiscing to the times where her past relationship caused her to endure heartbreak. She is wondering why the love of her life is no longer there and how she will find a way to go on, eventhough she still loves him. The next single, "Shoulda Let You Go" features Amina and is produced by Rodney Jerkins, also known as, Mr. "Darkchild". The track would be better if it didn't sound like the same track that he produced for Mary J. Blige, "Enough Cryin'" that was on her latest full length CD, The Breakthrough. "Heaven Sent" has Keyshia talking about a relationship that seems to be going back and forth for some reason. It doesn't seem as if there is any stability at all. However, Keyshia still wants to try to be the one in his life since she feels that he is the one for her. "Same Thing" is an interlude that has Keyshia being fed up with the arguments and lies that is going on between her and her man. "Got To Get My Heart Back" is an uptempo jam that has Keyshia once again trying to figure out what went wrong in a relationship and she is trying to repair her heart because of the bad experience. "Was It Worth It?" is produced by Bryan Micheal Cox, who has done production for past CDs by Jagged Edge, Usher, Joe, Bobby Valentino, etc. The song is a nice slow jam. However, we are on Track 10 and basically every song is about heartache, break ups, arguments, lies, unfulfilled promises, etc. So everything gets repetitive after awhile. The title track is refreshing because Keyshia takes a break from the heartbreak and explains to everyone how she is going through struggles like the average human being. She wants to you to get to know the real Keyshia excluding the celebrity status. This is clearly one of the best tracks on this CD. "Losing You" starts off with a nice old school Natalie Cole sample in "Sorry" and the track also features Anthony Hamilton whose latest CD is Ain't Nobody Worryin'. "Southern Comfort" was a CD of old songs that Anthony had made before signing with JD. Keyshia is trying to figure out if she is losing her man and Anthony is explaining to Keyshia that she is the one in his life and he has no intentions of leaving. Keyshia gets caught up on "Work It Out" as her man finds out that she is seeing another man. She finally wants to be honest about the situation and expects him to be patient why she is figuring out what she wants to do. However, her man is also seeing someone else so Keyshia is trying to figure out if relationship #1 can be worked out so that both parties can get their priorites straight. There is also a remix of "Let It Go" that features TI and Young Dro that is included on "Just Like You" which is decent but it's not as good as the original version.

I have no idea why "Last Night" featuring P Diddy, Diddy, or Puff Daddy is on here but Keyshia clearly made the song worth listening to. In conclusion, I fell that Keyshia has made a nice 2nd CD and has clearly avoided the sophomore jinx. However, the heartbreak theme was overplayed to me. In my opinion, there should be a better balance of songs. The quality is there and you will not have to skip any tracks, I just hope that next time around Ms. Cole will be able to tell us about some good things that are happening in her life. If you liked "The Way It Is", you will enjoy "Just Like You".

James' Top 5

1) Let It Go w/Missy Elliott & Lil Kim
2) I Remember
3) Just Like You
4) Didn't I Tell You w/Too Short
5) Losing You w/Anthony Hamilton

Honorable Mention:

Fallin' Out
Give Me More
Shoulda Let You Go w/Amina
Was It Worth It?
Work It Out
Heaven Sent

Keyshia Cole came out in 2005 as a small girl with a big voice, a bit simular in style and song themes as Mary J Blige but obviously younger and with a diffrent voice that I believe is one of the best in R&B. Keyshia also had a tough past, she was adopted at early age and grew up in Oakland where life wasn't too easy. She learned the way of life of the streets and it ultimately made her more mature and street smart then most other female singers. After dedicating most of her life to music she relesed solo album The Way It Is in 2005 and it was nothing short of brilliant. Cole co-wrote most of the songs of heralbum and they were mostly both deep and personal songs about finding yourself, true love and not accepting the cheating boyfriend. The standout was "Love" where Keyshia gave an amazing vocal performence and showed she's here to stay. The best thing with the album was probably that it felt like she meant what she was singing and that she was never afraid to show us her true self, always giving us all she had. So what can we expect from her sophmore effort?. So far the first single "Let You Go" (which is perhaps the most radio friendly song of the abum) reached an impressive #7 position and still climbing which is higher then any single on her debut album. The overall sound is quite simular to her debut even if the only producer who still appears from her debut is Ron Fair while the likes of Darkchild, Missy Elliott, The Runners, Scott Storch and Bryan Michael Cox are new. I believe that the title "Just Like You" refers to how Keyshia sees herself in many young girls that are in the same position as she once was. Just like on her debut most of the songs have simular themes here. Ok, let's take a look at the songs and try to find out if they are better or weaker then her last album.

First song is first single "Let It Go" that features Missy Elliott and Lil Kim and was also produced by Missy. It samples Mtume's "Juciy Fruit" that also Notorious B.I.G once did. Like aformentioned it's perhaps the most commercial song of the album even if it isn't exactly a club banger. It's basically about dropping a guy that isn't treating his woman good enough. Ther Runners who mostly produce Hip Hop is behind "Didn't I Tell You" which also feature old skool rapper Too Short. He's actually the only male rapper that appears here (Diddy not counted). While Too Short is mostly remembered for explicit sex lyrics he thankfully doesn't deliver it here. The song is a bit Hip Hopish by sound and deals with the same thing as the first song. Soulshock produce "Fallin Out", a soulish power ballad that is very Good aswell. "Give Me More" an exellent production from Scott Storch with funky bass and dazzling beats. A calling to her man that she needs every day. "I Remember" a ballad, is a typical album song. Alright but rather forgettable. Second single "Shoulda Let You Go" produced by Darkchild, feature female rapper Amina, another heartbreak relationship song. "Heaven Sent" another great emotional midtempo. Keyshia's vocal performence here is wonderful and it makes a huge diffrent when she sings a song.

An interlude called "Same Thing" which is actually sang, lasts for 1.30 and right after Ron Fair's "Got To Get My Heart Back" arrives. Another strong midtempo. Cox produce "Was it Worth It", it got a heavy bass but it's still a midtempo ballad. The title track is next, a autobiographic song about herslef and her life where she explains she's "just like you". I guess she means that she's like any other young woman who wants to be happy, loved and succeed in life, and even if she's a celebrity now she's still herself. "Losing You" with talented Anthony Hamilton, although it isn't really a duet cause they just sing diffrent verses. Could have been more interesting. Surpisingly enough "Last Night" from Diddy's last album Press Play is also included here. Although it felt like Keyshia song all the way, it doesn't feel like it should be part of this album and it was from LAST YEAR. Closer is a ballad called "Work It Out then comes a bonus remix of "Let It Go" with Young Dro and T.I. But it's not better then the original version and not much diffrent either.

Overall, eventhough most songs are about relationships here I like it that way. Keyshia make songs out of inspiration and personal experiences and she does what she feel is her best capacity. That means, no outwatered overproductions or forgettable club songs with Lil Wayne or Snoop Dogg. Instead we have a coherant (I know I like that word, but it is important with albums) project that is deep, personal and with songs where it always feel like Keyshia mean what she sings. Her voice is wonderful as always and there are plenty of strong songs here once again, just like her debut album this sophmore effort is brilliant and there are certainly few singers today that can compare to Keyshia, let alone making a great coherant album like this. Go get it, You won't be dissapointed.

Keyshia Cole came out in 2005 with a slew of other promising female R&B acts. The odds seemed to be against her when the Kanye West-produced first single, "I Changed My Mind," didn't make big moves. But her debut, The Way It Is, turned out to be a surprise success, selling 1.4 million copies domestically and being certified platinum. Her next three singles became hits and her talent was unable to be looked over.

Cole could've done two things; she could've rushed out a sophomore album to cash in on the success, or she could've taken her time to create a quality, well-thought-out disc, hoping that fans would patiently wait for her. She chose the latter, taking about two years to create Just Like You, featuring all-star production from Rodney Jerkins, Mario Winans, Soulshock, etc. and guest appearances from T.I., Young Dro, Lil' Kim, Diddy and Too $hort, among others.

If you would like a short and sweet sum-up of the album skip to the last paragraph. If you want and in-depth, track by track review, continue reading.

"Let It Go" was the perfect choice for a lead-off single; the Missy Elliott-produced throwback groove immediately became a certified ladies' anthem and a huge hit in the clubs. "Didn't I Tell You" is an upbeat, southern hip-hop inspired and somewhat dark track in which Keyshia refuses to stay at home sulking over some man. "Fallin' Out" is a beautiful song about a relationship unraveling right before her eyes. Her emotional delivery is placed over piano and complex orchestral arrangements. "I Need More," produced by Scott Storch, is an energetic and soulful joint with blasting horns. In "I Remember," the singer gives a heartfelt testament of post-breakup pain, recollecting the events that lead up to this tragic state of loneliness. The production on "Shoulda Let You Go," the second single, is standard "Darkchild" fare. (It sounds way too much like Mary J.'s "Enough Cryin'"). However, the strong singing and songrwriting make up for it. Keyshia's protégé female rapper, Amina, makes an appearance. "Heaven Sent" is one of the lighter songs from the project about real love. But just a track later, she and her lover are back at square one arguing again on "Same Thing (Interlude)," which should've been expanded into a full-length song. "Gotta Get My Heart Back" is yet another (great) breakup track. Later, she asks "Was It Worth It," over vengeful, synth-heavy production. The title track, "Just Like You," is another nice addition to the album, even if the lyrics are a bit cliché. Up next is "Losing You," included some excellent (and unexpected) guest vocals from neo-soul favorite, Anthony Hamilton. The biggest mistake on Just Like You, in my opinion, is the inclusion of "Last Night." Although her vocals are great, I disliked the song since it came out. The fact that it's played out like nobody's business by now only adds to my dislike. The production sounds cheesy, Diddy can't sing and the song feels out of place from the rest of the album. (I understand that including this was a smart business decision, but as far as quality...no.) The soft and smooth "Work It Out" would've been a great note to end on, but of course there has to be a remix of "Let It Go." I found it rather unnecessary and I'm quite tired of "remixes" that just add new rappers over the original track with no other changes. I wish it were left off.

Just Like You is an R&B album composed mostly of melodic ballads of heartbreak with generous amounts of piano and strings. A few upbeats/midtempos are added in for good measure. Ms. Cole delivers emotional, soulful and climactic vocal performances and the album is amazingly cohesive. It is not without flaws, though; it could've used more variation. Some songs sound too similar and tend to blend together at times. Some should've just been left alone from the start, particularly "Last Night." But overall, Just... is a very strong sophomore album. If you are a Keyshia fan, or if this description sounds good to you, I suggest you go out and buy it.

on Keyshia's 2nd cd. It is evident that she's improved in vocal delivery, song arrangement and writing on this one. A more subdued but still very effective vocal delivery by her this time lets people know that she doesnt have to scream like crazy to deliver the song the way she wants to.

I'm liking this cd more with each listen to it. Despite a couple tracks that just did nothing for me like "Didn't I Tell You" it doesnt feel like Too Short brought anything to this song...it was okay on her part. But not really anything i would listen to more than a time or two everything though on the cd is more than good its all gravy.

With tracks like:

Let It Go (with Missy & Lil Kim and the remix version w/TI, Missy & Young Dro)

Fallin' Out
Give Me More
I Remember
Shoulda Let You Go w/Amina
Heaven Sent
Got To Get My Heart Back
Work It Out

"Just Like You" is crammed with songs that are both radio ready and at the same time. They don't have to be because they stand on their own and would be fine if it didnt happen. But we know that this cd is going to blow up..."Let It Go" is already number 2 on the singles chart and the album "Just Like You" is number 2 on the Billboad Top 200 album chart as well. So we know where this is going and that Keyshia is an artist that is making much headway and will be around for awhile doing things her way.

But also still being "Just Like You".

I have to honestly say that I enjoyed this one much more than the last. I found myself skipping past songs on her freshman debut, but this one had me getting my jam on from beginning to end. Keyshia is definitely growing as a singer, and I see her lasting a long time in the music biz.