The David Guetta-helmed and Grammy award-winning 'When Love Takes Over' was a near-perfect start, while follow-up 'Commander' successfully continued the same levels of boombast. That said, the Euro-friendly formula wears painfully thin on her latest single 'Down For Whatever'; and we're pleased to report that the remainder avoids falling into a pit of strobing beats and predictable innuendo.
US monster hit and Lil Wayne collabo 'Motivation' is a lascivious bump 'n' grinder with lyrics oozing enough sexual tension to make Hugh Hefner blush ("Oh lover, don't you dare slow down/ Go longer, you can last more rounds"), while future single 'Lay It On Me' is a booty-bouncing ditty that contains more sauce than a Heinz factory.
Her sass dial remains cranked throughout, especially when confronting her two-timing beau on 'Turn It Up' ("I could tell her that you said you loved me/ I can tell her that you're so unhappy"); though she occasionally deviates into the generic on dated cuts 'Heaven & Earth' and 'Feelin' Me Right Now'. Nonetheless, behind the balancing act of R&B vs. dance, Rowland's confidence is what is most striking about the record; and there's enough of it here to finally lift the Destiny's Child alumnus from Beyoncé's shadow.
Tracks to download: 'Lay It On Me', 'Turn It Up', 'When Love Takes Over', 'Motivation'
If you like this, you'll like: Rihanna, Beyoncé, Ciara
Watch the music video for 'Down For Whatever' below:
