Although comparisons to Neneh Cherry are inevitable, she does carve out a niche for herself, armed with undeniable talent. It's when Kelis and her production team create tracks that best fit her voice and uniqueness that the end results are outstanding. The album's flaws stem from steps taken backward toward what one could call "mainstream" R&B. This release showcases the development of a great talent. As well as producing the album Williams and Hugo also feature on album track Ghetto Children where Slick Rick is a co-writer. The third and final single from the album, “Get Along with You” also charted. “Good Stuff” also proved a success, reaching number 19 on the UK chart. After reaching number 52 on the UK Singles Chart on imports alone, “Caught Out There” was given a proper release in the UK, eventually peaking at number four. ![]() Kaleidoscope charted on the US Billboard 200, In Europe all three singles “Caught Out There”, “Good Stuff”, and “Get Along with You” - attained commercial success. The album performed well in international markets, including the United Kingdom, where it was certified gold. It was released on 7th December 1999 by Virgin Records and was produced entirely by The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams & Chad Hugo). Kaleidoscope is the debut studio album by American singer, songwriter and chef Kelis. Inc Bonus Tracks, Not On Original - On Side D Ltd Edition180g Orange Vinyl Version In Gatefld Sleeve. To that end it is one of the most exciting albums of its time, and although subsequently emulated it still sounds fresh and surprising.R&B, Hip Hop FunK & SouL LP - 20th Anniversary Reissue. Kaleidoscope is a perfect combination of a young, ambitious singer and a production team unafraid to experiment. In 2003 she broke free from any such typecasting with the release of her Milkshake single, and in doing so confirmed her reputation as one of the premier vocalists of the 00s. Williams and Hugo would soon be ubiquitous, writing and overseeing a run of era-defining records for the likes of Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé but for a while it looked like Kelis would forever be the “I hate you so much right now” singer. Although it dabbles in a lot of genres, Kaleidoscope sidesteps cliché – the doo-wop heavy soul of Suspended, the AOR of Mars, and the sing-song strangeness of Mafia all possess sufficient individuality. ![]() Ghetto Children, which features Williams’ and Hugo’s band N*E*R*D, is swooning, urban RnB that owes something to the Fugees. Caught Out There broke Kelis in the UK, with its “I hate you so much right now” refrain – it still steals the show today, and was one of those songs that was heard everywhere at the time. There is no formula here – considering its time, Kaleidoscope offers little sultry swing beat or neo-soul, instead featuring The Neptunes’ acoustic hip hop beats with their touches of otherworldly, Middle Eastern and Arabic influences. Kelis retains this sassy forthright attitude throughout the album. The Intro sends up the autobiographical skits of the era: we hear a minute or so of nostalgic mumbo jumbo, when she cuts in with, “Yeah, yeah, and now I’m grown up”. With Kaleidoscope, Kelis appeared as if from outer space with her shock of brightly coloured hair and sang with experience seemingly beyond her years. This marriage of the two creative forces forged an album that rewrote the RnB rulebook. Kaleidoscope was not simply the first time many heard the smoky, rich voice of 20-year-old Harlem-born Kelis Rogers it was also their first encounter with the wizardry of young production team Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, aka The Neptunes.
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