Kehlani drops new album to rave reviews: ‘Songs explore the fullness of female/non-binary sexuality’
Kehlani drops her new self-titled album. (Greg Doherty/Getty)
American singer-songwriter Kehlani has dropped their fifth album, Kehlani, in tandem with their 31st birthday.
The Grammy-winning lesbian, who uses she/they pronouns, dropped the self-titled album on Friday (24 April). In response, fans and critics alike have been praising the R&B singer.
Kehlani boasts some impressive featured vocalists. Guest appearances include Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott, Usher, T-Pain, Cardi B and more. The album is a follow-up to their previous 2024 albums, Crash and While We Wait 2.
Kehlani has publicly identified as queer, bisexual, and pansexual in the past. They have shared that they are “on the non-binary scale.”
In a 2021 interview, Kehlani shared: “I don’t mind when people say ‘she’ at all, but something feels really affirming when people say ‘they’. It feels like… you really see me.”
What are the critics saying about Kehlani?
Soon after the release of Kehlani, critics weighed in on their thoughts on the singer’s album.
NME declares: “the unshakeable R&B titan ushers in a new era and finds security in her own skin.”
The review continues: “The singer has been in pursuit of her truest self, navigating personal relationships, [and] her gender and sexuality.
“Kehlani’s self-titled fifth album is a satisfying time capsule of R&B, which leans into nostalgia and celebrates how far the singer has come.
“Soul-bearing storytelling and relatability that has always set Kehlani apart.”
Another review of Kehlani, from Clash, notes that “Kehlani’s fifth album honours R&B’s grand lineage.”
The review also outlines that the album features “songs that explore the fullness of female/non-binary sexuality.
“Kehlani’s spellbound ecstasy, sexed-up coos and stacked harmonies blooming all around her lead vocal.”
Also, in line with the album’s release, Billboard released a ranking of the tracks. Out of the album’s 17 songs, the outlet declares “Unlearn” the best.
““Unlearn” is the culmination of every emotional and narrative thread explored across Kehlani.
“Kehlani also garnered new lessons to bolster her own self-love, and, in turn, her ability to be a truly great partner.”
Kehlani is available to stream now.
