★★★★★★★☆☆☆ Rating: 7 out of 10
While We Wait is a nine-song mixtape to keep Kehlani’s hungry fans happy while she waits for the arrival of her first child and they wait for the arrival of her next album, said to be released sometime in 2019. Despite having only one full-length album to her name Kehlani has had a huge impact on the music industry. Not only is she an incredibly talented singer and songwriter but also an important social figure. She is known for having an open relationship with her fans, sharing her thoughts on depression, suicide and sexuality. Kehlani’s ability to remain an open book on social media and in her music is a strength that pairs perfectly with her soulful RnB musical style.
This mixtape is only nine songs long so I’m going to give a short rundown of each song, here goes.
- 1. Footsteps feat Musiq Soulchild
This song is definitely a grower, there are moments of very catchy melody which I like and undeniable imagery within its storytelling. Musiq Soulchild is an absolute legend in the world of RnB so his feature to start off the mixtape is big business. Kehlani tweeted about his involvement in the project earlier this year saying:
- 2. Too Deep
A standout on this album and one of my favourites. The melodies are insane, with each of the verses coming to a crescendo and by the third verse I just want to absolutely belt out the lyrics. It is a classic RnB song with heartfelt lyrics and emotionally charged vocals. I’ve been playing this one on repeat since the moment I heard it.
- 3. Nunya feat Dom Kennedy
This song was released just before the mixtape came out, followed by a video not long after. The video is a reflection of Kehlanis distinctive sound on this mixtape, which seems to be heavily influenced by RnB of the late nineties to early two thousands. The video has plenty of fur, dark lip liner and fisheye lens. It looks like Camron just walked on to the Mo Money Mo problems video set and I honestly don’t hate that, even though its nunya business (sorry).
- 4. Morning Glory
This song is an upbeat anthem for all the ladies that have been with guys that only want the good parts of a relationship. It’s a nice ‘intimate girls only pre-drinks’ bop with some empowering lyrics that feel nice to sing out loud. If anything is for sure its that this mixtape has some serious singalong potential.
- 5. Feels
Another internet related title (the other being nunya). It’s fitting though because Kehlani has built a huge following on social media transcending the reach of her music. She has shared most parts of herself online from her vegan diet to her bisexual relationship and now her pregnancy. This song is probably the weakest on the album due to its repetitiveness but I still really enjoy it.
- 6. Nights Like This feat Ty Dolla $ign
The leading single and in my opinion the strongest song on this mixtape. It’s just a really solid song, made even better by the king of features, Ty Dolla $ign. I don’t think there is a song he has been on that I don’t like, so seeing his name in the title was a good sign. Also, in this song, Kehlani notably addresses her lover as a female with the lyrics “you gon’ get my hopes high girl”. Big yes.
This song is what I would like an Ariana Grande album to sound like.
- 7. RPG feat 6lack
His name is pronounced black by the way.
This song is a little bit of a let down because I’m a big 6lack fan. His verse is great but I feel like the song is out of place on this mixtape. I think it’s the drastic change of pace and sound which comes from the production of Dae Dae Pivot (Saba’s producer). Don’t get me wrong the song and production is great, just less cohesive thank other tracks.
- 8. Butterfly
Using the metamorphosis of a butterfly as an analogy for opening up to a partner Kehlani stuns in an intimate, jazz-inspired track, Butterfly. Softly delivered lyrics are shared over a background of muffled guitar and vocals. It is a real moment and its vulnerability matches that of the lyrics in the song. Ended in a spoken word outro over percussion, it has a real slam poetry vibe, a vibe that only Kehlani is cool and spiritual enough to pull off successfully.
- 9. Love Language
A song about getting to know your significant other and the ways that their mind works is a mystery to most. The biggest mystery to me is why this is the last song on this mixtape. Love Language should be after Nights Like This or Morning Glory. I just feel like a huge opportunity was missed by not having Butterfly be the final track on this mixtape.
While We Wait is true to Kehlani’s distinct RnB style of music with plenty of heartfelt emotion and powerfully delivered lyrics. All of these songs are about love and relationships, as many RnB songs are, but what makes this mixtape special is its sound. Kehlani has developed significantly from her previous release SweetSexySavage, which had a lot more of a pop sound than RnB. However, this mixtape is a fully fledged Destiny’s Child reboot/No Air singalong mixtape and if her new album is going to be anything like this I can’t wait.
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