Cover artwork for Kesha’s single, “Praying.” Kesha was involved in an arduous lawsuit to end her contract with producer Dr. Luke, whom she accused of, among other things, sexual assault, rape and emotional abuse. In response, Dr. Luke issued a countersuit alleging defamation.
By Nicolas Jozefczyk | Staff Writer
It is no secret that Kesha has been through the ringer the past couple of years. Since Warrior, her last album released back in 2012, the singer/songwriter has been involved with legal battles with her producer for physical and emotional abuse. Although the trial was quite lengthy, a cursory search will give the listener a better insight into the song meanings on her new album Rainbow.
Kesha is most definitely the pot of gold at the end of her own rainbow. The music is not just cookie-cutter pop but instead colorful and unique art that comes in many different, entrancing forms. From strong anthems to upbeat pop, a little bit of uptempo jazz and old-fashioned country, the lineup on this album makes for the perfect comeback for her career.
After her five-year hiatus, Kesha dropped her first single, “Praying,” a raw, powerful and tear-jerking ballad showcasing her emotional struggles while coping with her sexual abuse. The first time I heard this song, it was moving and jaw-dropping. This track is composed with such precision, balancing vocals, piano, strings and a remarkable whistle note that is absolutely chilling.
I am thoroughly convinced that head-bobbing is a necessity when listening to “Let ‘Em Talk.” The piece has killer guitar and percussion to back up a message of being yourself, which is best summed up by her lyrics, “Shake that a–, don’t care if they talk about it/ F— all that, haters, just forget about ‘em.”
Keeping with the same “be yourself” theme as “Let ‘Em Talk,” Kesha uses “Woman” to make it known that all women are strong, independent and definitely do not need a man. The track features the group The Dap-Kings Horns, whose saxophones give a jazzy, almost “Soul Man” vibe. This melody is pure feminism filled with unapologetic lyrics backed by an upbeat track that just makes the listener want to dance like nobody is watching.
Even though “Woman” highlights female independence, Kesha’s “Old Flames (Can’t Hold A Candle To You),” featuring one of the queens of country, Dolly Parton, tells a different tale. Seamlessly, the tune invokes an old-country tone, and its storytelling lyrics paint perfect, musical imagery. Kesha and Parton mesh their voices beautifully together and trade off on verses to flawlessly tell a story of desire and heartbreak.
All-in-all, Kesha’s Rainbow is truly a myriad of colorful artistry. Every emotion of any sort is showcased here, and it is sincerely inspiring and puts me in awe. Whether you have never heard of Kesha, know her only from her hit single “TiK ToK” or have always been a dedicated fan, this album is worth your time. Do yourself a favor and go out and get this beautiful work of art.
