By Music Correspondent, Emmial C. Fields

 

 

 

A Different Me
Keyshia Cole
Geffen Records

 

 
 
Just Like You from Keyshia Cole created a die-hard fan in me where once there was an unsure passerby. I came to appreciate the raw and edgy stlye and the intent of Keyshia's expression on each track. Since the success of Just Like You and her reality show "The Way It Is," Keyshia has since discovered that she has more than just an explosive voice, she is a beautiful woman as well. Appropriately bring us the new release from Keyshia Cole, A Different Me.

A Different Me is a wonderful collection of easy and connective songs that almost sound as if they are performed by a different artist altogether. Keyshia Cole, my friends, will be around for quite some time so you might as well get used to her. Her willingness to try something new so early in her career, lets me know that she has learned from the mistakes and experiences that has earned Mary J. Blige her crown. The real princess of Hip Hop / Soul / R&B is finally here to take her crown, and she is Ms. Keyshia Cole.

 
 
 
Forget what you've seen or known of her before, this collection is definitely a different Keyshia and how nice to know that she walks among us. The street scenarios that Keyshia illustrates are much easier to take and understand, especially since the music is not cracking your skull open while trying to decipher them. This side of Miss Cole should stay out and enjoy the fresh air with us for a while. I can't say enough about how much more balanced Keyshia Cole sounds, both musically and lyrically.

She keeps the content very real and shows us that a Ghetto Superstar can have class on the sensually satisfying "Thought You Should Know." How great to see that Amina Harris returns as strong as ever with heat infused rhymes on this CD as well. Amina's appearance is much appreciated on the hot track "No Other." One of the surprise attendees of this steamy collection is Monica. Keyshia and Monica are superbly blended on what could have been a wailing fiasco but is more of soothing Siren song. Get this CD, it is for the old Keyshia Cole fans as well as the new one that she will scoop up on her way to the top.

 
Check out these other releases by Keyshia Cole:
 
The Way It Is
Geffen Records

Just Like You
A&M Records

Keyshia Cole's website: Keyshia Cole