Experimenting with digitized vocal effects and incorporating a lot of up-tempo club tracks, Michelle Williams's latest release, Unexpected is a welcome surprise for R&B fans.
The former child of destiny is no stranger to working alone, previously releasing two gospel albums, but this is her first foray into the solo R&B game.
Williams' distinct voice was always more raspy and soulful than the rest of Destiny's Child, and on the self-offered Unexpected, listeners can expect just that. She takes willing ears on a ride during tracks like "Lucky Star." The song starts off as a slow-tempo study, but switches up mid-track into an upbeat, techno showcase.
However, Williams does not stick to the same typical lyrical background like many R&B female artists do, singing of stories of being in love, breaking up and heartache. Instead, she has a broad range of subject matter for listeners who are tired of the same old tedious songs. "We Break the Dawn," featuring Flo Rida, "Stop the Car," "Hello Heartbreak" and other tracks are purely enjoyable club songs, perfect for dancing or blasting through the radio speakers.
Stronger tracks on the album show the range of Michelle's voice and provide deeper meanings. "Too Young For Love" talks about two teenage lovers who have to fight to be together because their parents don't believe their feelings are real due to their young age.
"The Greatest," albeit one of the slower tracks on the album, is replay-worthy, as Williams' lyrics and sultry voice mesmerize throughout.
"I never used to smile until you showed me how/ baby you're the greatest/ and I was reaching for the stars/ I didn't have to look so far/ 'cause loves where you are/ and how I realize that the star is in your eyes/ cause you'll always shine/ baby you're the greatest," sings Williams.
Unexpected is Ms. Williams's strongest release to date and her first R&B effort is sure to take listeners by surprise.
