I’m excited to see Kelis again (Kelis Debuts New Material at Santos Party House!) now that I’m familiar with Flesh Tone AND to finally see Robyn in concert. Hearts collide this summer, don’t miss out!

All Hearts Tour Dates

July 23rd – Los Angeles, CA -  The Music Box
July 24th – San Francisco, CA – Mezzanine
July 27th – Boston, MA – House of Blues
August 2nd – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
August 3rd – Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero
August 5th – New York, NY – Webster Hall

mp3: Dan Black – Symphonies feat. Kid Cudi (Dada Life Remix)
mp3: Kelis vs. Robyn – Milkbot (BrightlightX2 Mashup)
mp3: Far East Movement Featuring The Cataracs – Like a G6

Yesterday both Kelis and Robyn announced a joint tour of the US aptly titled All Hearts Tour! Details are still developing but this will surely be one of the greatest shows of the year! Check out my review of Body Talk Part 1 over at Strangers in Stereo (which was used as a source on Wikipedia –wow!)

mp3: Robyn – With Every Heartbeat (Rory Phillips Remix) [alt]

It’s no secret that Kelis has had her personal life aired out in the press over the past few years, but rather than explain herself she has presented us with an awesome new dance record. Flesh Tone is to Kelis as Ray of Light was to Madonna, an album of self-discovery and empowerment amidst an amazing yet chaotic dance party.

Although the album boasts only 9 tracks, there is absolutely no lag or weak moments on Flesh Tone, with tracks bleeding into the next to create a non-stop dance party. The album is out on May 17th Worldwide but unfortunately for Canada and the US we have to wait until July 6th. Be sure to purchase your own copy upon it’s release!

1. Intro: Smooth and mellow start. Kelis purrs “You draw me in, everytime I think I’m free you win” before fading into 22nd Century
2. 22nd Century: Lyrically & thematically reminiscent of Kaleidescope in which Kelis was infatuated with the future/outerspace.
3. 4th of July (Fireworks): Kelis shows off her unique vocal range in this track wh ile the beat makes it nearly impossible to not want to dance.
4. Home: I’d describe this as a dark-pop dance track.
5. Acapella: Flesh Tone’s lead single, using music as a metaphor for a nondescript relationship. A colorful and feel good track.
6. Scream: Amazing track, production-wise sounds like it’s already been remixed. Will definitely tear up the dancefloors & spawn many remixes.
7. Emancipate: Empowering and anthemic dance track urging the listener to “emancipate yourself!” And that I will…BRB!
8. Brave: Lyrically Kelis gets incredibly personal on this track which is backed by an incredible pounding beat. Brave is as the lyrics say “super strong!”
9. Song For the Baby: Inspiring, sweet and groovy track dedicated to son Knight. Closes Flesh Tone on a bright note!

Verdict: A

• Flesh Tone is a solid dance record with a much-welcomed sense of urgency, just in time for the summer. Fleshy lyrics and driving beats make Flesh Tone the party of the year…don’t miss out!
  

Stream: Kelis – Brave

Over 10 years since her debut was released and 4 innovative albums under her belt (only 3 released in The States),  Kelis is gearing up to hit the dancefloor with an awesome new album titled Flesh Tone! Last night Kelis tested out some new material at New York’s Santos Party House with a flawless 10 song, 50 minute set! The show was extra special for me because it was my very first time seeing her perform live — it’s been a long time coming!

Besides her hits in the US Milkshake, Caught Out There and Bossy, I’ve always considered Kelis one of my best kept secrets. I was proven wrong last night at Santos Party House when fans at the sold-out show sang Andre 3000‘s rap verse in Millionaire along with me while Kelis stepped back to watch in awe.

The highlights of the show for me included Millionaire, the Milkshake/Holiday/Major Lazer mash-up, new song Brave and of course the bubble and confetti storms! Fantastic show, I’m way anxious for the new album out July 6th  and hopefully the opportunity to see Kelis live again soon! Check out the pictures and videos from the show that I captured below!

Set list: Intro // Millionare // 4th of July // Home // Trick Me // Milkshake x Holiday // Little Star Remix // Brave // Acapella // Encore: Get Along With You

mp3: Kelis – Handful [alt]

mp3: Kelis vs Madonna – Milkshake x Holiday [alt]

Stay up to date with Kelis on Twitter and MySpace.

mp3: Kelis – 4th of July [alt]

Check out the songs along with a clip from her performance on Saturday night at the Data Awards where she performed an incredibly awesome medley of 4th of July, Milkshake and the album’s first single Acapella!

mp3: Kelis – 4th of July (Live) [alt]
mp3: Kelis – Scream and Shout [alt]
mp3: Kelis – They Say (Featuring Kid CuDi) [alt]

Stream the track HERE. Follow Kelis on Twitter HERE.

MP3: Kelis – Bossy (Alan Braxe & Fred Falke Remix) or zShare

Check out our review of Crookers set last month at HARD NYC with Major Lazer HERE.

MP3: Crookers – Embrace the Martian (Featuring Kid Cudi) or zShare