Just Like You

iTunes Review

Of all the female r&b singers that have emerged in the wake of Mary J. Blige, only Keyshia Cole has that intangible, goosebump-inducing quality to her voice. When she sings about love, there is always a raw edge that reveals more hurt, anger, and injury than mainstream radio is usually willing to allow. But like Mary J. before her, Cole can’t help but make hits in spite of her intensity, and the world can’t help but pay attention. Cole is the ingredient that makes “Let It Go” a great song; if a singer with less depth of experience took her place, then the song’s catchy Mtume sample would make for little more than a lightweight moment on ladies night. Hearing Cole sing “I can’t explain how many times I tried / How many times I cried” is one of the best reasons to listen to the radio right now. Sandwiched between Missy Elliot’s stylishness and Lil’ Kim’s sass, Cole gives the song a poignancy, an open nerve that wouldn’t otherwise appear, and that feeling is all over Just Like You. Stylistically, the album ranges from bombastic hip-hop (“Didn’t I Tell You”) and saccharine pop ballads (“Heaven Sent”) to top 40 gems (“Shoulda Let You Go”), with the excellent “Same Thing” “Was It Worth It?” and “Fallin’ Out” standing out among the pack. Regardless of the material, Cole reveals a lot of herself in her songs. If Beyonce can be called this era’s Diana Ross, than Keyshia Cole could easily become its Aretha Franklin.