In my perfect world auto-tune would be a distant memory, Pimp C would still be alive and Rick Ross would have his own cooking show called Cookin’ With da Boss. Obama would legally ban Khaled from screaming on tracks, Diddy would finally admit he just can’t rap, and Amerie would put out an album titled I Just Can’t Get Enough (of Nathan S.). Oh, and in my perfect world, there’d be a lot more Keri Hilson on the radio. Keri Hilson’s earned her time in the spotlight, starting out as a songwriter for the likes … ...Read the full album review
Fans can also check out Keri Hilson's previous albums: Keri Hilson - No Boys Allowed
DJBooth Album Review
In my perfect world auto-tune would be a distant memory, Pimp C would still be alive and Rick Ross would have his own cooking show called Cookin’ With da Boss. Obama would legally ban Khaled from screaming on tracks, Diddy would finally admit he just can’t rap, and Amerie would put out an album titled I Just Can’t Get Enough (of Nathan S.). Oh, and in my perfect world, there’d be a lot more Keri Hilson on the radio.
Keri Hilson’s earned her time in the spotlight, starting out as a songwriter for the likes of Britney, Usher and Luda. Then a fortuitous meeting with uber-producer Timbaland lead to a record deal and a powerful introduction to the world on the breakthrough hit The Way I Are. Now, nearly two years after its first release date, Hilson is finally ready to showcase her considerable skills with her debut album In A Perfect World. Hilson has said her goal was to use Perfect World’s openly honest songwriting to show just how real and imperfect she is, which ironically brings her closer to becoming a perfect musician (a singer so strong they can be entirely themselves at all times). Lofty ideals aside, Perfect World is the work of an artist who is still learning to take center stage, but once she does should stay there for a long time.
If Turning Me On is any indication, it’s only a matter of time until Hilson’s a star in her own right. Let’s get the obvious out of the way: the beat by Polow is sick, and Weezy delivers another censor-worthy guest verse (apparently you can’t say “vagina tight” on the radio). But even with this considerable assistance it’s the force of Hilson’s personality, equal parts defiant diva and willing bombshell, that makes Turning Me On stand out. It’s odd to hear the fiercely independent Hilson tell a square he has “one more chance” to feel on her booty - she should have slapped him the first time - but it’s a trivial complaint amidst near pop-perfection. Similarly brazen is the pounding Get Your Money Up, a ladies-only jam that brings on Keyshia and Trina for a club-banger that’s like a female version of Pop Champagne. As you’d expect from a Timbaland protege, Perfect World’s full of electronically dense dance jams like Turning Me On and Money Up that Hilson flows over with the capable ease of a veteran.
Strangely that charisma seems to dissipate when Perfect World slows down. Just take the sparkling Make Love, a ballad that slowly cruises over piano harmonies and grinding percussion. It’s the kind of baby-maker she might have written for Usher a couple years ago, but here she’s the sole focus. It’s hard to find an obvious flaw in Make Love, but it still somehow falls just short. It feels like a track about making love, instead of a track that inspires love-making. It’s the same story on Slow Dance, a slow jam that made me have Aaliyah flashbacks, only Hilson can’t quite vocally seduce us the way Aaliyah could (then again, no one could do it like Aaliyah). A lot of this probably has to do with the fact that Hilson doesn’t have a breathtaking voice; she never misses a note, but she lacks that extra gear the truly great singers have. Hilson could make up for this lack of vocal firepower by amping up the performance (see The-Dream for how it’s done), but on Perfect World she often sounds like she’s holding herself back. Here’s hoping that the next time around she practices a little reckless abandon.
Great club music, solid slow jams - it’s no wonder than that Hilson dominates the mid-tempo jam. The majority of Perfect World sails at a smooth pace, starting with the riding Knock You Down, a heartfelt future single featuring a typically clever verse from Kanye and some vocal assistance from Ne-Yo, another master of the mid-tempo. Even better is the Asian-influenced Intuition, a track that Hilson softly sets on fire over a classically-styled Timbaland beat (there goes that Aaliyah comparison again). I’m even a fan of the confessional Energy, a track that lulls at times but ultimately captivates. I’m sure in her perfect world Hilson would have put out a classic album the first time around, but almost no one gets to be that lucky. As it is In A Perfect World holds a promise, the promise of a star in the making, and now it’s up to Hilson to deliver on that promise. I can’t wait to hear what it sounds like when she does.
Listen to More: Keri Hilson Written by Nathan S.
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Member Reviews and Ratings
Average Member Rating: ![]()
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Total Ratings: 23
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 54 |
First time i heard keri was on rich boy's "good Things" track and i started diggin her. I just finished listening to a copy of the CD my gf bought and i thought it was dope. I think she's something new to brng into the game being that shes got that independent attitude in her music (for ex. turnin me on and get your money up) Girl has potential to be something bigger. 3.5 rating......Yo and that Cookin with da boss line was funny as hell.
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| Posted on Mar 19, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
i love it.
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| Posted on Mar 19, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 195 |
"Return the Favor" got that FLAVOR
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| Posted on Mar 19, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Keri got jams. Energy, Knock You Down, Turnin Me On, Return The Favor are my favorites.
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| Posted on Mar 19, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
great album
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| Posted on Mar 19, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Got the cd and listened to it. Its a solid album with tracks that tend to grow on you. Make Love and Tell him the Truth are my favorites.
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| Posted on Mar 19, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 1192 |
I've listen to this album, and i'll be brutally honest, the production is what made this album tolerable at best. Keri Hilson is not that good of a singer, period.
The one big plus about this album, is that we are bound to hear some great freestyles from the sick production work of Timbo, Danja & Polow. I can understand why people may love this, though I need more in my music then insanely great production |
| Posted on Mar 20, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 424 |
Some tracks are really worth it but some just let the album down in my opinion. Average
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| Posted on Mar 20, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
After facing numerous setbacks and half of the album’s tracks hitting the net prematurely, does “In A Perfect World” live up to its much anticipated hype? i dunno man. after listening to the new material, i am left scratching my head. mind you the album itself is of an above average standard and there are a few memorable tracks on the lp, namely "make love" (reminiscent of ol' skool Monica with the runs, projections and delivery), "how does it feel", the self-depracating "tell him the truth" and "energy" but there is little room to breathe. there is a lot of clutter and a few random tracks. at times I’m confused as to what the artist is telling me – this dual personality that is emanating from the material is the album’s biggest enemy. The main criticisms being the albums heavy guestlist which doesn’t boast well for the artist per se, producing some mediocre and moments. at times the album is ambitious, a little too much and greater concentration and focus should have been channelled towards making real connections with listeners without resorting to sub-par gimmicks and incredibly formulaic and mechanical material. Whether this is accidental or a direct result of management fingers, Keri still has a little more way to go to individualise herself. Overall decent mix of lovelorn balladry and songs of lost and longing which nod to the album title’s sense of anarchy and frustration. There's an undercurrent that is going on here. What starts off as incredibly formulaic, repetitive, mechanical and impersonal transitions into something special and heartfelt. Keri shines the brightest on the ballads.
Intro - bragfest. A little too assured. overall sub-par but decent opening. Turnin Me On ft. Lil Wayne- met with lukewarm reception. sassy and personality plus. Keri's one bad @*#$!. Set Your Money ft. Keyshia Cole & Trina - mindless random track. Although its nice to hear Keyshia and Keri on the same track. Knock You Down ft. Neyo & Kanye - You would think that with the features on this track, that it would be an amazing track. However, unfortunately, in typical fashion Ne-yo is once again caught on auto-pilot, reserved and unconcerned. Kanye kills this for me with his elementary flow and corny lyrics. It would have fared better with just the exchange from Keri and Neyo. Return the Flavour - passable filler. Lazy production and exchange from Tim and Keri. Slow dance - the first glimpse of brilliance. Strictly for the dance floor. The transition is a welcome break from the overkill that preceded it. Old school production stylings, synths, delayed beats. Keri doesn’t mince words- “Read between the lines, ask me how to bump and grind". Make love - the production on this one is so familiar. I can’t put my finger on it at the moment, i pretty sure its a sample. anyways this track is a gem, reminiscent of ol’ skool Monica - runs, projections, delivery. this track really showcases the strength and breadth of her vocal ability. Intuition - fairly average track about a women's inability to deal with rejection and separation. Middle eastern strings and drums. How does it feel - one of the better up-tempo tracks on the album, courtesy of militant horns, “you can keep feeling yourself/ i’ll be with somebody else”. Alienated – can’t get you out of my system, where did you go, im searching for you – but the only time we talk is on myspace – you got me in another galaxy – Tell him the truth – standout track. a woman's public confession and remorse. and its eating her wp inside -"if you ever kept a secret from the one you love, this is what it feels like/im far from that – perfect – there’s one thing that ive done to you that i regret – im only human and young at that – im gonna mistakes i hope you understand – didn’t see it coming wasn’t on purpose – didn’t deserve it – im telling the truth." Change Me ft. Akon – self-explanatory track. blah. "change, arrange me – is that what you call love?". Akon was totally unnecessary and unconvincing as the other half. Energy – fine songwriting. the track is stylistically different from earlier renditions. nonetheless a must listen – i don’t want us to be the enemy/this love is taking all of my energy. Where Did He Go – throwaway track about a woman's stubbornness to see the light and believe that her realationship is at its wits end, possibly as a result of adultery. the premise is a litle patchy and not entirely convincing. production is pretty sub-par and bland. |
| Posted on Mar 21, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 222 |
Decent album better than most and Timbaland and Keri equate for some of the hottest tracks (the actually concept in the song may be stupid, but it doesn't even matter).
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| Posted on Mar 22, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Heard it, absolutely luv her style,a new-comer, yet a "veteran" to the game, she's an stand out artist that is definitely in her own category. Her #1 Fan.
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| Posted on Mar 23, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
what i think about keri hilson-perfect world is that it is off da hook
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| Posted on Mar 24, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 278 |
She is mad sexy, and this Album beats Beyonces ass like chris beat rihanna! lmao!
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| Posted on Mar 25, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
LOVE SONG
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| Posted on Mar 25, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
One of the best albums i've heard this year.
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| Posted on Mar 25, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
She rocks....and it is true that she's fckin HOT...>=3.
lil'wayne feat keri hilson...turnin me on was the shit |
| Posted on Mar 26, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 1345 |
Intro: 3 stars
Turnin Me On: 5 stars Get Your Money Up: 5 stars Return The Favor: 4 stars Knock You Down: 5 stars Slow Dance: 5 stars Make Love: 4 stars Intuition: 3 stars How Does It Feel: 4 stars Alienated: 4 stars Tell Him The Truth: 5 stars Change Me: 4 stars Energy: 4 stars Where Did He Go: 4 stars Average, not great. |
| Posted on Mar 26, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 49 |
Excellent
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| Posted on Mar 26, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
MS KERI DID A GOOD JOB WITH THIS CD!SHE IS NOT A GREAT SINGER BUT BETTER THAN RIHANNA AND SHE IS NOT A GREAT DANCER BUT AGAIN BETTER THAN RIHANNA. I THINK SHE DESERVES HER SPOT LIGHT JUST AS MUCH AS LESS TALENTED PEOPLE. THE CD IT SELF IS HOT BETTER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE. IT'S A NICE FUN CD YOU CAN GROVE TO.COULD IT BE BETTER? YES, BUT ITS HER FIRST TIME OUT SHE HAS TIME TO GROW DO YOUR THING KERI! JUST DONT GET BIG HEADED CUZ YOUR MUSIC IS NOT THAT HOT TO KEEP YOU AROUND IF YOU DO. STAY HUMBLE GIRL. BEST SONGS ARE..
-INTUITION -WHERE DID HE GO -KNOCK YOU DOWN -TURN ON -GET YOUR MONEY UP THE INTRO WAS ALSO HOT I WANTED IT TO KEEP GOING. I ALSO THOUGHT THAT "HIGH HEELS" AND "HAPPY JUICE" SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE CD THERE 2 OF THE BEST SONGS SHE EVER DID. |
| Posted on Mar 27, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 1309 |
@ missnina, plus she writes lots of her own stuff!
Keri deserves all the support she's getting from producers and features cuz she's talented as a songwriter and a decent singer! The album is very enjoyable, some tracks could be better, but it's a nice start. Knock you out, Intuition and How does it feel are the best I can get from the album and the last impression I get! |
| Posted on Mar 31, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 4267 |
DAMN!! a lil too late for the party, but its all good ... thankss to 'missnina' & 'FredRico' for mentioning all the points that i was bout to throw up in order to defense the record against the feedbacks from 'viciuzurban' & unfortunately my friend from whole another continent 'Aussie_Pride' ...
She aint half bad as a singer (i.e Decent, ive heard way too bad than her) + some top-notch prod only adds up the quality ... & most IMPORTANT of all this is the type of RnB albums that i prefer (less slow jams) ... think more of Chris Brown LP rather than Neyo's LP ... Its def worth buying, if not atleast consider the HOTT singles ... My Top Picks: 1. Turnin Me On (still being slept on) 2. Alienated (sickk prod) 3. Knock u Down (on its way of makin to the front page of booth) 4. Return The Favor (cross-over hit, mainly bcos of their previous collab) 5. Make Love/Intution |
| Posted on Apr 07, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 1192 |
I still dont get why this is deserving of such a high rating. I just thought good board work was ruined by Hilson. I also thought she got totally dominated by all of the guest features. She should stick to writing
@ Missnina - Rihanna (even though im not a huge fan of her's) is a much better singer then Hilson. There's a reason that Rihanna's albums are going 5x Platinum, while Hilson will struggle to get this Gold |
| Posted on Apr 26, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Keri Hilson is a good songwriter and singer. Plus it's her first album, i really think she going to be better and better.
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| Posted on May 01, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
she is so hot.
she got a good voice. this is some @*#$! good shit i dont care what any1 got to say she is a good singer but she aint nothin like the two DIVAS MARIAH CAREY is the best than after her is BEYONCE |
| Posted on May 04, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
OMG IT WAS SOO GOOD
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| Posted on May 07, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
THIS IS THE MOST POPULAR ALBUM OUT YOU FEEL ME SHAWTY
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| Posted on Dec 03, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jun 29, 2010 |