Ms. Keri Baby Is Back

Vhannah Montana
Apr 20
3 min read

'We Need To Talk: LOVE' is Keri Hilson's third studio album after 2010's "No Boys Allowed." It is the first album in the trilogy of albums to come from the "Energy" singer-songwriter. Gen Z, meet the woman who controlled the radio in 2009 and 2010. The R&B hitmaker made songs like "Pretty Girl Rock," which really is for those in their soft girl era right -now, or "Slow Dance," which had you looking for bae even if you didn't have one at the moment.

Grateful (Intro)

"We Need To Talk" marks the transition from the old Keri to the new Keri, blending pop elements with a strong R&B influence. The first track, "Grateful," serves as an introduction to this refreshed version of Keri Hilson, signaling her return. It's truly a comeback. Welcome back, Keri Hilson! Following this, we encounter "Naked (Love)," the second track on her latest project.

Naked (Love)

The track has a live feel to it, characterized by its rawness. The artist from Georgia seems to be addressing her romantic partner, yet it also feels as though she's reaching out to her audience. It's as if she's urging us to understand her true self. At the song's conclusion, Hilson states, "All I'm offering is the truth."

Searchin (feat. Method Man)

"Searchin" featuring Method Man takes me back to the early 2000s, and it feels like it should be on a romantic movie soundtrack (that's not a bad thing). The album's third song has a hip-hop vibe even before Method Man joins in. Hearing him rap was a pleasant surprise, as I'm accustomed to his role as a lawyer on Power Book II: Ghost. It's refreshing to hear him return to his musical roots. While it wasn't my favorite track on the album, I still found it enjoyable.

Hilson poses on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. | AP Photo/Gary Gerard Hamilton

Somethin (Bout U)

Here comes "Somethin (Bout U)" with all its pop vibes. It definitely gives you that head-in-the-clouds feeling, cruising with the top down and sipping on Olipop as the sun warms your face. Keri has always excelled at connecting with diverse audiences, and with the right marketing, I believe she'll captivate them all once more.

Bae

"Bae" stirs my emotions, blending R&B with a hint of hip hop and a dash of nostalgia. It's my top pick from "We Need To Talk." The artist incorporates a sample from Hurricane Chris' "Aye Bay Bay," transporting me back to my pre-teen years. It's a light, laid-back, and affectionate tune for your bay bay or bae (wink wink).

Scream

"Scream" is moving into the intimate and affectionate section of the album. I also find this title intriguing because the artist behind "Knock You Down" released a song with the same name in 2007 featuring Timbaland and Nicole Scherzinger. That version of "Scream" was fantastic as well, with a similar purpose. If you're searching for a new addition to your bedroom playlist, this is it.

Whatever

"Whatever" has a pop vibe too. While the song isn't as memorable, it suits the project. "Whatever" gives me the feeling of wanting to run through a field hand in hand with the love of my life.

Weigh Me Down

"Weigh Me Down" draws its inspiration from the Caribbean, aligning with the light vibe of the latter part of the album. It maintains a cool, calm, and collected tone while effectively conveying the message Keri Hilson is sending to this person.

Say That

"Say That" wraps up the 33-minute project, echoing the sounds of "Naked (Love)" at the start. It carries a live sound atmosphere, enhancing this new rendition of Ms. Keri Baby. She's relishing the musical journey while still delivering hip-hop energy and pop nuances.