Do Danity Kane got back together. (Well kind of.. They didn’t include D. Woods, but people seemed ok with that) Then one got fat and quit. She claimed to be pregnant, but I have yet to see a baby. I’m just saying... Then, there were 3! DK3!! SO unique, if you ignore that Destiny’s Child kind of made that their thing when bitches couldn’t hang. Anyway, I was excited. I mean, they had Dawn (the singer with an interesting tone and approach to music), Aubrey (the sex pot with a sultry voice that can ohh and ahh with the best of them) and Shannon ( a decent singer who can dancer her ass off) what could go wrong? Apparently everything. A donkey punch to Aubrey’s head later, we had another breakup on our hands. Fans wondered what would come of the album that was already completed before Dawn got all Street Fighter. Well, wonder no more, they have realised that a check is a check and they are blessing us with their album, DK3!
Rhythm of Love: This track instantly feels like it’s about to build up to something bigger and it really does not disappoint. The chorus and the beat both erupt, taking us to a more upbeat and fun soundscape. It’s not breaking into any new territory as far as dance music, but it’s a fun listen, nonetheless.
Lemonade: This was the group’s first official single (yet had no video? *side eye*) The vibe goes from fist pump dance-y to urban club. The song samples the Clipse’s hit “Grindin” which is still one of the sickest instrumentals. The Neptunes went hard with that beat. I usually despise songs talking to/about haters but the beat won me over.
All In A Day’s Work: I like the riff that starts out the song and the clapping, as it makes me think the song will result in some serious p-popping. The track is quite unique and hard to forget. It just kind of hits you over the head until you submit. This song is the anthem of any boss bitch.
Rage: This song threw me off. If I’m not mistaken this what DK teased as the first single when they first revealed they were in the studio. The intro of the song is anything BUT rage-worthy as it’s Dawn singing sweetly over a piano. It picks up to a fun chorus that kind of reminds me of Rihanna’s “Cheers”
Tell Me: This is a mid temp, snap driven song that sounds like it could have been an interlude from their last album. When the bass line drops it makes me think of “The Motto” I giggled at the “hanging from the shower rod” reference. I’m a sucker for a Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta reference. For what it’s worth, Dawn wrote on this song, which is not surprising at all.
Two Sides: The end of Tell Me pretty much runs into this song. This is another Dawn song and once again, this feels like an interlude to me. I kind of just keep on waiting for it to pick up but it never does. This is a song one sings during concert to catch his/her breath.
Secret Lover: I won’t say this is a bad song, BUT it’s just kind of very forgettable for me.
Roulette: This has a bouncy chorus that makes me think of the 80s (but not in the bad way)
Pieces: Part of the delivery of the verses definitely borrows from Aayliyah’s “ I Don’t Wanna”, which is a song that I have always loved. Go listen to Aayliah and you’ll see what I’m talking about. I believe the song works even when I take nostalgia out of the equaton.
Bye Baby: I have always loved the song from the jump. I like the groove of it. Some people said it was in the vein of Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” but those people are dumb as hell. I like the harmonies and the breezy feel of the song. It just begs for a two step and a snap.
Overall, I have to say that I think this is my least favourite DK album. The first one had great production but felt like it could have come from any girl group. The sophomore album felt cohesive and gave us the feeling that the girls were growing into something a bit more unique. On this album, the girls have continued their vocal growth, but the production leaves a bit to be desired. I wish they would have taken the direction they were going with the first three songs and stuck to it. I can honestly say after listening to DK3, I’m a lot less upset about them breaking up. I guess now I look forward to the upcoming projects from the ladies. (Ok, Dawn)
** I have heard the fight that ultimately ended up breaking the group up was over Dawn being upset about her vocals being omitted. I was half expecting to hear Aubrey and Shannon sing the whole thing ( yawn) but was surprised when Dawn seemed to be showcased on almost every song. Hell, if anything Shannon should have been pissed. Then again, maybe she reached out to Michelle Williams and has found peace with her place in the group.
