Kelis Rogers shows a new set of musical heels on her sixth album, which will comes as absolutely no surprise. Rogers has never repeated herself on a musical voyage that has taken her from dirty future-funk with The Neptunes to pop classicism with Milkshake onto a dalliance with David Guetta. The title Food alludes to her other passion (a career as a saucier once beckoned) and the music is just as zesty on your tastebuds, a rock-steady soundclash of brassy funk, rootsy soul, jazzy blues and Afro-pop shades. You will spot the influence of David Sitek in the song structures, but Rogers is the one calling the shots on an album that dovetails between retro and modern influences. Jerk Ribs is powered by dastardly infectious horns, Fish Fry crackles with guitars straight out of some 1970s funk set-to, and Hooch is a sultry, supercool earworm. The best place to be at this party is definitely in the kitchen. iamkelis.com
Download: Fish Fry, Jerk Ribs, Hooch