KeKe Wyatt’s ‘Certified’ album

KeKe Wyatt’s ‘Certified’ album

KeKe Wyatt’s Certified album, released on June 28, 2024, marks a bold comeback for the R&B singer, showcasing her remarkable vocal range, emotional depth, and versatility. Her first project in seven years, Certified is an unapologetically sensual, raw, and honest expression of love, intimacy, and personal transformation. Throughout the album’s ten tracks, Wyatt navigates themes of romance, devotion, heartbreak, and self-discovery, providing listeners with a deeply personal body of work that blends sultry R&B rhythms with her powerful gospel-infused voice.

A Bold New Direction

Certified is Wyatt’s fifth studio album and her second release under Shanachie Entertainment. Produced by Blac Elvis, the album sees Wyatt stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing a more daring and sensual image. From the very first single, “Certified,” Wyatt establishes herself as a confident, unapologetic woman who owns her sexuality and desires. The song, co-written by Wyatt, Kissie Lee, and Alphonso Crawford, is a seductive and playful track where Wyatt sings about her readiness to embrace passion. Lyrics such as “I’m a freak, you know I’m a freak” reflect a newfound confidence in her sensuality that we haven’t seen as explicitly in her earlier works​. Wyatt’s approach on Certified shows a departure from the more conservative themes of her past, as she leans into adult themes of desire and intimacy. On tracks like “Come Back to Bed,” Wyatt continues this exploration, offering sultry vocals layered over a smooth, bass-heavy beat that invites the listener into her intimate world. However, Wyatt’s vocal performance remains the centerpiece of the album, reminding fans why she is revered for her unmatched ability to deliver powerful emotional performances.

The Vocals and Range

Wyatt’s vocal talent has long been her hallmark, and Certified doesn’t shy away from showcasing her extraordinary range. Known for her ability to hit soaring high notes with precision and depth, Wyatt’s voice carries the album’s emotional weight. On ballads like “Water Into Wine,” Wyatt gives a stunning performance that fuses gospel influences with traditional R&B, turning a simple love song into an emotional anthem of devotion and transformation. The song also speaks to Wyatt’s journey as a mother and a woman of faith, referencing her ability to take life’s struggles and turn them into moments of grace. Wyatt also covers “Unchained Melody,” the classic standard made famous by The Righteous Brothers, in a way that only she could. Her version of the song stays true to the original’s emotional core, but she elevates it with her rich, dynamic voice, making it a fitting addition to an album that blends both original content and well-loved standards. It’s a testament to Wyatt’s versatility that she can move effortlessly between original tracks like “Scared,” a song about vulnerability and longing, and iconic covers without losing the emotional thread that runs through the entire album​.

Personal Growth and Reflection

Beyond its sensual tones, Certified is also an album that reflects Wyatt’s growth as an artist and as a woman. Wyatt, who is a mother of 11, has always been vocal about the challenges and joys of balancing her family life with her career. In songs like “My Ex,” Wyatt reflects on the pain of past relationships and the lessons she’s learned. Her vocals are filled with a sense of triumph and wisdom, as she sings about moving on from the past and embracing her future.

In interviews leading up to the release of Certified, Wyatt spoke about how her personal experiences influenced the album’s themes. She explained that the title of the album, Certified, is not only a reference to her confidence in her sexuality but also a reflection of her journey toward self-acceptance and emotional healing. Tracks like “She” and “Somebody” explore this journey more deeply, with Wyatt delving into themes of self-worth and the search for genuine connection​.

Musical Versatility

Musically, Certified spans a variety of genres, from traditional R&B to gospel and pop, showcasing Wyatt’s versatility as an artist. Tracks like “Scared,” featuring Mix Master David, bring a more contemporary R&B sound to the album, while others like “Open” highlight Wyatt’s ability to merge classic soul with modern production techniques. The result is an album that feels both timeless and current, a testament to Wyatt’s ability to evolve while staying true to her roots​(SoulBounce).

Blac Elvis, who produced much of the album, played a key role in shaping its sound. Known for his work with major artists like Beyoncé and Usher, Blac Elvis brings a modern, polished edge to Certified, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that allows Wyatt’s vocals to shine. The production on tracks like “Deliver Me” and “She” is sleek and sophisticated, with lush arrangements that complement Wyatt’s dynamic range without overwhelming it. The result is an album that feels intimate and personal, drawing the listener in with every track.

A Return to Form

Certified is a triumphant return for Wyatt, who last released an album in 2017 with Keke Covers, a collection of R&B covers that demonstrated her vocal prowess but didn’t delve as deeply into her personal experiences. With Certified, Wyatt has created an album that feels authentically her, blending personal storytelling with the kind of bold, confident energy that has defined her best work. The album not only reminds listeners of Wyatt’s incredible talent but also introduces them to a more mature, self-assured artist who is unafraid to embrace every aspect of her identity​.

In conclusion, Certified is a bold, intimate, and emotionally resonant album that showcases KeKe Wyatt at her best. With her extraordinary vocal ability, Wyatt takes listeners on a journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, creating a body of work that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Whether she’s belting out high notes on a ballad or delivering sultry lines on a sensual R&B track, Wyatt proves that she remains one of the most talented vocalists in contemporary R&B. After a seven-year hiatus, Certified is not just a return to music for Wyatt but a reaffirmation of her place in the R&B landscape.​(SoulBounce)​(YouGotSoul)​(TheUrbanMusicScene.com).