[New Releases] Kelly Rowland

Ever since her heyday with Destiny’s Child, Kelly Rowland has struggled to define her solo singing career, unlike former bandmate Beyonce, arguably pop’s ultimate superstar.

Rowland’s first two albums showed promise, but were subpar on the whole. Now with her latest release, “Here I Am,’’ she makes another attempt to show she has finally found her musical niche.

Rowland’s latest album is filled mostly with R&B melodies and some European up-tempo dance tracks. One standout is her chart-topping single “Motivation,’’ featuring Lil Wayne, which proves that she has the potential to fully carry herself as a solo artist.

The sexy vocalist has the help of a host of top-notch producers, but even they cannot elevate her to star status on this album. Most of the 10 tracks struggle to meet the mediocre mark and simply do not measure up to the expectations brought by her infectious “Motivation.’’

Kelly Rowland “Here I Am”

Label: Motown
Genre: R&B

AP