I had the absolute privilege of scoring tickets to Kelly’s birthday at the Belasco Theater and flew across the country to spend 48 hours in LA to see my all-time idol perform every. single. song. off her highly anticipated upcoming album Chemistry a full two months before it’s released on June 23. This was my 13th time seeing Kelly live, and when I tell you this was unlike any concert experience I’ve ever had in my life…to be so close to the artist (she was probably 15 feet away from me), hearing them speak about the development and meaning behind each song, being so raw and emotional, feeling the collective energy of the diehard fans around you, and hearing all of these songs for the very first time live…ugh, some people really wait a lifetime for a moment like this. :’)
This show had EVERYTHING. Intimacy. Connection. Hilarity. Every emotion imaginable. Kelly’s potty mouth. Two “Happy Birthday” singalongs. Someone passing out mid-show (he’s okay!) A couple throwbacks. And a very special guest.
While the world waits 2 more months to hear the album (go stream Me and Mine now!), here is my take on each song. Obviously live versions are going to be a little different than what’s on the album and time will likely change my opinions. Also, the show was filmed to be released as a visual album of sorts. She filmed out of track order, so this is the order they were actually performed. Let’s dive in!
2. Me
The companion first single for the album, Me is a beautiful ballad anthem with a rich, gospel-inspired chorus and lyrics that really give a glimpse at some of the issues that plagued her marriage. And even though some of the lyrics feel like digs (“I don’t need somebody who feels weak standing next to me”, ouch) Kelly presented it more as “there’s no good or bad, we’re just not in the same place anymore, and that’s okay cuz I got me”. I thought this song was beautiful when she released it, but hearing it live made me love it even more.
3. My Mistake
This song almost didn’t make the album. The overall theme is when “a home becomes a house” and it’s no longer your sanctuary or safe space and you just want to not be there. It’s a mid-tempo bop, with a chorus that I can practically hear a crowd singing along to in a bar, arms wrapped around each other. I enjoyed it, I don’t know that it will be a standout per se, but it could surprise me.
4. Lighthouse
Woof. Kelly herself said this was the saddest song she’s ever written and she wasn’t sure she could release it. When asked what she would want if she didn’t have kids and all of this, her answer was “freedom”. :'( It’s the feeling of drowning. She continued to get emotional and had to pull herself together before starting this one. It’s the older sister of Tightrope that has been through some shiiiiit. People were in tears when she finished, such a sad, beautiful, and cathartic song.
We all needed a break after this one, haha.
5. Mine
The lead single that feels like nothing Kelly has released before. I’m obsessed with this song. The vibe, the “Green Day inspired” chorus, the change in tempo at the bridge, the Troye Sivan meme, all of it. Like Me, it’s even better live. The crowd knew all the words and when that bridge hit, it went off. Whatever happens commercially, this will become a Kelly concert staple alongside the Since U Been Gones and My Life Would Suck Without Yous.
6. High Road
So apparently this is a cover? I haven’t listened to the original to compare, but real talk…this was probably my least favorite song of the night. It has a rock edge, lots of screaming vocals (which she nails of course), but the chorus felt a little clunky to me. It was giving All I Ever Wanted B-side. Not bad, but I feel like you could tell this was one of the very few songs she didn’t write.
7. Down To You
THIS SONG IS A BOP!!! The crowd was fired up for this, it has such a fun beat, and a catchy af chorus that will surely be an earworm. “I tried to be your friend…I won’t make that mistake again.” This is in my Top 2 for next single.
It was SO good that before she could get to the next song, someone in the audience PASSED OUT! đ Everyone started freaking out and Kelly was trying to figure out what was happening. There was a doctor in the audience nearby that started helping as Security rushed to get a medic through the mob. Poor Kelly, she was so concerned and trying to keep things light for everyone else. (She also came over and was standing RIGHT in front of me cuz the guy was behind me, we were so close to each other!) The guy was wheeled out and thankfully was okay and able to rejoin the show later, thank goodness!
8. Chemistry
Back to the show…this is not really what I expected the title track to sound like, lol. It’s being compared to Be Still. It definitely has a sexy vibe and lyrics, but I thought it could have been sexier with the production. Maybe it just didn’t translate as well live, I’m curious to hear the recorded version.
9. Favorite Kind of High
This HAS to be a single (Kelly hopes it is). It’s the most upbeat track on the album, with awesome drums and guitar beats. You just wanna dance along and wail on the chorus. It really captures the feeling of being high on the best parts of a relationship. It would be a great summer bop, and with the right remix it could be a fun club song.
10. Magic
Kelly says every song is her favorite (she said “Bitch, I know.” lmao), but that this one is actually her favorite. It’s about feeling the magic of being loved and in love, the power and seduction behind it, and that even when things are bad, it can feel worth it. A mid-tempo song with simple instrumentals and a sweet angelic chorus. It has a bit of a 90s vibe I think. I wouldn’t call it my favorite, but it’s a good song.
11. Rock Hudson
Everyone is talking about this one. The concept behind it is that Kelly loves Rock Hudson and the romanticism of his movies. But just because something looks great from the outside, the reality may be quite the opposite (not me originally thinking “Wait…is Brandon gay?”, oop). This is a great pop-rock song, with some You Love Me vibes. But the best part is she references Piece by Piece: “By the way, piece by piece, I found out my hero’s me.” :’) The crowd went absolutely NUTS!
12. Red Flag Collector
This is def one we’ve been waiting for. This song came about because of some stuff Brandon said during their divorce discussions that had Kelly running to Jason to write a song or else she would set her house on fire. It’s like country punk rock with a chorus that reminds me of something, but I can’t place it. The lyrics are great, sassy fun and are probably the closest she has going for his jugular. “You can take my money. Drag my name round town, I don’t care I changed it anyway.” “Play cowboy in the wild wild west.” “Finding out what went down as soon as I wasn’t around.” This could be a karaoke anthem for sure.
13. I Hate Love
Kinda tongue in cheek, this is basically about that feeling where you hate that you love someone when you know you shouldn’t. Steve Martin plays banjo on the track!!! The chorus is cute, the backup singers and band were having a blast with this one.
14. That’s Right
Not only does the incomparable Sheila E perform on this track for the album, SHE WAS THERE FOR THE SHOW!! First of all, she is effing gorgeous, like damn. And she took a moment to say the sweetest things about Kelly as a human and an artist and a talent (“She is the most amazing artist I have ever worked with“), you could tell Kelly was tearing up again. They both had such a mutual respect for one another, and it just reinforced that Kelly is such a genuine person. Anyway…this is the album closer and meant to reflect Stella getting her groove back. It has a bit of an island vibe and some great horns. I’ve seen someone else say if this was mid-album it could easily be a skip, but it works as a closing song.
Kelly didn’t wanna be a tool (her words, haha) so she gave us all a lil’ encore. Obviously certified bops, but they actually fit really well with the vibe of the night. Sheila stayed on to play these songs and she was a FORCE on those drums.
15. Miss Independent
This has always been my favorite live song, it never disappoints. Even after all these years, it feels fresh.
16. Since U Been Gone
She had to do it, she’s not U-2. (If you were there, you know that story, haha.) The only thing better than hearing this song live is being in the pit surrounded by Kelly’s biggest fans. The energy is insane with everyone jumping and belting at the top of their lungs, it’s the best feeling ever.
I am calling it that this will be Kelly’s best album to date. For me, it’s a grown up My December, with more life and love experiences fueling it. It really highlights her growth as both a lyricist and vocalist, taps into all of her strengths, and has something for everyone to love. I get what she means about not wanting people to hear just one song and think that’s the album. It’s not just a “divorce album” (don’t worry, those songs and lyrics are definitely in there!), and even with so many different styles throughout, it feels like her most cohesive album with the concept of following the highs and lows of a relationship from the start to the bitter end (and beyond!) I am so excited to hear the final recorded versions of these songs and to see her perform some again in Vegas this summer. I think with the right single choices, this could be a big hit for Kelly! Either way, this is exactly what I wanted.
Also, I just have to say, Kelly’s voice has never sounded better. These were not easy songs to sing, and she just makes it look so effortless hitting notes that very few people can touch. I know she’ll never be the biggest or most exciting pop star to the general public, but she really is the best singer of our generation. I’m so proud to be a stan from the start and will never forget this amazing experience. :’)
Other highlight of the night: I met and got pics with Jessi and Jason!!!
Source: my own eyes and ears – they locked up our phones (but not our watches…*eyes emoji*)
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