"Back in the Day, You Cost 300 Dollars, But Now Your Giving It To Him For Free" - Tamera Mowry

Please watch this video in which actor Tamera Mowry discusses her struggles with receiving criticism due to her interracial marriage. This video moved me, because I've experienced a lot of hate, and will experience more. It disgusts me, racism, some of the shit haters say is atrocious. But Tamera knows that her love is real. I wish we all could realize that half of the things that divide us really don't matter. DO YOU! If you are gay, transgender, Black, White, Chicano, Asian, Purple, pink.....just live your life.

How T-Camp Helped Me Discover My Value

"I am giving myself to me" - Kaleef Lauren


As one of the few trans women of color along side Lexi, Bea, Miss 21, Bamby Salcedo, and Dan to attend the third round of T-Camp 2014, I am proud to say that I went! 

T-Camp is a retreat designed to help gender queer, transgender, and gender questioning college students find solidarity by discussing various aspects of our identities such as race, class, sexuality, society, and life. Through this trip learned to how live. By living, I learned how to be open and just live in myself, not caring about anyone who opposes it. 

I learned that, despite all of the difficult discussions on how we can live our lives...our lives do mean something. Especially trans people of color.

I constantly remained open to learning from other people who are similar to me. It felt good to be around people who also did not fit in and were sort of the outcasts of society. A weight was lifted off of me as soon as we got off the bus and went to our cabins. Unfortunately, I had a really bad bug bite accident that caused me to go to urgent care and miss some important sessions during the retreat. None of the less, I persevered and continued to milk all of the discussions I could attend with my eye swollen shut and 15 bite marks all over my body. 

This trip gave me the strength to be myself, living full time as the woman I have always been. I have been committed to the new me since December 18th, 2013. It is freeing, a rush in my gut, a fire has awakened that I've always known was there. The rush of living my life for me, it's exciting despite the difficulties.

I also learned that I cannot rely on anyone to validate my womanhood but me. I'm the woman who is in the four walls with herself at night. I'm the power, the wonder woman I've always envisioned myself to be as a child. Bamby Salcedo, the largest transgender advocate in Los Angeles, gave me some great advice. She told me to stay focused and view myself as a warrior, because I was chosen to do this. To have someone of her stature give me a "nod" sent chills down my spine but I was excited! She also did an exercise with the trans feminine group called the power stand. She urged all of us to stand up and place our hands on our hips, hold our heads up, and bask in our strength. I've never felt so empowered as a trans women in my life. I actually felt my strength and realized the power I hold. 



I also did my best to discuss how my identity as an African American, working class, trans women affects my life in various ways to other students who were not people of color and privileged. There are certain things I deal with due to my identity because the world  that we live in is not that friendly towards people like me.The point was to learn form others and also educate others. What matters is that I am here, we are here, and we are LIVING. We hold so much value and are necessary. We matter to the world but we must remain strong and live for us regardless of how anyone feels. I've learned to be very unapologetic, because life is way to short to live it for someone else. So, I'd rather take this risk and pray that I stay strong against the adversity that is ahead of me. 


The change has arrived, the work is being done. I feel damn good for embracing me, no longer denying the woman that I've been for the past 20 years of my life. Thank you so much T-camp, the staff and faculty who created it, the new friends I've met, and the students who wrote me affirmation cards (I didn't get to write much of any cards due to me being sick and so forth but I send you ALLL LOVE!). It means a lot to me to exist, to live right now. 


Xoxo - Kaleef Lauren

Ramblings of the Internal Voice

"The difference between her and I is that she has visibility, I don't. The difference between he and I is that he has visibility, I don't. The difference between us and them is they have visibility, we don't. Are we all one in the same? Are we all truly the same? You told us that we were equal, if so, then why are they dying everyday? Why are they forced into selling their bodies, why don't they have access? Why aren't their lives valued? Why don't our parents love us for embracing our truth? Why does society set up all of these structures, as if we are mice in an experiment, in a maze of ceiling dreams, of sky-high dreams, only to laugh in our faces and bite us viciously with rejection? Do you feel the sting? Because I feel the sting." - Kaleef Lauren

I Do Take

Yes it is 6:26am. And I am laying down listening to Amel Larrieux's new album Ice Cream Everyday Amel's music, her voice, energy, purity just does something to me. This particular song on the album, I Do Take, just pulls me. It hits home for me. I think its because the song is about accepting someone in their totality, accepting their flaws and all until the end.

It makes me think of love, marriage comes into play but I'm speaking of commitment, but pure unconditional love is what it makes me think about. Last night a friend a I had a conversation about love. She feels like she will never be married because she has never seen a real, long lasting, healthy relationship n her family. Like her, I've never seen love in my family, never saw an example of two people unifying in existence and the turnout being something beautiful except my older sister's relationship (which gives me hope!).


We then had a conversation about transgender people falling in love with each other. She asked me, "Kaleef, will you ever be with a transgender man? What if you fell in love with a man and he was perfect, your everything, then he told you he was a transgender male?" I thought about it, and I told her that I would accept him since he obviously accepts me and my flaws. Love is so rare in this world. When you think about it, many of us are lucky to find partners that love us for simply being us. In my eyes, love is when you have access to someone's complete self. You see the real them, their spirit. You embrace them in their highest moments and lowest falls. And how many of us actually find that? The world has all these damn barriers of race, gender, sexuality, religion, all these complexities that guard us and at times holds us back.


Anyways, take a listen to this beautiful song below. It's everything! :)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZBR2cFJoJg

Brandy Receives Homage - 20 Years in the Game!

Hey hey hey! Woah! haven't posted in a while! Anyways I must say that  ran across this 'Thank You' video that was created by True Exclusives to pay homage to the one and only Brandy! I was so excited to see other artists give brandy her props because she DESERVES IT! I hate when people totally dissuade her work and contribution to the industry and often compare her to Beyonce (No Shade at all, I love both!). It is not fair! Brandy opened doors for the artists that we see today! I just don't want her to get overlooked like so many other fantastic artists such as Toni Braxton and Monica. Her runs, vocal range, creativity, and dedication... = priceless!

What's your favorite Brandy album? I love me some Full Moon and Afrodisiac! All of her albums give me life! 

Check out the video and tell me what you think!

Life is a Beautiful Struggle

Although I struggle, I continue to struggle, I hope that one day I'll be solid. I hope that one day when I wake up, I'll look out MY window and know MY value. I'll know that all of the sacrifices, blood, sweat, and tears mean something not only to myself, but to someone else.

I'll feel connected, I'll feel as if my voice matters. In a world that constantly tells me no, tells us NO, "You don't belong, you don't fit in, your not Black enough, your not classy enough, your not man enough, your not woman enough, your not rich enough, I hope that when I look out MY window, my perspective, my voice, my being, will have a positive affect on the lives of others like me and not.

For all of us who are different, rather it be our skin color, gender, sexuality, gender expression, physical ability, ethnicity, religion, thoughts, just know that you are special. And like you, I struggle to see that in myself, sometimes I forget my worth because so many around me constantly tell me that I'm not worthy. But I am, we are. So for all the outcasts out there, I see you baby.

The answers are there, the answers aren't there. Some people know, some people don't know. Does anyone really know?

So just take a look, look out your window, and know that life is a beautiful struggle.

Pulling You In - Consistency

As I move and shake my way through life...sometime I get lost or caught up in the day to day. I sometimes won't post as often or go on a rampage. For those of you who actually read what I write, the album reviews, celebrity updates, poetry, and thoughts, please know that I appreciate it! Launching this blog has been challenging for me because at times I wonder "who really cares about what I write or think? Who really believes in me?". Then I tell myself that I came into blogging simply to prove to myself that I can do and establish my presence in media. Everything I blog about...are actual conversations or parts of my life. My hobbies, talents,and so forth are in the development stage right now.

I am actually nervous to push the limit and truly say how I feel at times about topics in the world, media and so forth. I fear controversy, hatred, etc. The reason why is because this is an opening of me, an expression of minds I wanted to do for a long time!

So I know that consistency is key....but I'm just trying to figure myself out in this BIG WORLD! As I do that, I wonder what will pull people into my blog.


Just a rant of mines. I hope whoever reads enjoys what I create.


Thank You,
-KL

Tamar Braxton Displays the Chaotic Journey of Love - "Love & War" Album Review

It is a great time for R&B! Everybody dropping albums like hotpockets! I am so proud and honored to review the lovely Tamar Braxton's long awaited sophomore release Love & War.  Reality Tv is definitely opening doors of exposure for talented people who really have something to offer music. Settling into motherhood, her talk show The Real, and life as a solo star Tamar is letting us know she is here! WIth her vocals and charismatic star quality, you would think this would be her 5th album.  Let's get into it. 

                                                        Tamar Braxton — Love & War

1. “The One”

2. “Tip Toe”

3. “Stay and Fight”

4. “Love and War”

5. “All the Way Home”

6. “One on One Fun”

7. “She Did That (Interlude)”

8. “Hot Sugar”

9. “Pieces”

10. “Where It Hurts”

11. “Prettiest Girl”

12. “Sound of Love”

13. “White Candle”

14. “Thank You Lord”

1. The One 

A "Juicy" serenade about love, this summer track is so cute! It's a feel good, joyful record. I'm not sure if it should have opened up the album though.  -Golden Track 

2.  Tip Toe

This should have been the Intro to the album! This is a cute record that took me a few listens to come around too. It serves her personality. This record is about keeping the love you share with your boo a secret.... "I Don't want my business on the Wendy William's show".... Love that Part! Its a cute track......makes you want to hit the dance floor and prance. YAS! -Golden Track 

3. Stay & Fight

A song in which Tamar is stating how she wants to stay and fight with her lover. We all go through that with our lovers....the arguments get real....but if you really want that love to last...you have to STAY & FIGHT. It's growing on me, but I skip this track. Her vocals are beautiful though....she gives me Toni. 

4. Love & War

The lead single of this album......could have also been the intro to the project. We all know Tamar had all competition on hush mode when this song went number one on Itunes in 12 hours after it's release back in Fall of 2012.  - Golden Track 

5.  All The Way Home

This gives me Mairah Carey........I'm sure you can hear it in many of Tamar's vocals and range. This one is about fighting with a lover...but thinking about them as you drive away...pedal to the metal....you know you will return to your boo! That's how love and war is! -Golden Track 

6.  One on One Fun

Now this is where things spice up! The album gets less depressing and more raunchy/ratchet. A breath of fresh air....... Tamar coos about having some one on one fun with her boo. I like this side of her. I wish the beat was a little better and the track was longer. 

7. She Did That 

This song makes me want to hairflip all up in the club! :) Mike-WIll-Made-It influenced, She did that serves as a bad chick anthem to assert that Tamar did that! She proved everyone wrong so now turn up! I love it! But it's too short........I don't know why they decided to make the fun tracks short. -Golden Track

8. Hot Sugar

"Pop it, pop it, pop it..YEA BABAY", this sweet record serves baby Braxton well. Lyrics are fire but I do feel like the instrumental lacks something. I want a guitar or some horns or something in the beat of the song...make it more firery! The song also drags a little. A ladies anthem on how to please your boo...... it's sugary and sweet. -Golden Track 

9. Pieces

This should probably be the next single from the album. It's about being in a relationship and not receiving all the love you deserve from your partner! The piano and Tamar's vocals make her open and bare. -Golden Track 

10. Where It Hurts

I skip this one although her vocals are beautiful. The instrumental does not work for the vocals.......

11. Prettiest Girl 

I love this one! Super cute...a celebration of love and how a man can you feel like the prettiest girl in the  world. "I want to say thank you, for making me feel like the prettiest girl in the world, no matter what I got on." This serves as Tamar's version of Beyonce's "Love on Top".  

12. Sound of Love 

I skip this song s well......it is similar to "Where It Hurts". 

13. White Candle

I love the message of this song. It is about keeping your love going and not letting it die. I like the metaphor of not letting the candle melt away...something so white and pure s candle (dope idea)! Tamar's vocals are also very clean on this one. It works perfectly. - Golden Track 

14. Thank You Lord

I love how this song is dedicated to the Almighty! It's beautiful but I expected a little more soul for this one! Me and a friend discussed how we thought it would have a "Destiny's Child gospel feel". I thought Tamar would take us to the Baptist church where we would catch the Holy Ghost! I wanted that Black church energy but it was not delivered. Despite what it lacks, it is still  a smooth way to close out the album. :) 

Tamar Braxton's Love & War can seem a little lost and depressing at times...but in a odd way it balances itself out. A few features could have given it more spark. I am looking forward to her next project! I am excited that Tamar is finally here because she deserves it. She is very talented, serious, and dedicated to this music biz! SHE DID THAT! 

"K. Michelle Rebels Against The Odds" - "Rebellious Soul" Album Review

K. Michelle's recent debut album Rebellious Soul  has been on repeat! I am going to do a short and sweet album review! Sorry I've been gone for a while, just been busy with life!

Reality star, mother, and R&B songstress K. Michelle let's you have it on Rebellious Soul. I will admit, when I first heard the album I did not like it at all! I kept thinking of her in the Love & Hip Hop ATL sense, which inhibited my listening. Like they say, the third time was charm. We all know that despite her character on the show, she is very talented. I honestly feel like she is real and raw, the female R. Kelly (R. Kelly is her mentor). She serves it to you like it is and we haven't seen a female like her in a minute. Keyshia Cole is too busy being opinionated, and MJB is focusing on expanding her music with her upcoming Christmas album. So we have K. Michelle, and I feel like it's her time. SHe also sold 78,000 in her first week of sales and came in the top ten on Billboard and Itunes! (She proved everyone wrong......I know she is feels so good to shut all the haters down.) I feel like I'm winning with you K!

Rebellious Soul Tracklisting


1. “My Life” ft. Meek Mill

2. “Damn”

3. “I Don’t Like Me”

4. “Can’t Raise a Man”

5. “V.S.O.P.”

6. “Pay My Bills”

7. “Sometimes”

8. “It’s Too Late”

9. “Hate on Her”

10. “When I Get a Man”

11. “A Mother’s Prayer




1. My Life


A somber opening of the album, K asks us "What you know about the grind in the streets? WHat you know about them girls on the pole?" It serves as a reality to how people struggle, how K. Michelle struggled and had to sacrifice to get to where she is. Don't judge a book by it's cover.


(The Interlude, "The Right One" is truly something special. This song is on the deluxe version which you can find at Best Buy.)






2. Damn
An emotional tale of loving someone and wanting to be with them but your life and their's won't allow that to happen. Missing out on a love, K. Michelle has detailed that she wrote the record about Chad Ochocinco. I love this song! It's deep, the vocals and lyrics hit the heart. -Golden Track



3. I Don't Like Me
This song here, has made me cry! It is about a woman who gives her body to a men time and time again, hoping they would LOVE her. Self -esteem is checked at the front door in this track. K. Michelle is making sure young girls and woman have a song that details what many of them experiene with men and sex. - Golden Track






4. Can't Raise a Man
You cannot raise a boy into a man! Ladies and Gents, take notes. Classic R&B. Has a MJB feel.






5 . V. S. O. P.
The lead single, this celebration track details on a relationship that is rocky but will be celebrated with a bottle or too of Very SPecial Old Pale ....... Vocals are life, beat is life, production, is some good R&B. I wish more of the songs had this type of up-tempo feel. - Golden Track


6. Pay My Bills
Now, this is where the R. Kelly comes out! K opens the track with a powerful note that will make you call your boo on speed dial! LOL! It's a naughty record... -Golden Track Vocals and lyrics are CRAZY/MIndBlowing


7. Sometimes
This old soul sounding song takes us to church as Miss K sings about how men come and go. Sometimes they come, sometimes they don't. One of the most vulnerable tracks, this should possibly be a single or on a Tyler Perry movie soundtrack! WHen I listen, I picture a sad lady sitting on a porch in memphis drinking whisky....pondering on a love that has her torn. IT's really a moving record that proves that K. Michelle is here to stay. -Golden Track


8. Ride Out
I skip this song....it's ok. I wish the beat was better. Or had a feature such as Wale or something.


9. Hate on Her -
I skip this song as well. It is R&B, "She stole my man but I ain't mad" record.


10. When I Get a Man
Everything and more, that is what this track is. The intro and how it fades in....the honesty in the lyrics and chorus...melody...is complete soul! Makes me stand up out my seat. K. Michelle sings about how when she gets a man...he will love her good! This was a good move because their are too many sad love songs by our R&B ladies. It's soft, feminine, and rough at the same time. - Golden Track


11. A Mother's Prayer
A beautiful dedication to her son....this is simply amazing. A smooth and perfect way to complete the album of Rebellion. GO K! - Golden Track


There are interludes on this album such as "Rebuild This House and Coochie Symphony.....take a listen and formulate your own opinion! Overall this album is R&B Gold. People keep comparing K. Michelle to Keyshia Cole...they do have similarities but K. Michelle has her own image that stirs away from Keyshia Cole. Her music hits you. Keyshia's does as well......but they are different to me. I say this album is a good listen for Fall, if you just broke up with someone, if you are still getitng over a break up, or if you just love good ole' REAL music.


-KL

"Mama Had Them Boxed Braids"

I remember you. You had them boxed braids mama. You were beautiful. You were nice and chocolate like me. You had that red nail polish on. But those braids, they were everything. I would wonder "Wow, how are they so nice, so neat, so kept together." A memory, I wish it could last forever. That moment when I sat behind you and saw you. It does last forever.

- I love you.

#KLTunes - Who I'm Bumping in August

Hello world. I have been gone!!!!! So sorry about that! Just been super busy! 

Let me share with you who has been on my ipod getting me through! Music is my everything and I literally cannot function in this crazy world without it. It's a great distraction that always uplifts. You can literally FEEL IT! I think that's what makes it so special. 

Anyways take a look! 

1. K. Michelle 

With her recent triumphant release titled Rebellious Soul, K.Michelle without a doubt is one of the trailblazers of R&B right now. Despite what people may think about her and her personality of the infamous Love & Hip Hop ATL she has managed to gain herself a record deal and pursue her dreams. I will admit at times I was torn in my liking of her because of some of the things I saw on the show and other antics, but I enjoy her music. She has been through a lot and does a magnificent job songwriting and singing about her experiences. WHat I love about her and her music is that IT EVOKES EMOTION IN YOU, Her voice is powerful and she is pure fire in the studio. I say this is a great album for the fall. SHe sings about relationships, self esteem, MEN NOT ACTING RIGHT (Do they ever?), her son, and everything young women go through. Favorite songs - Damn, I Don't Like Me, My Life, The Right One, When I Get a Man, VSOP, Ride Out....I REALLY ENJOY THe ENTIRE ALBUM. 

CHECK IT OUT! 

2. Azealia Banks 

For some reason, I've been very attracted to Fantasea. Her mix-tape was released last summer and was literally the soundtrack of my life. I cannot wait for her official album which should be here in the fall. 

Tracks on repeat: Luxury, Paradiso, Fantasea, Atlantis, Fierce, Aquababe, Esta Noche. 

Her new single "ATM Jam" ft. Pharell is also a BANGER.

3. Tamar Braxton 

I love me some Tamar Braxton. Both of her smash hit singles, "The One" & "Love and War" have done nothing but rudely torture as I wait for her September 3rd sophomore album Love and War. 

4. Kelly Rowland 

I am still bumping Talk a Good Game. I've done reviews for and spoke for Kelly back in July! :) 

Tracks: Talk a Good Game, Red Wine, Street Life, Gone, You've Changed. 

5. Jay - Z 

As I hustle in these streets....... Jay-Z definitely sets the tone. MCHG has been on repeat! 

Tracks I love: BBC, Versus, Oceans, Tom Ford, Heaven, Part 2 (On the Run), and JAY Z Blue. 

What's Love Got To Do With It? Tina Turner Married at 73!

Yesterday, fabulous Rock/Soul/Pop LEGEND Tina Turner got married to her longtime lover Erwin Bach in Switzerland. Rocking a fabulous, (against the rules) Black and Green wedding dress, Tina Turner beamed as she strutted down the aisle to the love of her life.

Guests such as the one and only Oprah attended right along with Gayle! YASS! 

Now, all I can say is that I am excited. Knowing all that she has been through and overcome, she deserves all of happiness. 

And this her second marriage after Ike Turner, who she married in 1962 and divorced in 1976. I absolutely and happy for her. 

It doesn't matter what time LOVE COMES, BUT IT COMES ON TIME! To think that this is her second marriage at 73, wow. I love it. It's inspiring. 

Hugs, kisses, and wishes! 

Where Are You?

 

"Peek-a-boo"

Hola readers! Wanted to do something, a little check in of sorts. A break from the album reviews I've been serving. :) 

Have you ever been so busy and wrapped up in life that you feel like it's all a blue? You feel like it's passing you by yet you can't stop it. 

This morning I literally googled "how to stay calm" and found a plethora of leads that aid with calmness. 

One thing I literally did was look at my bedroom wall and repeat to myself "I am Calm, I am Happy, I am Focused, I will Succeed" 

Sometimes you have to literally speak to YOURSELF to get it together. I said it about 3 times repeatedly and felt a little better. 

I often have to remember WHERE I AM. And ask myself... Are you enjoying the ride? Did you complete that goal? If not, why don't you do it? 

So for those anxious nerve wrecked bee's out there, it's all gonna fall together. We don't know how, I don't know how, but sit tight and do what you can. 

Hugs, wishes, and kisses.  

The Weight

The Weight of It all 

As I sit and reflect on what has occurred  within the last two months, I can't help but feel worn out. What hurts is the fact that there is nothing that I can do for Trayvon Martin and the 17 year old Jamaican Boy. It's frustrating. Both of them are not getting the justice they deserve. 

I feel the weight if it on my back, on my heart. It's heavy. 

We care, and we know what happened. We know it wasn't right and that innocent lives were taken away. 

A lillte ole me is simply putting this out there in hopes that someone will take something away from the acknowledgment. 

They are me and are a part of me. 

Hugs, kisses, and wishes. 

Chrisette Michele "Better" Album Review - A Lady Just Wants To Be Loved

Hola! Chrisette Michele is back with her fourth album titled Better. A journey of a woman who has flipped the script and changed her mentality of love, she seeks it again with this album. Full of love songs, the album also details the frustrations of being in a relationship, winning someone's affection, not being the right one for someone, being single and happy, it offers a twist to your typical love song album. 

Tracklist:
01 – Be In Love
02 – A Couple Of Lovers
03 – Let Me Win
04 – Rich Hipster (Feat. Wale)
05 – Love Won’t Leave Me Out
06 – Interlude (In My Head – Better)
07 – Better
08 – Snow
09 – Visual Love
10 – Charades (Feat. 2 Chainz)
11 – Interlude (My Heart – Convo With Boyfriend)
12 – You Mean That Much To Me
13 – Supa
14 – Interlude (In My Bed – Sleeping Alone)
15 – Get Through The Night
16 – Can The Cool Be Loved (Feat. Bilal & Dunson)
17 – Ten Foot Stilettos
18 – Interlude (Perch Yo Girlz – Phone Convo)
19 – I’m Still Fly
20 – Love In The Afternoon (Feat. Nello Luchi)

1. Be In Love - 

Chrisette opens the track by simply saying "I can do this, I wanna be in love." A great opening to the journey Chrisette will take us on. It serves as an intro to the album. Has an old school feel to it and may make you want to be in love again. She sings about how she is ready for love again, admitting something that a lot of people never want to admit. Everybody always tryna be all hard and about that single life - but not Chrisette. It''s a hopeful record as well, "Love will put me first this time, it will feel so right, forget the past, I'm open again."  It's a great segue way into the lead single of the album "A Couple of Forevers". 

2. A Couple of Forevers - 

The lead single from the album! I love this song! It's so romantic. This is a song for the hopeless romantics out there. It's about wanting the feeling of love to last forever and ever. She is singing to her significant other about how strong they are together and she wants it to last, not just forever, but a couple of forevers. Whats so magical about this record is that it sounds so smooth and old school, like a 60's soul record.  A Golden track from the album

3. Let Me Win - 

Ever been in a relationship or in a situation where you are trying to win someone's affection and they won;t open up? They won't let you win. She pleading for this person to give her a break in this game of love, as we all have probably been there before. I love the beat to this song and the message. It sounds like a cut from her first album "I Am". The game of love is a gamble. 

4. Rich Hipster - 

Taken form her mix-tape "An Audiovisual Presentation: Audrey Hepburn" This is one of my favorite cuts. I'm not all that familiar with hipster culture, but this song is about being free. Getting a tat if you want, traveling the world, you feel rich, but not financially rich, rich on the inside. You are completely satisfied and doing whatever you want. It's also about getting along with everyone, making new friends, accepting the unusual, and truly embracing unity. "Wave you love when you wave your flag!" 

Wale added a little spark to the track, but I feel like Common may have been a better feature. Overall it's a golden track. 

5. Love Won't Leave Me Out - 

Similar to Be In Love, this song is vulnerable. Open. It's about self evaluating your self and your relationship to love. "See a girl with a broken heart, See a girl with the broken scars." The message is clear, you will fall in love and may get hurt, but you have to learn from it, self- evaluate, and learn that love won't leave you out. Be hopeful and open. 

6. Interlude (In My Head - Better) - Transition into Better. 

7. Better -

 Love will make me feel better. It's self explanatory. The rawness of this record is good and the positive outlook on love. It is the title of the album as well, supporting the concept correctly. Her vocals - just pull my edges out! LOL! But it's really an outstanding record. 

8. Snow - 

Now the sadness of love comes in, but with a twist. I honestly never heard a record where someone is telling there lover "Look, I'm not the one for you. I'm trying to protect you from me. You don't want to love me. I have a lot of stuff within me and a lot thats going on and I don't think you can handle me. I'm giving you a warning." I love this song...it's cold..a cold piece of work. It's melancholy and harsh feel supports those who are afraid to love someone, because they feel guarded, they feel as if they're hearts our cold and no one should want to be with them. It's a deep, powerful song. A certified Golden track! :) One of my Favorites. 

9. Visual Love - 

This song is funky, sassy, and real. Makes you want to get out on the dance floor with your girls looking fabulous. This brings a new concept to not falling for someone's BS when it ocmes to them saying they love you. Basically, this person is attracted to you only for your looks, hence the title Visual Love. "Your eyes tell me you love me, but that don't mean you do, and I;m not gonna let you hurt me when you SEE someone new." Love runs deeper than physical attraction. Many just throw the word around, knowing that they are in lust. A Golden Track. 

10. Charades - 

Comparing someone's bull crap and trash to a game of charades is an excellent metaphor. People can often be actors, playing characters and personas to win you over or romantically. But you know the deal, you can see right through it. That the perpective of this record. "I Ain't about that life.com period." 

2 Chainz is a complete mess on the record LOL. It's hard to know he did "ALL I WANT FO MY BURFDAY IS A BIG BOOTAY....." and rap with Chrisette. But he adds fun to the record.  

11. Interlude (My heart - Convo with Boyfriend) - 

This interlude is so deep and romantic. Just listen to it. Especially if your a hopeless romantic. It lowkey made me gushy, a little teary LOL!

12. You Mean That Much to Me - 

This song is about putting it all on the line for the one you love. It's good, feel good. It;s a love song about someone you would give it all up for. An offering. Beautiful song. 

13. Supa - 

She gave me Alicia Keys! This is about when your in love with someone and you have to tell them the good and bad about you. This is when your relationship starts to run into arguments and expectations. They get an attitude, you get one.  "I can't be supa all the time, with the S on my chest."  An honest and confronting record. 

14. Interlude - (In My Bed - Sleeping Alone) - 

"My favorite part of a relationship, is holding each other through the night - safety you know?" 

Poetry that details sleeping alone late at night - a perfect transition into the next track.

15. Get Through The Night - 

Now this song is a GOLDEN RECORD! It's so sad yet healing. It honestly helped me get through some personal things. So if you just broke up with someone and experiencing the pain of it, this is a good comforting song. You can cry to it, stare at a wall, and recover. "I know I'll smile in the day time, wait till the sunlight, everything will be alright, I know it will, just gotta get through the night." 

I love this song. Highly suggest it. 

16 . Can The Cool Be Loved - 

Chrisette admits her positives and negatives. "I'm only me, just cool."  Growth, swag, spreading light and love...this song is about being real with yourself and everything you do and also aksing "Can the cool in me, that side of me, just be loved and accepted?." In Chrisette's case, she is just another person in this world with emotions, a career, good qualities, bad qualities, and a muse for music. Bilal and Dunson bring that neo soul hip hop feel. One of my favorites. Overall it's a feel good golden track. The cool people just wanna be loved. 

17. Ten Foot Stilettos  - 

One of my fav's from the album! I love how simple and classy the beat is. It's about making it through life, getitng it hurt, and walking above it in the end. You are high above the drama, the BS, the troubles of everything. "I'm a real tough girl, but I'm sweet at heart. Live in a real rough world, oh I can fall apart, but I just won't fail." If you need strength, put this on. Stand tall! Chrisette also sounds like Erykah Badu on this record! Golden Track! 

18. Interlude (Perch Yo Gurlz - Phone Convo)  - 

Reminds m on phone convos with my girlfriends! 

19. I'm Still Fly - 

I love this song! She sings about being single and still being fly. I like the message because sometimes when we are single we feel so insecure about it. Like we need someone all the time. It's good to just go out with your girls or boys and not expect any phone numbers or dates. Either way you are still fly. The jazzy feel of this record makes it a classic. Upbeat and to the point.  Golden Track. One of my fav's! 

20. Love in the Afternoon - 

This is also another one of my favorites. She sings about how people always make love in the evening. Well, what about making love in the afternoon? The beat and production is fabulous. This was also on her mix-tape last year. The rapper Nello Luchi brought a fantastic pop to the song. Its a nice smooth way to end the album. :) 

Overall, The album's slower songs about love can become repetitive in the messages they send but it's based off of love so it works. I found myself skipping some records. For example, I often play "Get Through the Night: or "Snow" when I'm feeling a little blue. But I mostly listen to the more upbeat records and the one's that reflect on love in a positive light. It's a great, solid, contribution to R&B from Ms. Chrisette Michele. I say get yourself a copy, it allows you to reflect on love, the good and the bad of it. 

Hugs, Kisses, and Wishes.