Following a long and excruciating sexual assault legal battle against her producer and mentor Dr. Luke, pop warrior Kesha has made a triumphant comeback in the form of the emotionally-charged, piano-driven power ballad “Praying”, her first original solo release since “Crazy Kids” in 2013 and a “True Colors” collaboration with Zedd last year.
“Praying” finds Kesha searching for answers as she struggles with the task of finding a path forward. Easily perceived as a direct attack/response to Dr. Luke and the abuse the artist felt at his hands, the rousing number uses its inspiring message to transform into a sign of hope for those who constantly find themselves falling to their knees in pain. Fans will be able to resonate with the idea of becoming stronger after an ordeal and will weep as their idol shares personal details of her traumatic experience.
Instead of the infectious, dance/pop beats that allowed Kesha to quickly become a dominating radio force when she burst onto the scene in 2009, the “Die Young” singer trades uptempo production for dramatic piano keys, minimal background noise and a powerhouse vocal performance on “Praying” that should win over the detractors she has encountered throughout her career. Her vocals are what eventually become the highlight, effectively emoting angst and sorrow.
Previously known for her songwriting skills before her huge “Tik Tok” break, Kesha allows the lyrical content of her new single to pack an authentic punch, instead of simply leading listeners to the nearest dancefloor. After the despair and obstacles to overcome, the singer is able to roar again. “I'm proud of who I am, no more monsters, I can breathe again, and you said that I was done, well, you were wrong and now the best is yet to come,” she belts, while still expressing forgiveness to her enemy.
The highly anticipated single is autobiographical. Kesha’s fearlessness is heard in every word and note, allowing “Praying” to become something much more than a search for a potential radio hit. With the legal battle backstory, the track emphasizes the artist’s ability to get back up after consistent blows. Though she appeared fierce and strong on the outside, she found it difficult to find that same strength from within. However, like a phoenix, she’s ready to rise again.
Accompanied with a colorful, resonating music video that perfectly links Kesha-associated imagery with her songwriting and delivery, the artist gets her message across. The whole package for “Praying” works wonders as a much-deserved welcome back. Opening with a dialogue of giving up and wishing to die, the #FreeKesha message is boldly displayed throughout as the artist fights off the swine and filth to discover her path to a brand new beginning.
Brave Kesha. Bravo! Her third studio album Rainbow is out on August 11.
UPDATE (7/13/2017): The better, faster, stronger Kesha appears to be making up for lost time. Hot off the heels of her phenomenal "Praying" comeback, the party-pop star roars again with the empowering "Woman" featuring brass band The Dap-Kings. The new track is the second official taste of the artist's upcoming Rainbow project.
Surrounded in retro/soul/funk influence and production, Kesha proudly boasts that she needs no man in her life, she can take care of her own damn self. While the artist got serious and emotional on her previous release, "Woman" is a return to rowdy, unapologetic form. The horns of her featured guests provide an intriguing environment for the singer to thrive in as she explicitly embraces the idea of feminism, independence, and the need for a crazy night out.
Partially leaked a few weeks prior, the song and accompanying music video (co-directed with her brother) highlight the fact that Kesha has busted out of her restraints, seemingly taking her career where she wants it to go. "Don't buy me a drink, I make my money, don't touch my weave, don't call me 'honey', I run this shit, baby, I run this shit," she chants on the bridge, emphasizing a carefree attitude and warning others to never underestimate her again.
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