K. Michelle delivers a powerful vocal performance on “Make This Song Cry,” a single from forthcoming album, ‘KIMBERLY: The People I Used to Know.’

Bold.  Unapologetic.  Unafraid.  Those are just a few ways to characterize contemporary R&B singer K. Michelle.  She definitely lives on the edge.  After releasing singles “Birthday” and “Either Way,” Michelle announced the fourth studio album, KIMBERLY: The People I Used to Know.  Alongside the announcement, she also released the third single from the album, “Make this Song Cry.” Some of it should sound very familiar.

“Make this Song Cry” samples the Bobby Glenn classic “Sounds Like a Love Song,” as well as interpolates the Jay-Z rap gem, “Song Cry.” If that wasn’t enough, many contemporary fans will instantly strike the resemblance of “Make this Song Cry” with “You’ve Changed,” by another R&B diva, Keyshia Cole, which also employs the Bobby Glenn classic.  But enough about the underpinnings, the song has ample pros.

As always, K. Michelle delivers powerful, dramatic vocals.  It doesn’t take long for the profanity to arrive, in the form of an f-bomb on the first verse.  The chorus is tough, memorable, and catchy – typical of Michele.

“I left all my hoes / Told ‘em not to call and text me no more! / Now you so ungrateful / Do you know how hard it was for me to stay faithful? / Bae, I’mma make this cry / Never let a n*gga see me cry…”

There’s never a shortage of passion with K. Michelle, even if she’s a tad bit “rough around the edges” and melodramatic.  One of the surprises of “Make This Song Cry” was the unexpected key change.  It works out, but it wasn’t necessary.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, K. Michelle delivers the goods on “Make This Song Cry.” There are no major rubs, but perhaps the “song cry” concept has been overplayed at this point.  Also, while it’s never bad for a song to sound familiar, is this one too familiar?

K. Michelle • KIMBERLEY: The People I Used to Know • Atlantic • Release: 12.8.17

Photo Credit: Atlantic