‘Rough around the edges’ R&B musician K. Michelle keeps things clean, delivering an authentic, powerful, heartbroken ballad with “Save Me.”

Typically, the first word that comes to mind when I hear the name K. Michelle is unapologetic.  Throughout her career, the R&B singer/songwriter has been unafraid to live on the edge.  In other words, she not afraid to cuss or be blunt about sex. After beginning her career with a bang, things have cooled off commercially for Michelle, particularly her under-appreciated 2017 album, KIMBERLY: The People I Used to Know (did y’all even know she dropped that album?).  Nonetheless, Kimberly Michelle Pate keeps on trucking.  Case in point, “Save Me.”

K. Michelle, Kimberly: The People I Used to Know | Album Review

Remember how I mentioned that K. Michelle is typically unapologetic? Well, surprisingly, she keeps things clean on “Save Me.” Perhaps it’s the fact that she’s so heartbroken she can’t manage to throw in that f-bomb this round.  From the start, she expresses her heartbreak and her stupidity regarding this particular man:

“Silly me

Always giving my all to you

Broke me down to be here for you, huh

Every time

And if love wants to call

Oh, I know I can’t depend on you

For no, nothing at all

You let me down every time.”

The sentiment is familiar – tried and true.  Still, it’s quite effective in Michelle’s hand with her expressive set of pipes. The brief second verse plays out in similar fashion, while the pre-chorus and chorus confirm the disappointment she feels because “You never saved me.”

“I just wanted you to save me

But you never did, all you did was

Play me

I just wanted you to save me

But you never saved me, yeah

‘Cause you tried to take my heart with you

Wanted to break me

To save me

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh.”

Final Thoughts

Guess what? K. Michelle doesn’t have to swear once to convey an authentic, emotional, heartbroken ballad.  She sounds stunning, accompanied by lush production work composed of electric piano, synths, pads, and effects-filled backing vocals.  “Save Me” is a winner, particularly when Michelle drops those sick ad-libs towards the end.

K. Michelle » Save Me [Single] » Chase Landin, LLC d/b/a No Color No Sound / Entertainment One » Release: 11.19.18

Photo Credits: Chase Landin, LLC d/b/a No Color No Sound / Entertainment One