Kehlani, Folded | Song Review 🎵

Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Kehlani brings her A Game on “Folded,” among the best songs of her fabulous career. 

“It’s so silly of me to act like I don’t need you bad / When all, all I can think about is us since I seen you last.” Oh, snap! The matters of the heart have reared their ugly head on “Folded”.  Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Kehlani (Kehlani Parrish) [she/her/they/them] is back with another gem – the crème de la crème of her career. Kehlani co-wrote “Folded” with Andre Harris, DIXSON, Kamal Wilson, Don Mills, Donovan Knight (D.K. the Punisher), and Khris Riddick-Tynes. Damn, that’s a lot of songwriters. No worries – it is worth it on this surefire bop! Harris, Mills, D.K. The Punisher and Riddick produced it.  The backdrop is gorgeous: ear-catching, lush, and sleekly executed in every way. Parrish has ample fuel for her vocal fire, though she’s on autopilot from the get-go.

Kehlani delivers one of the premier vocal performances of her career.  Her instrument sounds pitch-perfect and radiant, delivering impressive runs and utterly sublime nuances. Her performance sounds authentic, as she lays it out there for this person.  She brings the oomph to the tuneful melodies, while the lyrics are incredibly memorable.  In “Folded,” Kehlani seems to battle between still loving and being open to try again with this person, yet she is also prepared to send them on their way. “Can you come pick up your clothes? / I have them folded / Meet me at the door while it’s still open,” she sings in the unforgettable chorus, continuing, “I know it’s getting cold out, but it’s not frozen / So come pick up your clothes / I have them folded.” With the door still ajar, in the pre-chorus, Parrish asserts, “I’ll let your body decide if this is good enough for you / Already folding it for you / Already folding it for you.” Kehlani has delivered some incredible music throughout the 2020s.  “Folded” is in a class all on its own.  Superb vocals, writing, and production earn this single a spot near or at the top of Parrish’s fabulous catalog.  A bop and a half!