On her fourth single “Hymn,” Kesha offers up a “hymn for the hymn-less.”  “Hymn” is uplifting, much like other releases hailing form Rainbow.

To recap, Kesha gave us all chills on “Praying,” the promo single from highly-anticipated third studio album, Rainbow.  On her second single, “Woman,” the feminist ‘comeback kid’ delivered a message of empowerment for women.  While the swearing was a bit counterproductive, Kesha still articulated her point clearly.  On her third single, “Learn to Let Go,” she continued to showcase a newfound maturity with thoughtful lyrics, big chorus, and solid production work.  On the fourth and final pre-release single “Hymn,” she’s recorded a “hymn for the hymn-less.”

As illustrated above, “Hymn” fits right into the uplifting, empowering, and all-inclusive nature of Rainbow.  The tempo is on the slower, while the sound of the record has some urban-pop touches.  All in all, it’s well produced.  If “Woman” was more soulful and feistier with its profanity, Kesha just lets the swear words roll of her tongue more gently – if that’s considered a pro.  The chorus is among the selling points.

“This is a hymn for the hymn-less, kids with no religion / Yeah, we keep on sinning, yeah, we keep on singing / Flying down the highway, backseat of the Hyundai / Pull it to the front, let it run, we don’t valet / Sorry if you’re star struck, blame it on the stardust / I know that I’m perfect, even though I’m fucked up / Hymn for the hymn-less, don’t need forgiveness / ‘Cause if there’s a heaven, don’t care if we get in.”

There are some rubs, but no blatant miscues.  The profanity could’ve been ditched for the most part and “Hymn” would’ve been as or more effective.  While it’s not as pronounced as it was on “Woman,” the swearing just feels a bit counterproductive – forced.  The other quibble is more the product of a shocking promo single.  “Praying” was incredibly awesome, and the three singles that follow it haven’t been able to achieve the same glory.

Final Thoughts

As previously stated, had Kesha not already shocked and wowed us with “Praying,” “Hymn” would have an even impact.  As it is, it’s another good single from Kesha that showcases her newfound maturity artistically.

Kesha • Rainbow • Kemosabe • Release: 8.11.17 

Photo Credit: Kemosabe