Kesha, Raising Hell | Track Review 🎵

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Grammy-nominated pop artist Kesha returns ready for the HIGH ROAD on her energetic, infectious single, “Raising Hell,” featuring Big Freedia.

It’s hard to believe that more than two years ago (as of the publication date), Kesha unveiled a new level of maturity to the world.  Yes, the pop musician formerly known for the gimmicky hit single “Tik Tok” definitely stepped up her game on the personal, Grammy-nominated gem, “Praying”.  Arguably, she should’ve earned the Grammy instead of Ed Sheeran (“Shape of You”) but the past is the past.  After wowing with Rainbow in 2017, Kesha is set to take the High Road on January 10, 2020.  Leading the charge? “Raising Hell” featuring bounce phenom, Big Freedia.

As the title suggests, “Raising Hell” is an incredibly energetic pop joint. But let’s be honest – you can’t collaborate with Big Freedia and not be energetic, right? In addition to the feisty title, Kesha is feisty and turned up early on.  After a tame first verse, she drops ‘the bomb’ on the pre-chorus, which is part of a contradictory sentiment you might say:

“I’m all fucked up in my Sunday best
No walk of shame ‘cause I love this dress
Hungover, heart of gold, holy mess
Doin’ my best, bitch, I’m blessed.”

Essentially, Kesha seems to be owning the fact that she’s rough around the edges.  She’s no saint (understatement), but she’s doing her best and is, of course, blessed, nonetheless.  Beyond the pre-chorus, the chorus shines:

“Oh, if you couldn’t tell
We can always find the trouble, we don’t need no help
Singing, oh, mama raised me well
But I don’t wanna go to Heaven without raisin’ hell.”

As for Big Freedia, she plays a superb supporting role to Kesha throughout, bringing that attitude.  The production by Omega and Stint is respectable, matching the energy of both performers.

Final Thoughts 

Will “Raising Hell” change your life? No, it’s not as potent as “Praying,” the promo single from Rainbow, but it’s still a solid, highly enjoyable offering from Kesha.  She’s still more mature than she was back during her “Tik Tok” days, yet also manages to have fun, as well as a bit, umm, blasphemous.

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Kesha • High Road • Kemosabe • Release: 1.10.20

Photo Credit: Kemosabe