//Neon Reviews: Michelle Williams – Unexpected//

October 8, 2008 by Story Gilmore
Filed under Reviews

Former Destiny’s Child singer, Michelle Williams, opens her third solo set, Unexpected, with an intro telling you to do just that: expect the unexpected. For many, this album will be. With two successful gospel projects under her belt, the 29-year-old beauty decided to do a U-turn, opting for a more edgy techno/dance sound. The result? One of the best pop albums to come out this year.

The album’s first cut, Hello Heartbreak, was made with the dance clubs in mind. It’s a night club DJ’s best friend. With its pulsating beat and catchy hook, it’s sure to get those wallflowers on the floor.

Lead single, We Break the Dawn, is a pop music masterpiece. Williams takes the euro-pop sound that has become so popular in R&B today and truly makes it her own. This high energy, synth heavy, feel good track gives the listener a feeling of pure euphoria.

The Greatest, one of the album’s few ballads, is one of the sets strongest songs. Michelle keeps the vocals simple and sweet on this number that will surely make its way to several weddings this year.

While the second half of the album trades in some of its techno/dance beats for a smoother pop/r&b sound, it by no means loses quality. Stand outs include the more urban flavored Hungover, the album’s title track, Unexpected, and the better without you anthem, Thank You.

Switching lanes with her third release has truly paid off for Ms. Williams. This album will undoubtedly make her a pop music force to be reckoned with. While that may surprise a few, it really shouldn’t. Having come from one of the biggest girl groups of all time, greatness isn’t all that unexpected.

Tweet This Buzz This Delicious Digg This Facebook Reddit Stumble This