Ever since she wailed “I hate you so much right now!” six years ago, Kelis has existed in the special area of R&B usually associated with the likes of Missy Elliott or Christina Aguilera – somewhat off-centre, not always likeable, yet strangely compulsive and undeniably cool. And, much like Aguilera, Kelis now returns after a substantial absence with a lengthy follow-up, entirely filling the 80 minute capacity of the CD. Both of these albums, unsurprisingly, are therefore too long and contain too much filler which should have been left on the cutting room floor.

Beginning with an entirely underwhelming skit about the trail she intends to blaze (“You will know that Kelis was here!”, she howls) we are treated to three dull and forgettable songs before the album proper kicks off with the catchy guitar riff and irresistible sass of ‘I Don’t Think So’. Not an original topic, but always entertaining, Kelis gives a big finger to the male population at large, guaranteed to appeal on its musical merits as well as to embittered women everywhere: “You think you might have a chance? I don’t think so! You wanna get in my pants? I don’t think so!”.

However, there are a few too many songs on similar lines present here, from the dull first single ‘Bossy’, to the egotistical nonsense of ‘I’m a Handful’. Too often the album falls into the trap of being conceited; Kelis is in danger of believing herself more interesting than she truly is – sex and mystery are closely entwined, so endlessly eulogising her merits, her attitude and just how damn cool she is rather undermines the intended effect. And it’s just bloody irritating too.

Kelis remains at her strongest during the hypnotic come-down tunes which speckle this album like diamonds. The spaced out ‘Trilogy’, the bizarrely Kate Bush feel of ‘Like You’ and the sweetly wonderful ‘Little Star’ which features Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-Lo (who comes dangerously close to outclassing her) all demonstrate Kelis’ genuine talent and staying power.

A few less ego-stroking sessions, a little more substance in the lyricism and, distilled, this album could have been great. As it stands, there are brief moments of brilliance diluted by the dregs that should have been left at the bottom of the cup rather than recycled. Whether you choose to forgive this or not is always going to be a personal choice, but if you cut out the mediocre tracks and focus on the quality, there still a very good bit of music in here. Nevertheless, while her milkshake might bring you to the yard, if she doesn’t keep her self-indulgence under wraps, you might not want to stay for another album.
(3½/5)