The leftfield sex-on-disc R&B diva returns with another chunk of rap-song lessons on how to be a modern, independent woman not bowing to anyone s will – least of all her man. So far so samey, then. And when compared to the competition, the weakness of Kel

The leftfield sex-on-disc R&B diva returns with another chunk of rap-song lessons on how to be a modern, independent woman not bowing to anyone's will - least of all her man.

So far so samey, then. And when compared to the competition, the weakness of Kelis' vocal delivery, and syrupy production-line slow grooves like Livin' Proof and What's That Right There barely register on the heartstrings; better at stirring custard than emotion.

But not all is lost. The Milkshake provocateur does pull it off here and there, particularly with album closer F**k Them Bitches (Clean), a wry and witty critique of self-censorship.

Overall though, marred by underwhelming tunes. 3/5