There are comeback albums, and then there’s Kesha’s Rainbow. The ‘Tik Tok’ singer has spent the last five years on the sidelines, a period marred by an eating disorder and a much publicised trial with her alleged abuser and former producer, Dr. Luke. If there is one pop-star worth rooting for in 2017, it’s her.
The long-awaited new album is an imperfect but essential act of emotional catharsis. Lead single ‘Prayer’ is a powerhouse, a fist-pumping anthem of self-love that builds to an incredible crescendo. ‘Learn To Let Go’ is another euphoric call for putting the past where it belongs, its spine-tingling chorus addressing the demons she must exorcise. When the album touches on Kesha’s aspirations to be her best self, it’s powerful. However, on the musical front, Rainbow throws in the kitchen sink – and then some – with decidedly mixed results.
The Dolly Parton-featuring ‘Old Flames (Can’t Hold A Candle to You)’ is a surprisingly effective combination of classic Nashville twang and modern pop production, with the two singers’ voices interlocking with ease. The two tracks made with Eagles Of Death Metal, though, are bogged down by chronic over-production. ‘Boogie Feet’, especially, comes off as a misplaced attempt to instill some hard rock-edge into proceedings.
Still, Kesha’s passion provides a real emotional core, her conviction paving over any cracks that appear throughout the 14 tracks. Rainbow has its weak spots, but it’s still an impressive middle finger to both the past and the patriarchal powers that be.