Ever since her abuse was made public and courts ordered she continue working with her abusive producer Dr. Luke, fans worried for pop singer Kesha. The tag #freeKesha swept across social media showing their love and support for the artist. Then in August 2017, Kesha returned with a new album called Rainbow made without direct influence from Dr. Luke. The result is breathtaking. Her creative freedom in this album is clear with songs about letting go, finding self love, and not caring what others say. To fans, it’s like a whole new artist. To Kesha, it’s cathartic.
This is an explicit CD, so only a few songs will be covered in this review. The first big hit to come from Rainbow was “Praying,” Kesha’s triumphant return to the radio. She admits she’s been through such pain, but hopes Dr. Luke finds peace, even if “some things only God can forgive.” It’s a powerful statement about acknowledging what you’ve been through and how it helped you change for the better. A similar song is the same as the album itself, “Rainbow.” Featured in the video above, Kesha sings about how she found hope in the darkest of times. She encourages others to find their own rainbow, to keep on living, and to “come and paint the world with (her) tonight.” Slightly more upbeat is “Learn to Let Go,” a more dance-able version of the previous two songs and how to move on from your past. The best line that everyone should follow is “live and learn and never forget it.”
Despite her suffering, Kesha still has fun songs in store for her fans. “Let Them Talk” is a great song to jump and dance to that doesn’t want you to listen to bad opinions from others. “Boogie Feet” is simply a song about dancing. She wants everyone to join in, begging “dance with me.” “Woman” is just for the ladies, praising how she doesn’t “need a man to be holding (her) too tight.” Kesha has always been known for fun party songs, but before they had been about drinking and partying all day. We’ve always loved them, but they were a product of Dr. Luke’s image for Ke$ha. Kesha hasn’t lost her party spirit, but is writing for herself now, not for some image.
Kesha is a fantastic artist worthy of respect. Her album Rainbow is a marvelous comeback greatly welcomed by fans. All she wants is to love and help others feel loved. I am one of many who will be eagerly waiting for whatever she comes up with next.
Awesomesauce Magazine 