Album Review: Michelle Williams "Unexpected"

Honestly, Michelle Williams was always the Destiny's Child member I didn't particularly care for as a solo artist. I only say this because it appears that she knows that many of us felt this way. However, Michelle is looking to change all that with her secular debut Unexpected. This album serves as her third solo record, following a pair of gospel efforts, & a drastic change from the sound she was previously known for aside from DC3. As the album's first track "Unexpected Intro" suggests, I didn't actually expect Michelle to venture into the territory that she does with Unexpected. Thankfully though, she did. (Just to clarify: her sound is 'unexpected,' not the release of the album, despite what her label might hope. :P)

Unexpected kicks off with the aforementioned intro & "Hello Heartbreak," a killer Euro-pop/dance track. The album's first single "We Break The Dawn" serves as a solid introductory effort to prepare Michelle's new audience for what is to come. "Lucky Girl Interlude/Lucky Girl" follows, with a slow introductory section leading to another excellent uptempo offering. Michelle slows it down for the incredible second single "The Greatest," a gorgeous ballad with wonderful vocal layering effects.

The Euro-pop goodness returns with "Till The End Of The World," which is irresistibly catchy, & "Private Party," which features really great production. "Hungover" is an uptempo with a slightly different vibe, which creates nice diversity. The urban-influenced, Flo Rida-assisted "We Break The Dawn (Part 2)" is also included here for good measure.

Michelle then offers up the midtempo "Stop This Car," a heartfelt song that helps balance out the album. The title track "Unexpected" has an appropriately epic feel to it with Michelle displaying her unique vocals well. After hearing the more dance-influenced songs as they leaked, I was pleasantly surprised once again when I first heard Unexpected's last two tracks. "Thank U" is a really cool midtempo that has Michelle finding the light at the end of the tunnel created by a nasty break-up. The album's closer is "Too Young For Love," a lovely story of a young couple in love.

Probably my favorite thing about Unexpected is that Michelle was able to find a sound that works absolutely perfectly with her voice. I can't think of anyone who does the currently popular Euro-pop sound better than Michelle Williams. The album does, however, have a great blend of music as well. Unexpected definitely was for me & I hope you give it a shot as well.

Rating: 5/5 Stars