H.E.R. - I Used To Know Her (The Prelude)

In August 2018, R&B artist H.E.R. released her third album/EP of new ,much anticipated, music. There is no question that H.E.R. has surely taken a lead role in the revival of the R&B genre which at one time was thought to be a dead market for up and coming musicians/singers. She has been able to develop a very Authentic sound that not only fits her voice but ties into her "Music First" image. In many interviews, she has even stated that she wants her fans to focus on her music and not her looks/appearance. This speaks volumes in an American society that literally thrives off of fashion and beauty. H.E.R. is redefining the status quo for R&B music and bringing a very classy feel into a market of overly sexed driven lyrics.

H.E.R.'s latest effort, "I Used To Know Her", maintains some of the edge of her first two projects but provides a bit more diversity in sound. As a disclaimer, I am a harsh critic and I hold H.E.R. to a very high standard right now. That being said, after first listening to this project, I was a tad disappointed because I expected "The Vibe" to just hit me as it did with previous projects. As I journeyed through the EP, one of the lead songs, "Could've Been" ft. Bryson Tiller immediately caught my ear. The song felt like an instant hit after listening just a few seconds. "Could've Been" maintained much of the sound and energy that I appreciated with most of her previous songs.

Thankfully, I did not give up on "I Used to Know Her". While driving to Atlanta, I decided to take a second listen which turned into a REPEAT fest until I arrived in Buckhead-ATL. I hate to say that it took a few listens to connect with the new project but it is by far a great body of work.