★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5
When Diddy single handedly formed female supergroup Danity Kane in 2005, they immediately scored a set of Billboard top ten hits with "Show Stopper" and "Damaged", as well as two consecutive number one albums. However, tension was evident in the group which eventually led to their disbandment. Five years later, DK reformed with four of the original five members and new material was recorded. Unfortunately, this formation did not last long either.
Following a physical altercation, Danity Kane decided to walk away from it all, but not before releasing their third and final studio album, DK3, as a special "thank you" to their devoted fans. Preceded by the insanely sultry and catchy "Lemonade" featuring Tyga, the new album fulfills the girl group's desire to record and release a solid R&B/pop album that would also be the perfect send off for their impressive career. Too bad we will never see more from the edgy group.
The farewell effort opens with "Rhythm of Love", a sparkly, fun number where the trio tries to persuade their men to take their hands and get lost in the moment. Production for the track is stellar, providing an uptempo, lively and uplifting background as the girls command the dancefloor ready tune with lovely vocal performances that only showcase promise and what will never be.
"Lemonade", featuring an impressive rap verse from Tyga, is an explosive, sexy track that deserved more success than it received. For a lead single, the song did a great job at bridging time from the beginning of Danity Kane's career to their new sound. "I'm rockin' my sunnies, to block all this shade, we over here settin' up shop, slingin' lemonade," the trio sings to their haters. It's fierce, it's infectious, it's an anthem.
With an intriguing intro, "All In a Day's Work" becomes something new and fresh from the pop group. Danity Kane were on course for another chance at world domination, they were cool and confident, this track is evident of their combined power. The girls are closing deals, making a million, while still ironing their lover's clothes. They are really making it look easy with a guitar-driven, slightly rock-sounding supporting beat.
Though the vibe has been lowered on "Rage", the energy certainly hasn't. It may be a simple piano-driven track, with vocals at the forefront, however, the subject matter is all about letting out one's wild side at crazy times. The finished product is a carefree party anthem that sounds best when turned up to full volume. It's not the highlight, but it is worthy and will definitely get you moving along.
The slow, steady pace continues with "Tell Me", a sensual number with a slightly darker underlying meaning. While there are some electronic elements laid out in the opening notes, the rest of the effort plays out like a typical R&B bedroom jam, which is not a negative. "You want me half naked in stilettos, hanging from the shower rod in the bathroom, I shouldn't have to do that just to have you," the group sings on the somber sex song.
Without much warning, "Two Sides" quickly follows, causing confusion as it sounds practically identical to the previous track. It could be a continuation of some sort, but in the end, the song becomes a slightly boring, uneventful moment for the new album. The vocals are calm and collective, however, there is just nothing memorable about the actual track. We have heard it already.
"Secret Lover" shows another side to the group's talents, becoming a disco-inspired effort detailing what happens when the blinds go down. Unlike the previous tracks, where the girls showed some hesitation, this poppy creation highlights the naughty characteristics of the trio. They want it to get hot and heavy in the bedroom, they just want it to remain their little secret. Very sexy and well executed.
Sounding promising as it begins, "Roulette" becomes a low moment for the album. The verses are strong and fast paced, unfortunately things get weighed down by an offbeat, lackluster chorus that sounds as if it is not finished yet. "Let's get wild no regrets, make my heart pirouette, take your chance, let's get wild on your roulette," the girls sing on the electro-pop leaning misfire.
Doubling as the album's only true ballad and its shortest track, "Pieces" shows the girls contemplating on giving their heart to their former lovers again, hoping they won't break it like the last time. The song maintains the same vibe and progression throughout, allowing vocal performances to do all the work. Songwriting trips over itself at times, but still a nice addition to the album.
The final Danity Kane album closes out with "Bye Baby", an appropriate sentiment. The ladies have saved one of the strongest cuts for last as the song embodies a throwback, funky groove with lyrics showing the girls have no need for settling. "Since I can afford more, I don't have to settle for you, don't cry baby," the group sings on a gorgeous, infectious hook, closing the last chapter on a high, soaring note.
DK3 faced some trouble, is being released following a band's breakup, but does an amazing job at the growth they had experienced when recording began. Danity Kane, mainly Aubrey O'Day, Shannon Bex and Dawn Richard, have followed up on a promise to deliver an enjoyable R&B record. With its feet planted firmly in that genre, the girls also toy with elements from the pop, disco and hip-hop genres as well, creating an album that's all over the place, but in a pleasant way. The album's first half is strong and well-crafted, and even though it does lose steam in the second half, the girls finish their farewell statement out on top.
Tracks To Hear: "Rhythm of Love", "Lemonade", "Tell Me" and "Bye Baby"
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