{blackbabes} Kelly Rowland says 'Here I Am' with predictable pop

Kelly Rowland, Here I Am
* * 1/2 (out of four) R&B

Destiny's Child alumna Rowland turned 30 in February, just months after signing a new record deal. Given those factors, not to mention her new album title, you might expect the singer's latest solo effort to be an assertion of newfound maturity or autonomy.

As it turns out, Here I Am is something both safer and cannier than that. Capitalizing on her successful collaboration with producer/DJ David Guetta — with whom she teamed two years ago on the international dance hit When Love Takes Over— Rowland emphasizes electro-savvy grooves and sleekly sensual production over introspection or chutzpah. "You wish I'd be your girl/But I could do without," she declares on the sassy opener, I'm Dat Girl. But on most of the following tunes, she's either clinging to love (or lust) or lamenting its loss.

Supported by high-profile producer/writers and guests including Guetta, Rodney Jerkins, Rico Love and Big Sean, Rowland traverses the gamut of predictable romantic scenarios prettily enough. And when the mood strikes her, as on the thumping Down for Whatever, she parties like it's 2009. "Baby, let's get creative," she coos on the club-ready track; alas, Here I Am proves a lot more cautious than that dare suggests.

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