“Freedom I’ve been waiting for you/Everything’s changed now,” intones Kesha, in the ambient first half of “FREEDOM.” which opens up her sixth studio album *.*—pronounced “period.” But as the song evolves into a rapturous, disco-infused celebration, those familiar with the singer-songwriter’s catalog, as well as the challenges she faced on her journey to this release (her first as an independent artist), will note that despite Kesha’s assertions, her preternatural ability to craft a flawless pop tune has thankfully remained very much the same. Still present, for example, are the sing-rap lyrics and unapologetic hedonism so essential to her sonic DNA—as on helter-skelter lead single “JOYRIDE.” or the rapid-fire seductive purr of “BOY CRAZY.”—albeit refreshed with production led by Kesha herself, assisted by zeitgeist figures including NOVA WAV (Beyoncé, Ariana Grande) and Zhone (Charli xcx). Also present: the holy rolling themes and unmistakable vocal twang that speak to her childhood growing up in Nashville and imbue her lively narratives with a streak of gritty Americana, demonstrated to full effect on tracks like “CATHEDRAL.” and “YIPPEE-KI-YAY.” And while there are new colors in Kesha’s kaleidoscope—slick house grooves on “LOVE FOREVER.” the mellowed-out electropop sound of “TOO HARD.”—the consistent threads that weave together her past and present make it clear that Kesha has been the architect of her own success all along. With *.*, she finally gets to claim the credit.
