Rich, thick, and inviting, the voice of Keyshia Cole is reminiscent of a sultry, smoky, club on the best evening of your life with that one most special person, as well as that monster moment when you discover the one you love may well love someone else. It is not just the strong lyrics that hook you immediately, but it is the lyrical power of her uncommon voice that sinks its own quick hook into your psyche. Her first A&M offering, “The Way It Is” has much to tout!

Although Keyshia is only 21, she and her voice have been making cameo appearance on the music scene for nearly a decade, but it is with this album that the full force of her talents are being embraced. Some very serious musical legends helped to mold and fashion this effort and it shows.

Producing or co-writing on “The Way It Is” is the likes of Kayne West and DaRon. You find Kayne’s “I Changed My Mind”, the first single from the album, a powerful message of today’s woman and her own power over her own romantic destiny. Keyshia delivers it in a way you won’t forget either the melody or the message.



You also find Keyshia’s own songwriting talents glowing through in the tunes she co-authored, which include “We Could Be”, “Down N Dirty”, and “Talk to Me.” The real talent though, I must reiterate, is the voice. It is a jewel.

My personal favorite cut on the album is “Heaven Sent.” It is a real groove.

So, a lot of people are standing up and taking notice. She had a recent appearance on Good Morning America and her videos “Let It Go” and “Shoulda Let You Go” are in the Pop and Hip-Hop categories for the MTV 2008 Video Music Awards. A California girl, Keyshia comes from Oakland, a city known for its lack of respect for anything weak. It can take pride it this little sister though! Keyshia Cole is destined to be a solid rock in the world of music!