Kelis has a knack of working with all the right people, and she's on the money once again with new single Lil' Star, which sees her collaborate with current music industry darling, Cee-Lo of Gnarls Barkley fame.
With Cee-Lo at the production desk, this is a super-slick, perfectly polished slice of pop. Sadly, however, it sounds like it has been soaked in saccharine and is about as edgy as Tele Savalas' scalp.
Where's the girl who screamed "I hate you so much right now" or suggestively sang with such raw sexuality on Milkshake? She's obviously a happier bunny as she sings "Everything's just fine with me", but this angst-free Kelis makes for dull music and her return single would sound more appropriate sung by a gospel choir, than performed in a sweaty hip hop club.
Cee-Lo's vocals lend some colour to the track, which I'm sure will still appeal to many, but for me this is sleep inducing. Bring back the angry girl with the big hair.