Review Summary: Lackluster.
This is Nicole Scherzinger's second attempt at a solo record. After failed reception of her debut effort “Her Name Is Nicole,” production was halted just weeks before the release date. So, 4 years later, this has left us with, “Killer Love.” Unfortunately, “Killer Love” couldn't have been much better. Her debut album plays off as euro trash (Club Banger Nation, Say Yes) with some mediocre semi-ballads thrown in (Power's Out, AmenJena).
"Wet" is a song that stands out. Not because it's good, because we've already heard it on the radio for the past year. Sounding identical to Only Girl and S&M, the robbery is so blatant and there's nothing even done to cover it up. The track is a testament to the album in general: It all sounds unoriginal. Rihanna has been there and done that (Wet, Power's Out), even Katy Perry would find "You Will Be Loved" to saccharine to be tasteful. This album creates the ultimate paradox: Nicole Scherzinger is the only relevant member of the successful Pussycat Dolls, yet when she goes solo, she falls through the cracks.
"Poison" is a shameless attempt to jump on the mainstream bandwagon. Produced by none other than RedOne, who created some of the best
Lady Gagatracks from "The Fame Monster," as well as the hit "On The Floor" from
Jennifer Lopez's "Love?" Unfortunately, the guitar motive falls flat and the attempt at an image reinvention to create a new, darker Nicole just corrodes into a desperate attempt at US radio attention.
The single gem on this album is "Heartbeat." A rework of her smash hit with Enrique Iglesias, and also produced by RedOne, their distant, strained dialogue is filled with emotion and well done.
"Don't Hold Your Breath" and "Right There" are fun and light summer tracks, but ultimately forgettable. Scherzinger brings nothing original to the table. Listening to this album is almost like listening to Scherzinger struggle to find something fresh, or new to show us. She almost gets there on these tracks, but one is left searching for more.
Like many albums released first in the UK, Killer Love will feature an alternate tracklisting on the US market. But the truth is, even with more songs, the base of the album cannot be salvaged.
