Drops: Kelly Rowland's 'Here I Am'

It's not fair for Kelly Rowland to always be compared to her Destiny's Child co-star Beyoncé, but the music business is far from fair.

This time out, Beyoncé's "4" was like a high-difficulty dive that ended with a belly flop. On the other hand, Rowland's "Here I Am" (Universal Republic) is sleek, simple and almost perfectly executed.

"Here I Am" is basically one potential hit after another. Her opening declaration, "I'm Dat Chick," reveals the new Rowland, who takes Destiny's Child's poppier leanings and throws a European influence on them, and announces, "I'm not cocky, I just love myself," before calling on all the ladies to join her esteem-building session.

Fans already are familiar with "Commander," her club hit with super producer David Guetta, and the infectious "Down for Whatever" is equally polished and dance-floor-ready. Rowland's sultry, spacey current single, "Motivation," with Lil Wayne shows that she's still willing to try new things.

She may have even bigger smashes still in the bag, though. "Work It Man," with up-and-comer Lil Playy, rides an infectious, streamlined hip-hop groove, while even referencing "Dilemma," her biggest hit so far. The tender "All of the Night," featuring Rico Love, is even closer to the charming, lovelorn "Dilemma."

"Here I Am" isn't just Rowland's best solo album so far, it's a well-crafted sign that she's ready to reach for superstar status all by herself.

Kelly Rowland

"Here I Am"

GRADE B+

BOTTOM LINE Staking out her own R&B territory