A Diamond in the Rough: The Overlooked Brilliance of Priceless by Kelly Price
Let's rewind the clock and discuss Kelly Price's second-best album behind her debut.
Nearly twenty years have elapsed since Kelly Price's third opus, Priceless, graced the world; it's an unappreciated treasure trove within her oeuvre. Critically lauded as a singer-songwriter, Price's career often languishes in the shadows cast by her peers—Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Faith Evans among them. As we delve into Priceless, our in-depth exploration unravels its significance, probes its musical and lyrical prowess, and fathoms the enigma of its underappreciation.
In 2003, Priceless emerged, following hot on the heels of Price's successful forays: 1998's Soul of a Woman and 2000's Mirror Mirror. The former two garnered chart-topping accolades and anchored Price's foothold in the R&B milieu, yet Priceless heralded a career-defining juncture. The album witnessed her artistic evolution, gravitating toward sophisticated themes and exhibiting an experimental flair across musical genres.
A seamless pen-game from Kelly of musical storytelling, Priceless enchants with its melodic and lyrical finesse. Price's sonorous, potent voice finds harmony with a diverse instrumental palette—luxuriant strings, ebullient brass, and elaborate percussion. In the album's embrace of R&B, gospel, jazz, and hip-hop, Price demonstrates her adaptability, defying genre constraints.
Lyrically, Priceless navigates the intricate labyrinths of love, heartache, self-realization, and empowerment. Price's candid, introspective lyrical craftsmanship shines brightly in songs such as Strong Man (Jeff in C Minor), I Still Do, and I Live Here Now. Esteemed collaborators Warryn Campbell and Mike City lend their talents, imbuing the project with added depth and nuance.
Artistic triumphs notwithstanding, Priceless failed to replicate the commercial victories of its predecessors. This perplexing outcome can be traced to a confluence of circumstances. For starters, the zeitgeist of the early 2000s witnessed an R&B metamorphosis, propelled by fresh-faced artists like Beyoncé, Ashanti, and Alicia Keys. Consequently, Price's mature sound and themes risked dissonance with the youthful audiences dominating the market.
Furthermore, Priceless may have been hamstrung by suboptimal promotion and marketing efforts. As digital platforms ascended and traditional media waned, artists faced daunting challenges in piercing the cacophony to engage their target demographics. Compounding matters, Priceless emerged amidst a turbulent epoch in the music industry, characterized by dwindling physical album sales and a surge in illicit downloading. Consequently, its visibility and reach suffered, likely evading the notice of legions of potential admirers.
Kelly Price's Priceless warrants a thorough examination and due recognition. Its soul-stirring lyrics, and Price's unrivaled vocal virtuosity render it indispensable for R&B connoisseurs. Despite its relative obscurity within her body of work and the broader R&B panorama, Priceless is a poignant testament to Price's prodigious talent and enduring contributions to the genre.