Kesha‘s career has been marked by her assistance for those in need. Her enduring legacy in the music industry is not only defined by her legal battles but also by her undying support for the oppressed and outsiders; she stands up for LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, the environment, songwriters and gun control in a time when all are being threatened. Her sixth album, . (PERIOD), is posed to create a safe space for people to feel fully embodied and liberated. That’s what this album stands for, as that’s what she’s going through personally.
“FREEDOM.”, the album’s opening track, is a dismal forecast of things to come as she tries to embrace freedom in every possible way. It is that song where you’re longing to be transported somewhere – preferably to a realm of cinematic euphoria where there are cheerless and wandering vocals combined with a plodding piano melody, building anticipation for an unexpected shift. Then, at a couple of moments in the thick of this malaise, the mood suddenly changes to an energetic dance beat reminiscent of a lively club scene.
In the spirit of this newfound freedom, we’re taken on a “JOYRIDE.” with the next track. Kesha’s laid-back rap flow rides over a spirited pop beat that’s themed around an anthem of happiness and adventure. While not the album’s strongest offering, this track still manages to capture spark exhiliration.
Moving along the tracklist, “YIPPEE-KI-YAY.” brings a breath of fresh air with its lively fusion of acoustic guitar, percussion and clap snares. There’s a sense of unbridled joy and camaraderie as she sings about spending time with friends, basking in the glow of a bonfire, and belting out the carefree chorus of “yippee-ki-kay yippee-ki-ya-ya”. Here, she excitedly shares her enthusiasm for her brand-new car and the freedom it brings, even if it’s just to crash at a humble trailer park: “B*tch I just got a brand new car / Hose me down at the trailer park […] We lit up like a bonfire / Singing yippee-ki-kay yippee-ki-ya-ya”.
“DELUSIONAL.” introduces a change of pace with a more serious pop anthem featuring well-coordinated delivery that exposes Kesha’s desire for genuine connection in a relationship where superficial love reigns. But it isn’t long before a casual sound is resumed, and we’re soon left tutting and sighing once more to a much more similar with “RED FLAG.”, drifting away from the more contemplative atmosphere of “DELUSIONAL” with an upbeat energetic gem possessing infectious danceability, reminiscent of high school dance-floor favourites. This track is faster and more energetic, bringing back the lively spirit that makes Kesha’s music so engaging. “LOVE FOREVER.” takes yet another surprising turn away from “RED FLAG.”, as it finds Kesha utilising robotic vocals repeating “ever and ever and ever / Ever and ever and ever” / “Ever and ever and ever”. It feels painfully barren and almost unnoticeable without Kesha’s impressive vocal performance.
It’s then rescued as “THE ONE.” emerges as a standout track on . (PERIOD), featuring all the essential elements of a solid pop song. On the other hand, “BOY CRAZY.” initially raises questions about its necessity within the album’s overall narrative, but as the bassline kicks in and Kesha’s melodic vocals begin to soar, any doubts quickly dissipate.
“GLOW.” presents itself as a light-hearted, almost juvenile track, crushed by heavy autotune and an overall sense of playfulness. Its kindergarten-esque vibe might make it a challenging listen for some, particularly those expecting a more mature sound from Kesha. “TOO HARD.” shows promise with its enjoyable sound, but its potential is hindered by a repetitive structure, just like some other tracks. It’s just another average song, which, regrettably, . (PERIOD), has many of. This can make for a less cohesive and engaging listening experience.
The final track, “CATHEDRAL.”, comes as a pleasant surprise; it feels like a song that belongs in an entirely different record. Unfortunately, its inclusion alongside tracks like “GLOW.” leaves listeners wondering why Kesha didn’t incorporate more songs with a similar style and quality. The record pleasantly showcases Kesha’s impressive vocal range, emotive delivery and riff performance, but the final song is a spark that serves to highlight the unevenness of the album.
