Lose My Breath
An onform Darkchild produces the blinding opening track from the DC album that everybody wanted to hear. After going their separate ways, one of the biggest girl bands of all time got back together and hit us with one helluva heavy beat. The sassy, three-way dance off in the video made it all the more easy for this box fresh track to head straight to the top of the charts world over. It sounds as good today as it did six years ago and is still on regular rotation on my stereo.
Soldier feat. T.I. & Lil Wayne
Not one but two BIG names in Rap guest on a slower, more hip hop track, which has some cheeky lyrics about the kind of man that the DC girls go for. The song is full of attitude and there is no question about it being the ladies that call the shots. The track suits Michelle's voice perfectly, who is given more of an opportunity to shine on the record and finally bring it to Destiny's Child. The second single release from the album, this also found its way to the top of the charts and, if you haven't seen the Destiny's Child Live In Atlanta performance of this, what are you waiting for?!
Cater 2 U
The final single release from Destiny's Child before they permanently split and arguably their sexiest video. Missy Elliot cites this as her favourite DC track and it is easy to see why. Michelle once again showcases her beautiful voice during the bridge, which is the best part of the track; whilst the verses have Kelly and Beyoncé giving off the trademark DC fast singing. Despite this, and being produced by Darkchild, the song is in fact a slow jam and was once again a chart-topper.
T-Shirt
Slow the pace down a bit more and you get to hear about what the girls wear to sleep at night. It is a nice song and an instant hit but, as time goes on though, it can get a little stale to simply listen to. The vulnerability in Michelle's voice come across and is the perfect style for this track.
Is She The Reason
The first track that can get overlooked is an almost clumsy song that recognises a problem with a relationship and explores the possible reasons: another woman. It's not terrible but is sub-standard compared to the vast majority of the other tracks on Destiny Fulfilled.
Girl
The third cut released from the album and yet another Number One. A Sex In The City video detailing the woes of Kelly's love life works well and was carried over to the stage performance of the track for their farewell world tour. It is an upbeat song; catchy as hell and the girls are back on form.
Bad Habit
Just when you think the album has found its feet once more, this Kelly Rowland solo effort comes on and serves to let the listener know that she is, at times, the weakest link in the group. The song is a run of the mill Rn'B track and is destroyed by practically everything that Kelly has done on her solo records.
If
An acapella start to an old-school sounding piano and string ensemble introduces the listener to a new sound to the album. Michelle is on opening vocals and then it's Kelly, then Beyoncé then Michelle, then Kelly... It's a slow song without much musical accompaniment but the vocal attack coming from all angles gives the track the power that it needs to successfully convey the lyric about the realisation of the end of a relationship.
Free
Once the girls realise that the relationship is over, this sunny mid tempo song is all about the relief that comes along without getting out of it. There is no feeling like it, they sing to the ladies and I am sure that this song has gotten many people over heartbreak. After the brilliant bridge, there is a soft, sweet harmony that leads into a chorus reprise with more powerful vocals from Beyoncé; culmunating in her telling her ex that there is no way back.
Through With Love
A simple piano melody contrasts with a harsher beat, which proved to be a favourite amongst DC fans. Not only are the girls through with their no-good exes, they have had it with men full stop. Aggressive in places, desperate in others, the song goes through the whole range of emotions and you can connect to this. People say there is only one woman you can trust and that's your Mum; the only man that the girls can trust is God. When they reach this conclusion, the song takes on a more gospel vibe, growing and growing until Michelle steals the show with her affirming vocal.
Love
No sooner are they Through With Love, they are back in it and it is this that 'Love' is about. A mid tempo song with a lovely chorus and a wonderful bridge, the track is dedicated to the man in their life and details how he has made them change their mind about love.
Game Over (Bonus Track)
As well as being Game Over for Destiny's Child (the last song on their last studio album) the new Love referred to in the last song signals the end of the playing days for the girls themselves; with the Game being Over for all of the other men. It's another slow jam with a laid back groove. Beyoncé reigns in her vocal on this one and shows off a softer tone to her voice and everything comes together beautifully in the end.
Few bands enjoy the level of success and longevity that Destiny's Child did and arguably still do. They recently received their thoroughly-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and there is constant speculation as to whether or not they will get together one more time. During the Beyoncé Experience Tour that went with Ms. Knowles' sophomore album B'Day, there was in fact a reunion, allbeit far too brief. The girls have all gone on to verying degrees of success but when they come together and take the time to get it right (glossing over the latter half of 'Survivor'), amazing things happen. 'Destiny Fulfilled' is an album to rival 'The Writing's On The Wall' and has a slicker, more mature sound.
Beyoncé said in interview that it was recorded like an opera and so that every track follows on from the previous one and leads on to the next. You can see a story develop through the tracks, particularly the latter ones and few artists would put so much thought into a project. This album churned out number one after number one and could have quite easily provided the girls with a couple more. It's another album that you are going to have to buy!
Destiny's Child's Official Website: www.destinyschild.com
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