KehlaniBest Kehlani Albums Ranked

blue water road

thelineofbestfit

9.0

“Kehlani explores spirituality and sensuality throughout Blue Water Road”

While We Wait

thelineofbestfit

9.0

“Kehlani is unadulterated and irresistible on While We Wait”

blue water road

nme

8.0

“R&B star swaps badass braggadocio for quiet confidence”

SweetSexySavage (Deluxe)

nme

8.0

“Although Kehlani Parrish began her career as a member of Pop Lyfe, a teen band who finished fourth on America’s Got Talent, she’s no cookie-cutter R&B queen. “Everything I do / I do with passion,” this tattooed rising star sings on ‘CRZY’. “If I gotta be a b***h / I’m-a be a bad one.” The 21-year-old from Oakland in California clearly has attitude, but it’s her honesty that makes ‘SweetSexySavage’”

SweetSexySavage (Deluxe)

exclaim

8.0

“The title for Kehlani's debut offering is a clear nod to her '90s influences — that TLC/Aaliyah/Monica/Brandy mode of soul that transformed the genre at the time and still influences today's R&B mindset. SweetSexySavage builds on the buzz generated from 2014's Cloud 19 and You Should Be Here mixtapes.   Full name Kehlani Ashley Parrish, the Oakland, California native has had an eventful year or so”

blue water road

pitchfork

7.9

“Kehlani’s most mature and thematically challenging album is steamy and committed, more eager than ever to bet it all on love. They’ve never sounded more comfortable in their own skin.”

While We Wait

Ryan1Nunez

7.4

“While We Wait feels like one of those projects that quietly reminds you how consistent Kehlani can be when they lean fully into their R&B instincts. Released in 2019, the tape plays like an emotional checkpoint that is reflective, vulnerable, and full of the kind of late-night R&B moods Kehlani delivers so naturally. As a music fan, what stands out most is how effortless the whole project feels. The melodies are smooth, the production stays minimal but soulful, and Kehlani’s voice carries a lot of the emotional weight. Songs about love, heartbreak, and personal growth hit in a way that feels honest rather than overly dramatic. Since it’s more of a stopgap project between albums, While We Wait doesn’t always feel as fully realized as a major studio release, and a few tracks pass by without leaving a huge mark. But the highlights show Kehlani’s ability to blend vulnerability with catchy R&B songwriting. Overall, it’s a really solid project that captures Kehlani in a reflective space, but not her most ambitious release, but definitely one that rewards fans who appreciate their softer and more introspective side.”

While We Wait 2

Ryan1Nunez

7.6

“While We Wait 2 by Kehlani feels like catching up with an old friend who’s grown a little wiser but still carries the same emotional honesty that made you stay in the first place. As a sequel to While We Wait, it leans into that familiar late-night, reflective vibe, but with smoother production and a more self-assured presence. What really hits is how effortless Kehlani makes vulnerability sound. The songwriting feels conversational, like pages from a journal you weren’t meant to read but can’t put down. There’s a nice balance between mellow R&B cuts and tracks that add a bit more bounce, though nothing here is trying too hard to be a radio smash and that actually works in its favor. If there’s a downside, it’s that some songs blur together in tone, making the project feel a bit too safe at times. But even then, the consistency keeps the mood intact rather than dragging it down. Overall, While We Wait 2 lands at a solid album. It’s not a huge reinvention, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s Kehlani doing what she does best: making you feel seen”

blue water road

Ryan1Nunez

7.0

“Blue Water Road feels like a calm, reflective chapter in Kehlani’s catalog. As a music fan, this album plays like a slow drive at night; smooth, emotional, and intentionally mellow. The production leans heavily into dreamy R&B and soft neo-soul textures, giving Kehlani plenty of space to let their vocals breathe. What really works here is the mood. The album flows beautifully from start to finish, with songs that feel intimate and vulnerable, touching on healing, love, and self-reflection. Kehlani’s voice sounds warm and effortless throughout, and when the songwriting clicks, the emotion lands in a really genuine way. At times though, Blue Water Road can feel a little too subdued. Some tracks blend together and the record doesn’t always reach the emotional peaks you might hope for. But even with that, the atmosphere and sincerity keep it engaging. It may not be the flashiest project in Kehlani’s discography, but it’s a soothing and heartfelt listen that shows a more peaceful side of their artistry.”

CRASH

Ryan1Nunez

6.4

“Crash feels like one of those records from Kehlani where the vibe is undeniable even if the album itself doesn’t fully stick the landing. As a music fan, I really enjoy how smooth and late-night the project sounds. The production leans into moody R&B textures and sensual grooves that Kehlani has always been great at floating over. There are moments where the atmosphere hits just right and reminds you why their voice works so well in this lane. That said, Crash can feel a little too laid-back for its own good. A few tracks blur together, and the songwriting doesn’t always hit the emotional highs you might expect from Kehlani. It’s enjoyable while it’s playing, but not many songs demand to be replayed once it ends. Still, even with its flaws, the album has enough slick production and effortless vocals to make it a decent listen.”

You Should Be Here

Ryan1Nunez

7.4

“This mixtape feels like pure, unfiltered emotion. Kehlani delivers vulnerability over smooth, moody R&B, with standout moments like The Way hitting effortlessly. It’s not perfect, but there are some tracks blur together. But the honesty and heart make it stick. As a fan, you can hear the foundation of something special.”