Kelly Rowland, known globally for her powerhouse vocals and captivating stage presence, has carved out a significant solo career beyond her Destiny’s Child fame. This list delves into some of her most memorable solo songs, highlighting her evolution as an artist and her impact on the R&B and pop landscape. From sultry R&B anthems to dance-floor fillers, these tracks showcase the breadth and depth of Kelly Rowland’s musical talent.
9. Motivation ft. Lil Wayne
Released: April 2011
Official Chart peak: N/A
Chart sales: 142,000
“Motivation,” featuring Lil Wayne, is a seriously sultry R&B track that was strategically aimed at the US market. Released shortly after “What A Feeling,” this song became Rowland’s highest-charting single in the US in nine years and earned a Grammy nomination. While it didn’t chart in the UK due to a lack of promotion, “Motivation” organically gained a strong following, becoming her third most-streamed song with over 10 million plays. The song’s provocative lyrics and suggestive music video solidified its place as a modern R&B classic, showcasing a more mature and sensual side of Kelly Rowland’s artistry. The track’s pulsating beat and Rowland’s confident delivery make it an undeniable club banger and a standout in her discography.
8. Like This
Released: 2007
Official Chart peak: 4
Chart sales: 151,000
“Like This,” the lead single from her second album Ms. Kelly, boasted some serious R&B credentials. Co-written and produced by industry heavyweights Sean Garrett and Polow da Don (renowned for their work with Beyoncé, Usher, and Nicki Minaj), the song has a distinct Destiny’s Child vibe, which likely contributed to its success. This upbeat and catchy track became one of Kelly’s highest-charting solo hits, reaching number 4 on the Official UK Charts. “Like This” is a testament to Rowland’s ability to blend familiar R&B sounds with her own evolving style, creating a song that is both nostalgic and contemporary. Its infectious rhythm and confident lyrics make it a quintessential early 2000s R&B anthem.
7. Down For Whatever ft. The Wavs
Released: December 2011
Official Chart peak: 6
Chart sales: 177,000
“Down For Whatever,” featuring The Wavs, served as the trailer single for Kelly’s third album Here I Am. The album’s UK release was delayed to coincide with her judging role on The X Factor, strategically positioning “Down For Whatever” to capitalize on her increased visibility. Co-produced by RedOne, known for his high-energy pop productions, this track is arguably Kelly’s most frenetic dance offering. Despite its intense energy, Rowland’s strong vocals and commanding presence ensure she not only keeps pace but truly owns the track. “Down For Whatever” highlights Rowland’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres, solidifying her as a dynamic force in dance-pop music.
6. Invincible (with Tinie Tempah)
Released: 2010
Official Chart peak: 11
Chart sales: 256,000
“Invincible,” a collaboration with UK rapper Tinie Tempah, has an interesting backstory. Reportedly, Tinie Tempah, a long-time Destiny’s Child fan, personally pushed for this collaboration to be released as a single, despite his label’s reservations. While the R&B torch song might be considered one of the less groundbreaking tracks on Tinie Tempah’s otherwise futuristic hip-hop debut Disc-Overy, it allowed both artists to explore different sonic territories. “Invincible” showcases Rowland’s vocal power in a more ballad-driven context, while Tempah adds a contemporary edge. The collaboration, driven by mutual respect and artistic curiosity, ultimately became a solid hit, demonstrating the power of unexpected pairings in music.
5. Stole
Released: February 2003
Official Chart peak: 2
Chart sales: 293,000
With “Stole,” Kelly Rowland made a definitive statement about her solo career, firmly distancing herself from the Destiny’s Child sound. This debut solo single tackled weighty social issues such as gun violence, bullying, depression, suicide, and teen pregnancy. Combined with an unconventional blend of R&B and rock elements, “Stole” commanded attention and signaled a new direction for Rowland as a solo artist. Despite receiving mixed reviews initially, the song resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a major hit and peaking at Number 2 on the Official Singles Chart. “Stole” was a bold and important song that showcased Rowland’s willingness to address serious topics and experiment with her musical style, setting the stage for a diverse and impactful solo career.
4. Work
Released: January 2008
Official Chart peak: 4
Chart sales: 367,000
“Work,” the second single from Ms. Kelly, initially presented as a slick R&B-funk track, reached its chart-topping potential thanks to a brilliant remix. Brighton production duo The Freemasons injected the song with a bhangra-infused dance-pop energy, transforming it into a Top 5 hit on the Official Chart. This remix sparked a short-lived but vibrant trend in pop music, with artists like Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, and Whitney Houston also receiving the Freemasons remix treatment. “Work” exemplifies how a creative remix can revitalize a song and propel it to new heights. The Freemasons’ innovative take on “Work” not only boosted Kelly Rowland’s chart success but also left a lasting mark on the sound of pop music in the late 2000s.
3. Commander ft. David Guetta
Released: 2010
Official Chart peak: 9
Chart sales: 411,000
Following the massive global success of “When Love Takes Over,” the second collaboration between Kelly Rowland and David Guetta, “Commander,” was highly anticipated. While “Commander” is a darker and thumpier track compared to its predecessor, it still delivered as a solid follow-up. Though perhaps not reaching the stratospheric heights of “When Love Takes Over,” “Commander” solidified the successful partnership between Rowland and Guetta, showcasing their ability to create impactful dance anthems. The song’s driving beat and Rowland’s commanding vocals make it a powerful addition to her discography and a testament to her continued relevance in the dance music scene.
2. When Love Takes Over (with David Guetta)
Released: 2009
Official Chart peak: 1
Chart sales: 954,000
“When Love Takes Over,” Kelly Rowland’s first collaboration with David Guetta, was a genuine revelation. While the main riff might bear a resemblance to Coldplay’s “Clocks,” the song’s impact was undeniable. Wildly euphoric and genuinely uplifting, it not only topped charts worldwide, including the UK, but also kick-started a major trend of A-list vocalists collaborating with DJs. Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Justin Bieber were among the many who followed suit in the years after. “When Love Takes Over” is more than just a hit song; it was a cultural moment that redefined pop and dance music, cementing Kelly Rowland’s status as a global music icon and a pioneer in cross-genre collaborations.
1. Dilemma (with Nelly)
Released: October 2002
Official Chart peak: 1
Chart sales: 1.5 million
Kelly Rowland’s launch into solo superstardom is arguably one of the most successful transitions from a girl group to a solo career. “Dilemma,” her collaboration with Nelly, became a global phenomenon. Its popularity in America was so immense that it entered the Billboard chart solely based on airplay. In the UK, “Dilemma” spent two weeks at Number 1, selling 208,000 copies in its first week alone. Its enduring appeal is evident today, as it remains Kelly’s most-streamed song in the UK, with over 66 million plays since 2014. “Dilemma” is not just Kelly Rowland’s biggest solo hit; it’s a cultural touchstone of the early 2000s, a timeless R&B classic that solidified her place as a leading solo artist after her Destiny’s Child years.
