Work (Kelly Rowland song)
“Work” is a 2008 single by American singer Kelly Rowland from her album Ms. Kelly. Written with Scott Storch and Jason “Pooh Bear” Boyd, it found international chart success and club play.
Overview
"Work" is a single recorded by American singer Kelly Rowland for her second solo album, Ms. Kelly (2007). The track was written by Rowland alongside producers Scott Storch and Jason "Pooh Bear" Boyd, who also co-produced the recording. Issued as the album's follow-up single in early 2008 in many international territories, the song was positioned as a dance- and R&B-oriented offering intended to build on Rowland's solo profile after her debut era.
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Composition and themes
Musically, "Work" blends contemporary R&B with club and pop elements typical of late-2000s mainstream production. The arrangement emphasizes rhythmic grooves, electronic accents and punchy percussion that support Rowland's confident lead vocal. Lyrically the song centers on attraction and effort—using the word "work" as a refrain that evokes both physical chemistry and the emotional energy required to keep a relationship or flirtation alive. Critics and listeners commonly describe it as a club-ready single that showcases Rowland's transition toward more dance-oriented material.
Release, promotion and versions
The single was released in early 2008 after earlier singles from Ms. Kelly had mixed commercial results. Promotion for "Work" included radio servicing in selected markets and appearances tied to the album campaign. As with many pop singles of the period, the track received remixes aimed at club DJs and dance radio, which helped its visibility in international charts and nightlife venues. Different markets saw slightly varied single formats and promotional strategies.
Chart performance and reception
Internationally, "Work" achieved notable chart success. It reached number one in several countries and entered the top ten across parts of Europe and Oceania, becoming one of Rowland's stronger solo chart performers since her earlier single "Stole" (2002). The record had a more modest presence on mainstream charts in the United States, where it did not match its international peaks but contributed to Rowland's profile as a solo artist able to span R&B and dance formats. Reviews generally praised the production and Rowland's vocal approach, even where critics differed on the song's commercial impact.
Legacy and distinctions
"Work" is often remembered as part of the Ms. Kelly era, which saw Kelly Rowland exploring more club-oriented and solo material after her time with Destiny's Child. It should not be confused with other popular songs titled "Work" by different artists. The single illustrates how late-2000s pop and R&B singles relied on a combination of radio edits and remixes to reach varied international audiences.
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AlegsaOnline.com Work (Kelly Rowland song) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/109053