The Soulful Strength of Nicki Kris: A Journey Through ‘Unleashed’

Nicki Kris is a name synonymous with fearless artistry and relentless ambition. The award-winning, Billboard-charting vocalist and songwriter has made a career out of blending bold rock influences with deeply emotive storytelling, captivating audiences across the globe. With her latest album, ‘Unleashed’, she takes her artistry to new heights, delivering a collection of songs that showcase not only her immense vocal talent but also her unyielding spirit and passion for self-expression.

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Nicki Kris has spent years carving out a unique space for herself in the music industry. Her powerhouse vocals have earned comparisons to icons like Pink, Adele, Pat Benatar, and Stevie Nicks, and her songs have been featured in award-winning films, TV shows, and radio stations worldwide. Since 2013, she’s been a regular on the Grammy® ballot, a testament to her songwriting prowess and ability to resonate with listeners. But Nicki’s artistry extends beyond her music. As co-founder of Sisters in Music (SIM) and host of ‘Mixing It with Nicki Kris’, she has become a beacon of empowerment, advocating for women in the music and entertainment industries.

Now, with ‘Unleashed’, Nicki channels all her experiences, triumphs, and challenges into nine tracks that burst with energy, raw emotion, and undeniable talent. The album is a tour de force of alternative rock with power pop twists, blending anthemic choruses, introspective ballads, and modern reimaginings of classic hits. It’s Nicki Kris’ most personal and dynamic work yet—a celebration of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to live authentically.

From the moment the album’s title track begins, listeners are drawn into a world of unrestrained power. “Unleashed” is a defiant anthem that sets the tone for the entire album, with Nicki’s soaring vocals leading the charge. Her delivery is electrifying, commanding attention with every note. The driving rock arrangement amplifies her message of breaking free from limitations, creating a track that feels both empowering and exhilarating. It’s not just a song—it’s a declaration of freedom.

Following this powerful opener is Nicki’s reimagining of Corey Hart’s 1984 hit “Sunglasses at Night.” Here, she showcases her ability to take a beloved classic and make it entirely her own. Her vocals are sultry and mysterious in the verses, mirroring the song’s enigmatic vibe, before exploding with defiance in the choruses. It’s a masterclass in vocal control, as Nicki effortlessly transitions between moods while maintaining her signature power and intensity. This rendition manages to honor the original while injecting a modern edge, making it an instant standout.

On “Paralyzed,” Nicki delves into the emotional weight of feeling stuck in life, and her vocals capture every ounce of that struggle. There’s a haunting quality to her delivery, as if each note is pulled from the depths of her soul. The heavy guitars and Kevin Murphy’s thunderous drumming create a dramatic backdrop, but it’s Nicki’s voice that anchors the track. Raw and emotive, she conveys vulnerability and strength in equal measure, turning the song into a cathartic release.

The intensity shifts gears with “Out of Time,” a thought-provoking commentary on the chaos of fake news and the overwhelming influence of social media. Here, Nicki’s vocals are sharp and commanding, cutting through the dense instrumentation like a beacon of clarity. There’s a sense of urgency in her delivery, reflecting the song’s themes of navigating today’s digital noise. It’s a track that challenges listeners to think deeply while showcasing Nicki’s ability to convey complex emotions through her voice.

One of the album’s most touching moments comes with “Nowhere,” a collaboration with Nicki’s son, Tye Cristo. This uplifting anthem is a testament to hope and resilience, and Nicki’s vocal performance is nothing short of stunning. There’s a warmth and tenderness in her delivery, especially during the harmonies with Tye, that adds an extra layer of emotion to the track. Produced by Grammy® winner Kitt Wakeley and featuring contributions from Nik Hughes and Ziv Shalev, “Nowhere” is a celebration of family, artistry, and the power of collaboration.

Nicki’s ability to reinterpret classic songs shines again with her rendition of Cheap Trick’s “I Want You To Want Me.” Her powerful, emotive vocals breathe new life into the iconic hit, blending nostalgia with a fresh alternative rock sound. It’s a performance that bridges generations, appealing to fans of the original while captivating a new audience with its modern edge. Nicki’s voice commands attention from the first note to the last, making this track a standout moment on the album.

“Exhale” offers a deeply personal glimpse into Nicki’s journey of healing and renewal. This emotionally charged track is about releasing the toxic past and embracing peace, and Nicki’s vocals convey every nuance of that transformation. Her delivery is both vulnerable and triumphant, rising and falling with the song’s atmospheric crescendos. By the time the final note fades, listeners are left with a sense of catharsis and inspiration, as if they’ve traveled the same path of liberation alongside her.

The energy picks up again with “Big City Lights,” an electrifying exploration of ambition and the pursuit of dreams. Nicki’s vocals radiate confidence and determination, perfectly capturing the track’s themes of chasing success in the bustling metropolis. Kitt Wakeley’s vibrant production, Ziv Shalev’s soaring guitar riffs, and Nik Hughes’ dynamic drumming create a soundscape as dazzling as the city lights themselves. It’s a song that celebrates the relentless drive to achieve greatness, with Nicki’s voice serving as its guiding light.

As the album draws to a close, Nicki offers a stripped-down, acoustic rendition of “Picture Yourself.” Subtitled “Unplugged 2024,” this bonus track is a heartfelt reflection on self-discovery. With resonant piano keys accompanying her, Nicki’s vocals take center stage, floating effortlessly between gentle vulnerability and quiet strength. It’s a beautiful, introspective moment that invites listeners to look inward, leaving them with a sense of connection and hope.

The brilliance of ‘Unleashed’ lies not only in its diverse tracks but also in Nicki’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions with her voice. Whether she’s belting out anthems or delivering tender ballads, her performances are consistently captivating. Collaborating with longtime co-writer and producer Kevin McNoldy, along with Grammy® winner Kitt Wakeley and an exceptional group of musicians, Nicki has created an album that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Beyond the music, Nicki continues to empower others through her work as co-founder of Sisters in Music (SIM) and host of ‘Mixing It with Nicki Kris’. She is not only a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter but also a tireless advocate for women in the industry, using her platform to create opportunities and inspire change.

With ‘Unleashed’, Nicki Kris has delivered her most compelling work yet. This album is more than a collection of songs; it’s a celebration of resilience, freedom, and the courage to live authentically. Released on November 15, 2024, ‘Unleashed’ is a must-listen for fans of alternative rock, pop, and anyone seeking music that inspires and uplifts. It’s a bold statement from an artist at the height of her powers, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression long after the final note fades.

OFFICIAL LINKS:

Website: www.nickikris.com

BlueSky: @nickikris.bsky.social

Twitter: https://x.com/NickiKris

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickiKrisMusic  

YouTube: www.youtube.com/Nickikris

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickikris  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nickikris

Bandcamp: https://nickikris.bandcamp.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4iRHPCksagNUMZJJPJStUc

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nicki-kris/480478615