Song Review: Kesha Is Effortlessly "Raising Hell" Alongside Big Freedia on Lead 'High Road' Single

   Better late than never.

   Shortly after announcing the January 2020 release of fourth studio album High Road, pop revolutionist Kesha shared the upcoming project's lead single last week. "Raising Hell" featuring Queen of Bounce Big Freedia finds the artist reclaiming her unapologetic dance/pop roots. This time, with a bit of gospel and hip-hop inspiration mixed in.

   "Raising Hell" touches on the concept of good people enjoying being naughty and causing trouble. Kesha says that debauchery desire does not diminish one's "fantastic soul" though. In fact, the song seems to serve as a spiritual comeback for the artist. After a couple years of high-profiled conflict with producer Dr. Luke, Kesha makes it clear that her career struggles will no longer interfere with her overall happiness and progress.

   After proclaiming the return of her carefree, eccentric lifestyle and attitude on the song's intro, Kesha and Big Freedia team up for a confident anthem of empowerment and perversion. "I'm all fucked up in my Sunday best, no walk of shame 'cause I love this dress, only God can judge this holy mess, bitch, I'm blessed," the collaborators chant on the hook, before a brass-influenced beatdrop and Freedia's true magic shine through.

   Overall, the new single is an explosion of fun. "Raising Hell" works as personal social commentary, but most important, guides listeners back to a time when Kesha knew how to throw a proper pop party. We all certainly appreciated the powerful, mature transformation on "Praying", but there's a refreshing quality to Kesha being comfortable enough to let loose once again.

   The accompanying music video adds another layer of complexity to the overall message. Playing the role of a minister's abused wife, Kesha accidentally kills her husband in self-defense. Now on the run, the "Raising Hell" visual pokes fun at the double standards of so-called Christians. And while Big Freedia has once again been left out of a high-profiled artist's music video, her essence is thankfully still felt.

   Hopefully the duo's performance on tonight's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! will make up for the exclusion. Cheers!