September 11, 2010

By Mariel Concepcion

On new single "Breaking Point," from her upcoming sophomore album, "No Boys Allowed," Keri Hilson sings of being mistreated and unappreciated by men, offering a release for female fans who are in similar situations but can't speak up for themselves. Accompanied by a doo-wop-tinged beat enhanced by a looping piano, finger snaps and sporadic "oohs," the Atlanta-raised singer/ songwriter vents, "Some women can be lied to, cheated on and beat on." Just before things get worse, though, Hilson has a revelation. "See, I done did that," she sings. "But this time, there's a limit to my love." In essence, "Breaking Point"—reminiscent of Melanie Fiona's "Do It to Me Right" and Beyoncé's "Why Don't You Love Me"—is an empowering wake-up call encouraging women to stop putting up with the abuse.

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