In a Perfect World...

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|quote = "It’s my way of saying nothing in the world is perfect and no person in it is, either. None of us are exempt from certain hardships and heartbreaks. It was really important for me to write songs that women can relate to from real situations. I didn’t want to do an album that painted myself as perfect because no matter how things look, no one is. I called it that with the ellipses – dot dot dot – because it's an incomplete statement. I wanted to talk about how nobody's exempted from the realities of life and all those things."

|source = — In an interview following the confirmation of the album Hilson was asked to explain the title.

|quoted = true

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Hilson spent most of her teenage years working with producer Anthony Dent, as a songwriter and background vocalist for the likes of Usher, Ludacris, Kelly Rowland, Toni Braxton, Ciara and Polow da Don.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/keri-hilson-p615713/biography |title=Keri Hilson – Biography|last=Cordor|first=Cyril|work=Allmusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation|access-date=March 8, 2012}} After graduating from high school, Hilson attended Oxford College of Emory University and Emory University in Atlanta for three years and studied a course in theater.{{cite web|last=Scott |first=Damien |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2009/07/keri-hilson/page/2 |title=Keri Hilson (Cover Story) |work=Complex |publisher=Complex Media |page=2 |date=August 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118003143/http://www.complex.com/music/2009/07/keri-hilson/page/2 |archive-date=January 18, 2012 |url-status=dead }} She continued working as a songwriter and background vocalist during her schooling years. Hilson eventually stopped working with Dent, and began working more with Polow da Don. She also became a member of the songwriting and production team, The Clutch. Together, they wrote Mary J. Blige's "Take Me as I Am" (2006), Omarion's "Ice Box" (2006), Ciara's "Like a Boy" (2006), The Pussycat Dolls' "Wait a Minute" (2007) and Britney Spears' "Gimme More" (2007).{{cite web|last=Scott |first=Damien |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2009/07/keri-hilson/page/1 |title=Keri Hilson (Cover Story) |work=Complex |publisher=Complex Media |page=1 |date=August 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215085314/http://www.complex.com/music/2009/07/keri-hilson/page/1 |archive-date=December 15, 2013 |url-status=dead }} In 2006, Polow introduced Hilson to American rapper and producer Timbaland, who then signed her to his record label, Mosley Music Group. In November 2006, Hilson was featured on American rapper Lloyd Banks' single, "Help", for his album Rotten Apple (2006).{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/rotten-apple/198808176|title=Rotten Apple by Lloyd Banks|work=iTunes Store|date=January 2006|publisher=Apple|access-date=March 9, 2012}}

The following year, Hilson was featured on three singles; in June, on Timbaland's song "The Way I Are", the second single from his album Shock Value (2007); on Rich Boy's "Good Things" with Polow da Don; and thereafter, in December, on Timbaland's song "Scream" with Nicole Scherzinger, the fifth single from Shock Value.{{cite web|url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239 |title=Airplay Archive |work=FMQB |access-date=March 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602195200/http://fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239 |archive-date=June 2, 2013 }} Out of the three singles, "The Way I Are" achieved the most success, topping nine charts around the world.{{cite web|url=http://www.australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Timbaland+feat.+Keri+Hilson&titel=The+Way+I+Are&cat=s|title=Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson – The Way I Are|work=Australian-charts.com|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=March 9, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mahasz.hu/?menu=slagerlistak&menu2=archivum&lista=radios&ev=2008&het=14&submit_=Keres%E9s|title=Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ – Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége|language=hu|publisher=Mahasz|access-date=March 9, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2007&year=2007&week=30|title=Top 50 Singles, Week Ending 26 July 2007|work=Irish Singles Chart|publisher=Chart-Track|date=July 2, 2007|access-date=March 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516115611/http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2007&year=2007&week=30|archive-date=May 16, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/keri%20hilson/|title=Artist Chart History > Keri Hilson|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=March 9, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724031532/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/keri%20hilson/|archive-date=July 24, 2010}}{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=timbaland|chart=all}}|title=The Way I Are – Timbaland|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=March 9, 2012}}

Much of the album was recorded under the watchful eyes of the projects executives Timbaland and/or Polow da DonShaheem Reid (July 2, 2007). [https://web.archive.org/web/20070704175552/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1563894/20070702/hilson__keri2.jhtml Timbaland Protege Keri Hilson: You Need to Know Me]. MTV. Retrieved August 6, 2008. although much of the writing had begun before this. Hilson has extensive writing credits on the album having contributed to all of songs except for "Make Love", "Change Me", "Energy" and bonus track "Hurts Me". On some of the tracks she has worked with her writing collective The Clutch who were responsible for her previous guest appearances on hit singles with mentor Timbaland ("The Way I Are" and "Scream"). Other songs were submitted by production trio 'The Runaways' (unknown at the time) who wrote and produced the lead single "Energy" whilst Hannon Lane, Timbaland, Esther Dean and Polow da Don also providing further tracks for recording.

Lil Wayne, Keyshia Cole, Trina, Timbaland, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Akon and Nicole Scherzinger are all featured vocalists on the album's track listing (though it does vary by territory). Notable credits can also be attached to Justin Timberlake who co-wrote the 90's themed "Slow Dance" and Jim Beanz who worked on R&B anthem "How Does it Feel" and R&B ballad "Hurts Me" which is featured as a bonus track.

Hilson and Ne-Yo knew each other from their days as co-songwriters. Hilson had appeared as Ne-Yo's love interest in the video for his song "Miss Independent," the second single taken from his 2008 album, Year of the Gentleman. In a September 2008 interview with Rap-Up about a recent crop of songwriters becoming singers, Ne-Yo said "For one, I think Keri Hilson’s too freakin’ pretty to be in the background. For two, her voice is incredible—on top of the fact that she can write. So I think that she's definitely one that deserves the spotlight."{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/01/26/new-music-keri-hilson-f-ne-yo-ready-to-fall/|title=New Music: Keri Hilson f/Ne-Yo – 'Ready to Fall'|work=Rap-Up|access-date=December 18, 2010|date=January 2, 2009}} Speaking about the album in the weeks running up to the album's release Hilson pointed out that it had always been a dream of hers to work with Ne-Yo and Kanye West but it was a complete coincidence that their vocals appeared on the same song. Kanye was given the opportunity to add his vocals at the last possible moment before the album was mastered and chose the song "Knock You Down" which went on to become Hilson's biggest hit as a solo artist.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/ |title=Rap-Up.com:// Star-studded and show stoppin' |access-date=December 7, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060830205307/http://www.rap-up.com/ |archive-date=August 30, 2006 }} Accessed March 24, 2009, In The Take-over Video Blog from Hilson Of the collaboration between Ne-Yo and West, Hilson told Pete Lewis of "Blues & Soul" "While Ne-Yo is so used to playing up the gentleman side to him, at the same time Kanye is used to playing the villain who makes mistakes and talks about it! So to have both of them feature on that one song I felt was just ideal".{{cite web|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/419/keri_hilson_is-perrrrfectly_yours |title=Keri Hilson: Perrfect timing |publisher=Bluesandsoul.com |access-date=October 24, 2009}}

A small number of tracks were leaked before the album's release and have therefore been cited as contributing to the delays in the album's release. "Mic Check" (featuring Akon) and "Love Ya" were two songs produced by Timbaland and Danja respectively that were not included in the final track listing despite being mentioned early on by Hilson on her website and during interviews.{{cite web|url=http://www.kerihilsonmusic.com/bio/ |title=Keri Hilson : Biography |publisher=Kerihilsonmusic.com |access-date=September 3, 2009}} At one stage the album was due to feature a collaboration with Snoop Dogg called "Henny and Apple Juice" that would have been released as the lead single – it was confirmed during early interviews and during a blog with Concrete Loop in 2007. "Ready to Fall" was another collaboration with singer-songwriter Ne-Yo described as having 'classic heavy synth-vibes' was released instead as part of "The Future of RnB" mixtape series by Tapemasters inc. "Get It Girl" with Timbaland was released as a promotional single in partnership with Verizon Wireless exclusively for the US but not included in the album. Other songs written and produced by Justin Timberlake also didn't make the album.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a153678/keri-hilson.html |title=Music – Interview – Keri Hilson – Digital Spy |publisher=Digital Spy Although in July 2009 in London, UK Hilson gave an interview in which she stated that a re-release of the album was in the pipeline for the end of the year and could feature some of the leftover songs such "Love Ya" as well as some new recordings with Timbaland and Polow da Don.{{cite web|url=http://www.thatgrapejuice.net/2009/07/that-grape-juice-interviews-keri-hilson.html |title=TGJ:interview with hilson |publisher=Thatgrapejuice.net |access-date=September 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727034753/http://www.thatgrapejuice.net/2009/07/that-grape-juice-interviews-keri-hilson.html |archive-date=July 27, 2009 }}

Critically acclaimed is the song "Alienated", a song that was never intended for Hilson's own album. In an interview with Digital Spy it was revealed that the song was written for Nicole Scherzinger's solo album but when her commitments to the Pussycat Dolls forced the album to be shelved Hilson was able to reclaim the song.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a161843/hilson-scherzinger-forced-to-stay-in-pcd.html |title=Music – News – Hilson: 'Scherzinger forced to stay in PCD' – Digital Spy |website=Digital Spy |date=June 2, 2009|access-date=September 3, 2009}} Reviews have described Hilson's version as having an "out of this world production from Cory Bold that could be a future single"{{cite news|url=http://www.djbooth.net/index/tracks/review/keri-hilson-alienated/ |title=Keri Hilson – Alienated – Listen Now |newspaper=Djbooth |publisher=Djbooth.net |access-date=September 3, 2009}} with "electro-blips and whispery raps that are alluring."{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a154977/keri-hilson-in-a-perfect-world.html |title=Music – Album Review – Keri Hilson: 'In A Perfect World...' – Digital Spy |publisher=Digital Spy

"Return the Favor" was performed at Verizon/People Pre-Grammy party dedicated to Timbaland, in preparation for its release as the first single.[http://www.rap-up.com/2008/02/08/keri-hilson-debuts-first-single/ Keri Hilson Debuts First Single] Rap-Up (February 8, 2008). Retrieved February 9, 2008. However this was succeeded by "Energy" and "Return the Favor" was released as the second single instead. "Energy" was released as the first single (except Europe) and was available as a digital download on May 27, 2008. The video premiered on July 14, 2008. It charted at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 21 and 72 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Pop 100 respectively. The single performed best in New Zealand where it charted at number 2 but failed to significantly chart elsewhere. Hilson announced in July 2009 that the single would be re-promoted as the next international single following the success of "Knock You Down". It was released in the UK as a download on September 13, 2009{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002MB5KVY |title=Energy: Keri Hilson: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=September 3, 2009}} and a CD single on September 14. It peaked at number 45 in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.radio1.gr/music/forthcoming_uk_singles.htm |title=New Releases – UK Forthcoming Albums (Radio1 Rodos Greece ::: Top 40 Music Station ::: Promo Releases) |publisher=Radio1.gr |access-date=September 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020105600/http://www.radio1.gr/music/forthcoming_uk_singles.htm |archive-date=October 20, 2012 }} Blender magazine ranked it number 61 on its list of "The Top 144 Songs of 2008".{{cite web |url=http://www.blender.com/articles/default.aspx?key=45697&pg=5 |title=Blender's 1001 Downloads: The Top 144 Songs of 2008 – Blender |publisher=Blender "Return the Favor" was released as the second worldwide single on October 7, 2008, and the video, premiered on October 23, 2008. It failed to chart in the US. It was subsequently released in the UK and Europe as the lead single. The video was released to UK music channels on March 16, 2009, the song charted at number 83 after 2 days before peaking at 19.{{cn|date=November 2023}}

"Turnin Me On" featuring Lil Wayne was released as the third single (not released in Europe) on November 25, 2008.{{cite web|author=Latest activity 2|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001L8DX4U |title=Amazon MP3 – Turnin Me On |website=Amazon |date=November 2, 2008|access-date=September 3, 2009}} The single became Hilson's most successful solo offering at the time as it peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, number two and 28 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Pop 100 respectively. It was also the first single to chart in Canada although it did only reach number 80. Vibe magazine named it the sixty-seventh best song of 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2008/12/the_80_best_songs_of_08_the_first_hot_16/ |title=The 80 Best Songs of '08: The First Hot 16 : VIBE.com |publisher=VIBE.com

The next single "Knock You Down", featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo became Hilson's highest charting worldwide release as a lead singer and also her longest charting single. The video was premiered on March 23, 2009, on Ne-Yo's official YouTube channel. The single is Hilson's best solo release to date reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the US R&B/Hip-Hop chart. It has already been released as the second single in Europe and so reached number five on the UK Top 40 and number 2 on the UK R&B Chart. The song "Change Me", featuring Akon, was sent to US urban radio on October 12, 2009{{cite magazine|url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239 |title=Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Nielsen Ratings, Music News and more! |magazine=FMQB |access-date=April 28, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602195200/http://fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239 |archive-date=June 2, 2013 }} Make Love was sent to radio on June 21, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=06/21/2009&Format=12 |title=®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: Urban AC |publisher=Gfa.radioandrecords.com |date=June 2, 2009|access-date=April 28, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331020619/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=06%2F21%2F2009&Format=12 |archive-date=March 31, 2012 }}

"Slow Dance" is the fifth single (not released in Australia) from the album. Two videos were shot, one in July 2009 with director Paul Hunter, and one in August 2009 with director Chris Robinson. The original music video has since been released.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/08/20/keri-hilson-teases-in-slow-dance-video/ |title=Keri Hilson Teases in 'Slow Dance' Video |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=August 2, 2009|access-date=September 3, 2009}} Since July 13, 2009, the single has been serviced to both Rhythmic and Urban radio stations in the US, but has yet to make any impact on the charts.{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/mainFrame.php?url=/site/home/index.php%3Fbs=sp%26sn=home%26d=top40R%26f=home%26ng=top40R%26ag=88 |title=All Access Music Group |publisher=Allaccess.com |access-date=September 3, 2009}}

"I Like" is a song recorded in 2009 and added to the German re-release of the album, In a Perfect World.. I Like Edition. It was released as the third single in Europe (sixth overall), and appears on the soundtrack to the German film Zweiohrküken. It was released in the UK on March 29, 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/ |title=Music – – Singles Release Diary |website=Digital Spy |access-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925033937/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/ |archive-date=September 25, 2009 }} It was released as the fifth single in Australia on November 25, 2009.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/i-like-jost-grubert-radio/id340491125 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111141249/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/i-like-jost-grubert-radio/id340491125 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |title=I Like (Jost & Grubert Radio Mix) – Single by Keri Hilson – Download I Like (Jost & Grubert Radio Mix) – Single on iTunes |publisher=iTunes |date=November 2, 2009|access-date=February 20, 2011}}

{{Music ratings

| MC = 65/100{{cite web|title=Reviews for In a Perfect World... by Keri Hilson|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/in-a-perfect-world/keri-hilson|website=Metacritic|access-date=January 18, 2017}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{rating|4|5}}

| rev2 = Blender

| rev2Score = {{rating|3.5|5}}Sheffield, Rob. [http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=5486 Review: In a Perfect World…] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328144238/http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=5486 |date=March 28, 2009}}. Blender. Retrieved on October 26, 2009.

| rev3 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev3Score = B+

| rev4 = Los Angeles Times

| rev4Score = {{rating|2|4}}Wood, Mikael. [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/03/album-review-ke.html Review: In a Perfect World…]. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on October 26, 2009.

| rev5 = PopMatters

| rev5Score = 5/10

| rev6 = Q

| rev6Score = {{Rating|3|5}}

| rev7 = Rolling Stone

| rev7Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}

| rev8 = Slant Magazine

| rev8Score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}

| rev9 = Spin

| rev9Score = 6/10

| rev10 = USA Today

| rev10Score = {{Rating|3|4}}Jones, Steve. [https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2009-03-23-listen-up-miley_N.htm Review: In a Perfect World…]. USA Today. Retrieved on October 26, 2009.

}}

In a Perfect World… received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 65, based on 13 reviews.[https://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/hilsonkeri/inaperfectworld In a Perfect World… (2009): Reviews] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614070033/http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/hilsonkeri/inaperfectworld |date=June 14, 2010 }}. Metacritic. Retrieved on January 20, 2010. AllMusic's Andy Kellman commented that the album "reflects the versatility Hilson demonstrated prior to its release. It's a songwriting showcase as much as it is a coming out for a full-blown artist, yet more about what Hilson can do than who Hilson is".Kellman, Andy. [{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1433517|pure_url=yes}} Review: In a Perfect World…]. AllMusic. Retrieved on October 26, 2009. Entertainment Weekly{{'}}s Margeaux Watson called it "a seductive debut CD full of slick, radio-friendly cuts".Watson, Margeaux. [https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20266423,00.html Review: In a Perfect World…] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110084811/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20266423,00.html |date=January 10, 2014 }}. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved on October 26, 2009. Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone found its songs "uniformly excellent. Hilson's halfway there — she just needs a lil' more personality".Rosen, Jody. {{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/kerihilson/albums/album/26813819/review/27078684/in_a_perfect_world |title=Review: In a Perfect World… |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 4, 2009 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710010142/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/kerihilson/albums/album/26813819/review/27078684/in_a_perfect_world |archive-date=July 10, 2009 }}. Rolling Stone. Retrieved on October 26, 2009. Quentin B. Huff of PopMatters shared a similar sentiment, perceiving Hilson's songwriting as impersonal, and wrote "As a whole, the album suffers from an overriding sense of sameness, of mood as well as in relation to the current R&B landscape. [...] it’s a bit melodramatic in places and maybe a touch too hip for its own good".Huff, Quentin B. [https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/92695-keri-hilson-in-a-perfect-world/ Review: In a Perfect World…]. PopMatters. Retrieved on October 26, 2009. Rob Sheffield of Blender wrote that Hilson "comes across as fresh on her long-delayed debut."

In a mixed review, Slant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani called it "merely passable",Cinquemani, Sal. [https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1684 Review: In a Perfect World…] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323212126/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1684 |date=March 23, 2009}}. Slant Magazine. Retrieved on October 26, 2009. and Q observed "too much flab" at "70 minutes" and criticized that "the ballads drag horribly."{{cite journal|title=Review: In a Perfect World...|journal=Q|location=London|page=124|date=July 2009}} Jon Caramanica of The New York Times found Hilson "often inventive, approaching the beat from odd angles and picking unexpected moments for rhyme", but felt that too much of the production is cluttered and "ornate", writing that it "favors texture and rhythm over melody or feeling."Caramanica, Jon. [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/arts/music/23choi.html?_r=1 Review: In a Perfect World…]. The New York Times. Retrieved on October 26, 2009. Barry Walters of Spin wrote that Hilson's "fresh attitude eventually gets lost in a slew of downtrodden ballads that sink the album's second half."{{cite journal|last=Walters|first=Barry|date=April 16, 2009|url=https://www.spin.com/2009/04/keri-hilson-perfect-world-zone-4mmginterscope/|title=Keri Hilson, 'In a Perfect World...' (Zone 4/MMG/Interscope)|journal=Spin|location=New York|access-date=February 24, 2013}} Vibe found it only "satisfactory" and "simply okay, not quite the sum of its parts. She has the right juice. Now it’s just a matter of how to keep it flowing."Garraud, Tracy. [http://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2009/03/keri_hilson_in_a_perfect_world/ Review: In a Perfect World…] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430004952/http://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2009/03/keri_hilson_in_a_perfect_world/ |date=April 30, 2009}}. Vibe. Retrieved on October 26, 2009. Writing for MSN Music, Robert Christgau named "Intro", "Return the Favor", and "Turnin Me On" as highlights on an otherwise unimpressive album.{{cite web|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|date=June 2009|url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cg2009-06.php|title=Consumer Guide|work=MSN Music|access-date=March 30, 2017}}

In a Perfect World... earned Hilson two 2010 Grammy Award nominations, in the category of Best New Artist and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (for "Knock You Down").[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keri-hilson-scores-grammy-nominations-for-best-new-artist-and-best-rapsung-collaboration-for-knock-you-down-with-kanye-west-and-ne-yo-78402322.html Keri Hilson Scores Grammy Nominations for Best New Artist and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for 'Knock You Down' With Kanye West and Ne-Yo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231040620/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keri-hilson-scores-grammy-nominations-for-best-new-artist-and-best-rapsung-collaboration-for-knock-you-down-with-kanye-west-and-ne-yo-78402322.html |date=December 31, 2009}}. PR Newswire. Retrieved on January 20, 2010.

In a Perfect World… debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200 and at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 94,000 copies in its first week.[https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269072/now-30-hannah-montana-lead-busy-week-on-billboard-200 'Now 30,' 'Hannah Montana' Lead Busy Week On Billboard 200]. Billboard. Retrieved on January 20, 2010.[http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-196924054.html Keri Hilson's In A Perfect World... Debuts at #1 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Album Chart and Debuts at #4 on Billboard Top Album Chart]. PR Newswire. Retrieved on January 20, 2010. The album has been certified gold for shipping and selling 500,000 copies in the United States.{{cite web |url=http://prnewswire.com/news-releases/pop-singer-keri-hilson-debut-album-in-a-perfect-world-is-certified-gold-65735177.html |title=Pop Singer Keri Hilson Debut Album In a Perfect World is Certified GOLD!! |location=California |publisher=Prnewswire.com |access-date=October 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027034046/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pop-singer-keri-hilson-debut-album-in-a-perfect-world-is-certified-gold-65735177.html |archive-date=October 27, 2009 |url-status=dead }}

{{Track listing

| headline = In a Perfect World... – {{nobold|Standard edition}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = Intro

| length1 = 1:30

| title2 = Turnin Me On

| note2 = featuring Lil Wayne

| writer2 = {{flatlist|

• Jamal Jones
• Keri Hilson
• Zak Wallace
• Dwayne Carter, Jr.}}

| extra2 = {{flatlist|

• Polow da Don
• Danja{{ref|a|[a]}}
• Hilson{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length2 = 4:08

| title3 = Get Your Money Up

| note3 = featuring Keyshia Cole and Trina

| writer3 = {{flatlist|

• Jones
• Hilson
• Earl Hayes}}

| extra3 = {{flatlist|

• Polow da Don
• Danja
• Hilson{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length3 = 3:16

| title4 = Return the Favor

| note4 = featuring Timbaland

| writer4 = {{flatlist|

• Timothy Mosley
• Hilson
• Ezekiel Lewis
• Balewa Muhammad
• Patrick "J. Que" Smith
• Candice Nelson
• Walter Millsap III}}

| extra4 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Millsap{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

| length4 = 5:29

| title5 = Knock You Down

| note5 = featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo

| writer5 = {{flatlist|

• Floyd Nathaniel Hills
• Hilson
• Kevin Cossom
• Shaffer Smith
• Marcella Araica
• Kanye West}}

| extra5 = {{flatlist|

• Danja
• Hilson{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length5 = 5:26

| title6 = Slow Dance

| writer6 = {{flatlist|

• Hilson
• Justin Timberlake
• James Washington
• King Logan
• Johnkenum Spivery}}

| extra6 = {{flatlist|

• Logan
• Spivery{{ref|c|[c]}}
• Hilson{{ref|b|[b]}}
• Beanz{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length6 = 4:22

| title7 = Make Love

| writer7 = {{flatlist|

• Jones
• Ester Dean
• Jason Perry}}

| extra7 = {{flatlist|

• Polow da Don
• Perry{{ref|c|[c]}}
• Hilson{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length7 = 5:22

| title8 = Intuition

| writer8 = {{flatlist|

• Mosley
• Hilson}}

| extra8 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Danja{{ref|a|[a]}}
• Hilson{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length8 = 4:11

| title9 = How Does It Feel

| writer9 = {{flatlist|

• Mosley
• Hilson
• Washington}}

| extra9 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Danja
• Hilson{{ref|b|[b]}}
• Beanz{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length9 = 3:58

| title10 = Alienated

| writer10 = {{flatlist|

• Hilson
• Timothy "Attitude" Clayton
• Cory Bold}}

| extra10 = {{flatlist|

• Cory Bold
• Danja{{ref|a|[a]}}
• Hilson{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length10 = 4:34

| title11 = Tell Him the Truth

| writer11 = {{flatlist|

• Hills
• Hilson
• Araica}}

| extra11 = {{flatlist|

• Danja
• Hilson{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length11 = 4:48

| title12 = Change Me

| note12 = featuring Akon

| writer12 = {{flatlist|

• Jones
• Dean
• Matt Goss
• Perry}}

| extra12 = Polow da Don

| length12 = 4:54

| title13 = Energy

| writer13 = {{flatlist|

• Louis Biancaniello
• Rico Love
• Sam Watters
• Wayne Wilkins}}

| extra13 = The Runaways

| length13 = 3:30

| title14 = Where Did He Go

| writer14 = {{flatlist|

• Mosley
• Hills
• Hilson}}

| extra14 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Danja
• Hilson{{ref|b|[b]}}}}

| length14 = 4:57

}}

{{track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| headline = In a Perfect World... – {{nobold|North American iTunes Store edition (bonus track)}}[https://music.apple.com/us/album/309652741?ign-mpt=uo%3D2&v0=WWW-NAUS-ITSTOP100-ALBUMS iTunes – Keri Hilson – In A Perfect World – USA]. Retrieved July 23, 2009.

| title15 = Do It

| writer15 = {{flatlist|

• Hilson
• Durrell Babbs
• Joseph A Bereal Jr.
• Luke Boyd
• Roy "Royalty" Hamilton
• Anthony M. Jones}}

| extra15 = {{flatlist|

• Anthony M. Jones
• Hamilton}}

| length15 = 4:17

}}

{{track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| headline = In a Perfect World... – {{nobold|US Wet Seal edition (bonus track)}}{{cite web |url=http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=18763 |title=Wet Seal Gift Card - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal |access-date=September 16, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004050039/http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=18763 |archive-date=October 4, 2011 }}. Retrieved September 16, 2009.

| title15 = Hurts Me

| writer15 = {{flatlist|

• Mosley
• Washington
• Nelson
• Hannon Lane}}

| extra15 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Lane}}

| length15 = 3:56

}}

{{track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| headline = In a Perfect World... – {{nobold|North American Amazon Music edition (bonus track)}}{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001XJV5Z6 |title=In a Perfect World |website=www.amazon.com |access-date=September 16, 2009}}

| title15 = Quicksand

| writer15 = {{flatlist|

• Hilson
• Hills
• Araica}}

| extra15 = Danja

| length15 = 3:03

}}

{{track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| headline = In a Perfect World... – {{nobold|Japanese edition (bonus tracks)}}[http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/3600587 HMV – Keri Hilson – In A Perfect World – Japan]. Retrieved July 23, 2009.

| title16 = Do It

| writer16 = {{flatlist|

• Hilson
• Babbs
• Bereal
• Boyd
• Hamilton
• A. M. Jones}}

| extra16 = {{flatlist|

• Anthony M. Jones
• Hamilton}}

| length16 = 4:17

| title17 = The Way I Are

|writer17 = {{flatlist|

• Hilson
• Lewis
• Muhammad
• Nelson
• Mosley
• Hills
• John Maultsby}}

| extra17 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Danja}}

| length17 = 2:59

| note17 = Timbaland featuring Keri Hilson and D.O.E.

}}

{{track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| headline = In a Perfect World... – {{nobold|International edition (bonus tracks)}}[http://www.livrariacultura.com.br/scripts/musica/resenha/resenha.asp?nitem=13006333&sid=2015149881157497011142511&k5=F67F28C&uid= Livrariacultura – Keri Hilson – In A Perfect World – Brazil] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090708192448/http://www.livrariacultura.com.br/scripts/musica/resenha/resenha.asp?nitem=13006333&sid=2015149881157497011142511&k5=F67F28C&uid= |date=July 8, 2009 }}. Retrieved July 23, 2009.[http://www.sanity.com.au/product/product.asp?sku=2124730 Sanity – Keri Hilson – In A Perfect World – Australia]{{Dead link|date=August 2009}}. Retrieved July 23, 2009.{{cite web |url=http://mvd.360buy.com/20012208.html |title=凯莉·希尔森：美丽世界（Cd） - 欧美流行 - 音乐 - 京东商城 |website= |access-date=July 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116052403/http://mvd.360buy.com/20012208.html |archive-date=16 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}

| title15 = The Way I Are

| writer15 = {{flatlist|

• Hilson
• Lewis
• Muhammad
• Nelson
• Mosley
• Hills
• Maultsby}}

| extra15 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Danja}}

| length15 = 2:59

| note15 = Timbaland featuring Keri Hilson and D.O.E.

| title16 = Scream

| writer16 = {{flatlist|

• Hilson
• Mosley
• Hills}}

| extra16 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Danja}}

| length16 = 5:29

| note16 = Timbaland featuring Keri Hilson and Nicole Scherzinger

}}

{{track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| headline = In a Perfect World... – {{nobold|European edition (bonus track)}}{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/release/5644452-Keri-Hilson-In-A-Perfect-World | title=Keri Hilson - in a Perfect World | website=Discogs | date=2009 }}

| title17 = Hurts Me

| writer17 = {{flatlist|

• Nelson
• Washington
• Mosley
• Lane}}

| extra17 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Lane}}

| length17 = 3:56

}}

{{track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| headline = In a Perfect World... – {{nobold|International digital edition (bonus track)}}https://music.amazon.de/albums/B0746S9RCC {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}

| title17 = Do It

| writer17 = {{flatlist|

• Hilson
• Babbs
• Bereal
• Boyd
• Hamilton
• Jones}}

| extra17 = {{flatlist|

• Jones
• Hamilton}}

| length17 = 4:17

}}

{{track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| headline = In a Perfect World... – {{nobold|German I Like Edition and international new edition (bonus track)}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.de/dp/B002YY04N8 |title=In A Perfect World (I Like Edition): Keri Hilson: Amazon.de: Musik |publisher=Amazon.de |date=September 9, 2009 |access-date=March 27, 2010}}{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/release/12446175-Keri-Hilson-In-A-Perfect-World-New-Version | title=Keri Hilson - in a Perfect World... (New Version) | website=Discogs | date=2010 }}

| title18 = I Like

| writer18 = {{flatlist|

• David Jost
• Robin Grubert}}

| extra18 = {{flatlist|

• Jost
• Grubert}}

| length18 = 3:36

}}

{{track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| headline = In a Perfect World... – {{nobold|I Like Edition European digital re-issue (bonus tracks)}}https://music.amazon.de/albums/B00318YHQG {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}

| title17 = Hurts Me

| writer17 = {{flatlist|

• Nelson
• Washington
• Mosley
• Lane}}

| extra17 = {{flatlist|

• Timbaland
• Lane}}

| length17 = 3:56

| title18 = Do It

| writer18 = {{flatlist|

• Hilson
• Babbs
• Bereal
• Boyd
• Hamilton
• Jones}}

| extra18 = {{flatlist|

• Jones
• Hamilton}}

| length18 = 4:17

| title19 = I Like

| writer19 = {{flatlist|

• Jost
• Grubert}}

| extra19 = {{flatlist|

• Jost
• Grubert}}

| length19 = 3:36

| title20 = I Like

| note20 = Manhattan Clique Club Remix

| writer20 = {{flatlist|

• Jost
• Grubert}}

| extra20 = {{flatlist|

• Jost
• Grubert}}

| length20 =

}}

Notes

• Track listing and credits from album booklet.
• ^{{note|a|a}} signifies additional record producer
• ^{{note|b|b}} signifies a vocal record producer
• ^{{note|c|c}} signifies a co-record producer
• "Intuition" contains a sample of the song "O Fantaros" (1979) as performed by Manos Loizos and Haris Alexiou.{{cite web|url=https://www.whosampled.com/Keri-Hilson/Intuition/|title=Keri Hilson - Intuition|website=WhoSampled|access-date=11 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/thatsadopesample/p/CIcLjlGHAo4/|title=Keri Hilson's cut Intuition from her debut album produced by Danja and Timbaland contains a sample of legendary Greek singer Haris Alexiou and Manos Loizos' O Fantaros|website=Instagram & Thats A Dope Sample|date=6 December 2020|access-date=11 April 2025}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• Marcella "Ms. Lago" Araica – engineer, editing, audio mixing
• Jo Baker – makeup
• Matt Bang – assistant engineer
• Jim Beanz – arranger, vocals, vocal arrangement, vocal producer
• Giuliano Bekor – photography
• Cory Bold – programming, record producer, instrumentation
• Errol Brown – stylist
• Ravaughn Brown – vocals
• Dru Castro – engineer
• Timothy "Attitude" Clayton – vocals
• Keyshia Cole – guest appearance
• Trina – guest appearance
• Jimmy Douglas – mixing
• Thomas Drayton – guitar
• Cliff Feiman – production supervisor
• Eric Live Florence – keyboards
• Rick Frazier – A&R
• Sharon Gault – makeup
• Yvette Gayle – publicity
• Karen Goodman – marketing
• Mark Gray – mixing assistant
• Carl Ryan – finance

{{col-2}}

• Kanye West – guest appearance
• Bernie Grundman – mastering
• Keri Hilson – arranger, vocal arrangement, vocal producer
• Jean-Marie Horvat – mixing
• Stephanie Hsu – creation
• Monique Idlett – marketing
• Tiffany Johnson – marketing
• Bryan Lee Jones – engineer
• Lil Wayne – guest appearance
• Tony Maserati – mixing
• Scott Naughton – engineer
• Ne-Yo – guest appearance
• John D. Norten – engineer
• Alex Ortiz – engineer
• Benjamin Reid – engineer
• Marcus Heisser – A&R
• Manny Smith – A&R
• Eric Spence – A&R
• Marcus Spence – marketing
• Timbaland – producer, executive producer, guest appearance
• Ianthe Zevos – creation

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for In a Perfect World...}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Keri Hilson|title=In a Perfect World|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2009|certyear=2020|access-date=May 26, 2025|source=radioscope}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Keri Hilson|title=In a Perfect World|type=album|award=Silver|relyear=2009|certyear=2013|certmonth=7|access-date=December 29, 2022|id=10806-3296-2}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Keri Hilson|title=In a Perfect World|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2009|certyear=2009|access-date=December 29, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.discogs.com/Keri-Hilson-In-A-Perfect-World/master/195404 In a Perfect World…] at Discogs
• {{Metacritic album|title=In a Perfect World…}}

{{Keri Hilson}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:In A Perfect World...}}

Category:2009 debut albums

Category:Albums produced by Danja (record producer)

Category:Albums produced by Polow da Don

Category:Albums produced by Sam Watters

Category:Albums produced by Timbaland

Category:Keri Hilson albums