"Rainbow" — Kesha's first album in five years — came out Friday evening to critical acclaim. In one day, the album took the No. 1 spot on the U.S. iTunes albums chart.
Back in July, the artist penned a personal letter describing how her first single from the album was inspired by her depression and obstacles she has overcome.
She wrote: "I dragged myself out of bed and took my emotions to the studio and made art out of them."
"Rainbow" comes in the midst of a bitter legal dispute between Kesha and her producer Lukasz Gottwald, better known as Dr. Luke. In 2014, the singer filed suit after she alleged Gottwald had sexually assaulted her several times. Her request to be released from her contract with Gottwald's record label, Kemosabe Records, was turned down.
Despite the new album, Kesha's legal conflicts aren't over — in fact, Gottwald's defamation and breach-of-contract suit against her is reportedly ramping up again.
In regards to how the album came out amid the legal battle, some entertainment executives speculate the decision was made behind the scenes.
Last month, Gottwald subpoenaed Lady Gaga, who has been vocally supportive of Kesha, to release unredacted text messages between her and the singer and to possibly sit for an in-person deposition.
Gaga's representative told USA Today: "Dr. Luke's team is attempting to manipulate the truth and draw press attention to their case."
A criminal defense lawyer told USA Today: "I can almost guarantee, if she has to sit for an in-person deposition, that is going to be videotaped and that will be a matter of great public interest."
Gottwald's allegations are currently in the fact discovery phase. A trial probably won't happen until at least 2018.
The legal battle has been going on for three years now, and Kesha is still under Gottwald's record label.
Any commercial success from "Rainbow" would also technically benefit Gottwald. And going forward, Kesha is still contractually obligated to create two more albums for him.
