Fantasia
Fantasia
01 - Hood Boy (featuring Big Boi) - This is an updated version of Beyonce's "Work It Out" and it really works for this song. The old school 70s vibe really is the driving force that keeps this song pulsing forward. Tasia's voice is a little raw, gospel-tinged, and fiery on this track and that actually adds an air of authenticity to the subject matter of this song. Lyrically, this song is no gem. Vocally and instrumentally, it works on so many different levels. This track brings the heat. Rating: 3.5/5
02 - When I See You - The deep, sultry harmonies work magnificiently on this song. This girl most definitely has soul, but it's obviously now her job to learn how to tame that soul. She really embellished this song with a bunch of extra riffs and runs that actually ended up taking away from the song, mainly because she failed to interpret the song. On a side note, she needs to take care of her instrument--she sounds as if (in some of her adlibs) that she's developing vocal nodules as she sounds like she's singing with a mouth full of ice or candy. Nevertheless, it was a good track. Rating: 3/5
03 - I Nominate U - Unfortunately, there's absolutely nothing special about this track. In fact, you can turn on the radio to any R&B station and hear at least 10 songs that are exactly this instrumentally, lyrically, and vocally. I was a tad surprised to hear Tasia singing lyrics like this--a tad risque ("let me watch you perform"; "the only sound you'll hear me make is 'oooooh'"; "can a brotha put that thang down"; "he keeps it jumpin'"). Sadly, nothing special. Rating: 2.75/5
04 - Baby Makin' Hips - I did not want to like this track, but the chorus is infectious as all get out! Instrumentally, it is very reminiscent of Mary J. Blige's, "All That I Can Say." Lyrically, when you can understand what she's saying, nothing special. But my expectations were not high going into this track by any stretch of the imagination. While I don't see this song getting released formally, with a nice remix, I see this being a huge club success. Nice job, Tasia. Rating: 3/5
05 - Not the Way That I Do - Wow, this sounds like a carbon copy of Kierra "KiKi" Sheard's "Say Yes" from her latest album in every way except for lyrically (of course not--KiKi is gospel). Where this track also diverges from Kiki's is the way in which the verses are sung--Kiki sings her lyrics gracefully, while Tasia comes off as very robotic and annoying. I will say that the hook is memorable. The neo-Rock & B instrumental is somewhat effective, but lyrically--let's just say whoever wrote this will be winning no songwriter of the year awards. Rating: 2.75/5
06 - Only One U - Instrumentally, sounds like an Ashanti or Toni Braxton reject. Again, this another track that you can hear on any R&B station at this exact moment. The saving grace of this song is the vocal performance, which is not particularly spectacular, but is delivered in only a way that Fantasia could make work. Lyrically, another dud. Rating: 3/5
07 - I Feel Beautiful - Lyrically, this is a direct ripoff of Destiny's Child's, "Through With Love." For some reason, the instrumental reminds me of a mix between TLC's "Unpretty" and Beyonce's current hit, "Irreplaceable." However, the vulnerability that she exudes in this song is something I haven't heard from Tasia since "Summertime" or "What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life?" Vocally, it's a gem. It's for this very reason that this song should be the next release from the album. Rating: 4/5
08 - I'm Not that Type - I do not for the life of me understand why this did not make Ciara's album; it's totally Ciara. Tasia, however, brings a fire to the track of which Ciara could only dream. There's this sexy confidence that she pours into this track that makes it work. The message of the track is positive for her young fans--encouraging abstinence. I applaud her for that. But the track is nothing special. Rating: 3/5
09 - Uneligible - Okay, so I'm getting rusty on my old school music (hey, I'm only 23), but this samples an old school mid 70s track that I can't quite place (and it's driving me crazy!). Nevertheless, this is one of those tracks that make you unwillingly bop your head and do a lil' diddy in your seat. The way she sings the verses is seductive in a non-sexual way (if that makes any sense). This is a strong track, but it'd never make it at radio. It's almost a complete throwback to real music. Good job, Tasia. Rating: 4/5
10 - Two Weeks Notice - This is her answer to "Truth Is" and truth is, this track, while not extraordinary, does work on many levels. First, lyrically it's sure to be a woman's anthem. Second, instrumentally it grooves like an early 90's track but does not come off sounding dated. Third, the simple chorus harmony coupled with the fiery passionate lead vocal is amazing. Fourth, Tasia really lets it all hang out on this track (vocally) and I admire her for that. Great track. Rating: 4/5
11 - Surround U - Blah. Rating: 1.75/5
12 - Bore Me (Yawn) - The fast-paced, rushed way that she sings this song is the first thing that captures your attention. They cleverly worked that "yawn" in the track--it does not seem forced or even expected. It's a part of the song rather than a concept. This is whole track as whole is infectious. A definite R&B hit, IMO. Rating: 4.25/5
13 - Sunshine - This is an okay track, but nothing to write home about. A filler track, IMO. Rating: 2.75/5
14 - Bump What Ya Friends Say - This is a nice, mellow track that only Tasia could bring justice to. However, considering the mellow instrumentation, some of the lyrics seems a bit displaced--e.g., "...we may go through some sh*t...". This track is so Chaka Khan instrumentally and vocally. This track, however, is probably the gem of the album. It's nothing special, but at the same time, it is something special. It's oddly refreshing in today's music. Rating: 4.5/5
Overall Album Review:
I don't think Tasia has anything to worry about as far as the sophomore curse is concerned. However, this CD is sure to alienate many of her Idol supporters and fans because this CD is centrally R&B. Nevertheless, she has released a solid second effort. Tasia has not lost any of that passion, soul, or fire that she's come to be known for; however, as Jennifer Hudson said concerning Whitney (paraphrase) "there's a difference between being able to sing and knowing how to sing."
Fantasia can definitely sing; however, she needs to learn that each lyric does not deserve the exact same interpretation (this is something that Christina Aguilera also needs to learn). While there is a measure of passion in each song and lyric sung, sometimes it becomes a bit overwhelming, causing you to feel bombarded. As I said, it's a solid second effort and if you buy this, I can ensure that you will not be altogether disappointed. The album is not overwhelmingly original, but it does work on many levels in spite of that minor flaw.
Overall Album Rating: 3/5
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