Back To Me

Fantasia | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 24, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: J-Records
• ASIN: B003NB0UXK
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (126 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,589 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Grammy-nominated songstress Fantasia will release her highly-anticipated third studio album Back to Me on 23rd August. Leading the way with the official first single "Bittersweet," which is currently #9 on the Urban Adult Airplay chart, Back To Me is an emotionally charged album which features a sole guest appearance by Cee-Lo Green and songs written and/or produced by Ne-Yo, Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, KP & Malay. Also available for the first time as a bonus track is "I'm Here," Fantasia's signature song from her acting role as "Celie" in the Broadway play, The Color Purple.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What R&B has been missing!, August 24, 2010

By 

Nse Ette (Lagos, Nigeria) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Back To Me (Audio CD)

Fantasia's "Back to me" is easily the best R&B album of 2010. The songs are diverse with a familiar feel, as though listening to tested classics we already know, something R&B has been missing the last few years.

Opening is the midtempo piano-sprinkled "I'm doing me" (reminding me of Mary J Blige) on which she states "sometimes you have to put yourself first" as she gives her man the boot, might as well be her stand against the recent drama in her life. "Bittersweet" is a retro Soul ballad with a spoken section, soothing harmonies and gut wretching vocals. The Ne-Yo produced "Man of the house" is groovy with a more contemporary feel and Fantasia growling "if you gon' be the man, then be the man". "Who's been loving you" is skeletal with a lovely piano riff, while "Collard greens & cornbread" is another outstanding retro Soul ballad with awesome harmonies.

"Teach me" is guitar-laced Reggae/Soul which is heavily remniscent of the Lauryn Hill/Bob Marley duet "Turn your lights down low". The lovely "Move on me" features a triumphant horn section and busy percussion, while "Trust him" sounds almost Do Wop but with heavy Hip Hop beats and an insistent piano riff.

"The thrill is gone" is a haunting midtempo groove with a rap by Cee-Lo, while the lilting "Falling in love tonight" is a lovely ballad. "Even angels" is a contemporary sounding synth ballad, and closing is "I'm here" (from "The Color Purple" musical in which she starred for a year) a laid back theatrical piece that leaves ample room for her raspy soulful vocals to soar unencumbered by effects.

Definitely Fantasia's best effort yet, and yes, every bit as delicious as momma's collard greens and cornbread.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soul personified, September 11, 2010

By 

Charles Keener "ettajamesfan" (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Back To Me (Audio CD)

In my book Fantasia can do no wrong.

I agree with some other reviewers that some of the material on this album could be stronger.

But Fantasia's delivery is universally outstanding.

She is the living, breathing embodiment of pure soul.

It is a joy to hear her sing.

My own tastes run toward old school so the single "Bittersweet" is one of the most appealing songs on the album.

"Im here" is also a stand out. I was Blessed to hear Fantasia sing the song live in the "Color Purple" when the show played at Washington's Kennedy Center. Fantasia brought the house down - of course ! I look forward to her starring role in the upcoming film of the musical.

I also enjoy the very affirming "Man of the house" "Even angels" and "I'm doin' me" .

After Fantasia's recent difficulties I wish her only the very best. Several of the songs on her new album reflect a strong , self-respective woman. I pray that in her own life Fantasia is able to find that same sense of self worth and pride.

I believe Fantasia is a good caring person with a big heart. I know she is an amazing singer.

In future I would love to see her do a blues / soul album in the spirit of the late great Esther Phillips - of whom Fantasia has reminded me on several occasions.

I would also love to see her do an album recapturing her gospel roots.

In the meantime I wish her every Blessing.

41 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fantasia (n.): A Singer In Need of Better Songs, August 24, 2010

By 

Rudy Palma "The Writing Fiend" (NJ) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Back To Me (Audio CD)

Won't anyone step up and give this blissfully talented young woman some better songs to sing?

As with her self-titled 2006 effort, Fantasia's "Back to Me" is a collection of all right songs sung by a fiercely talented, effortlessly soulful vocalist who absolutely deserves far better material.

In short order - the writers behind these tunes are lucky Fantasia recorded them, not the other way around.

Fantasia has been taken for granted. A vocalist of raw, boundless soul and substance, she has been seen as secondary to the likes of Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce - singers who hit the notes but will never possess an ounce of her searing bite and sincerity.

Of course, her relative obscurity can be partly attributed to her choosing to record albums that are authentic soul/R&B and do not bow down to the tastes of mainstream (read: white) audiences.

With natural talent Fantasia breathes life into anonymous songs such as the bouncy, handclap-filled "Falling in Love Tonight" and the cute but forgettable "Trust Him." Lead single "Bittersweet" is by far the most interesting, textured, catchy track in the bunch, with its hearty melody, thoughtful lyrics and well-structured production that show off Fantasia's instrument for all its worth. "Even Angels" also stands out due to a better-than-average hook and crisp, pillow-padded production from the Stereotypes. The urgent "The Thrill Is Gone" featuring Cee-Lo Green (not a cover of the B.B. King classic) also lights a fire.

The Ne-Yo-penned "Man of the House" is sleekly executed and Fantasia delivers the cheeky lyrics capably. She also moves with equal grace in out of the curves of the chilled retro-soul of "Collard Greens and Cornbread" as well as the more urgent duo of "Teach Me" and "Move on Me." With such a compelling vocalist, however, it's impossible not to wish for stronger songs - stronger melodies especially.

The most engrossing moment, unsurprisingly, is the bonus track "I'm Here" from the musical version of "The Color Purple." Sung from the perspective of the character of Celie, whom Fantasia portrayed both on Broadway and on tour, the song is an emotionally wrenching, overwhelming ode to overcoming obstacles, picking up the pieces and recovering self-worth.

With Fantasia's delivery it doesn't feel like acting or even singing. It feels natural, honest and from the heart.