Customer Reviews

Concrete Rose [Vinyl]

5 star:		(61)
4 star:		(44)
3 star:		(46)
2 star:		(29)
1 star:		(32)

 

 

In the intro of "Concrete Rose," Ashanti happily announces that this is her best album yet. Can we all take a vote on that? With her flimsy vocals, poppy beats and distracting electronic tweaks, the singer strains to prove herself on her third outing, but only falls flat.

The sound is pretty much the same as her prior albums -- R&P (rhythm'n'pop) interspersed with little skits and interludes. The one standout song is "Only U," with its grimy, sinuous rock beat and grinding bass. It's a catchy song with a slightly rock-ish edge, and one that manages to rise above "guilty pleasure."

But the remaining songs are saddled with rhythm that could be catchy, if they weren't jerked all over the place. Songs like "Focus" and "Still Down" are also saddled with some very unfortunate electronic swips and swooshes, as well as odd sampling in all the wrong places. Maracas? In the middle of a song? Not good.

A few songs show a bit of instrumental promise -- "So Hot" has a gentle guitar intro, and "Message to the Fans" has some passable electric violin. But these, plus the grind of "Only U," are buried under the canned R&P beats, poppy and generic. It's tailor-made for radioplay, and after a while it all starts to blur together.

Don't expect the songwriting to be any better -- it's generic pop, laced with lots of "Yeahs" and groaner lines, where Ashanti talks about her sexy style, sex, love and boyfriends. Try this out: "And when you put your hands in certain places/Boy I can't help but make them silly faces." Well, you should see the one I'm making now.

Ashanti's voice hasn't grown, that much is clear. She's at her strongest in the intro, when she's speaking. But then the songs start. Sadly, her singing vocals are high, thin and without much of a range; her delivery is a bit like a teenager who believes she is destined for singing stardom, and doesn't notice the pals with their ears plugged. Don't even get me started on the little-girl rap she puts out in "Still Down."

"Rose" falls to the concrete, stumbling over sub-par vocals and mediocre music. Evidently for Ashanti, third time wasn't the charm.

The best way to make the fans happy is definitely by being thankful or by excessive touring; it is simply about keeping the hits coming. Take, for example, Tweet, who released a great album back in 2002 with hits and more, yet is deteriorating with time and no one has heard of a sophomoric return. On the other hand, Ashanti, who released a lesser-quality album on the same day as Tweet's debut, maintains a strong hold on the market still going into 2005. The reason is, hit or miss, Ashanti kept the albums rolling (this being her third, excluding her Christmas album) and kept up guest appearances.

Even with an irritating idiosyncratic penchant for the word baby, as demonstrated by her hits "Baby" and "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)," Ashanti released mediocre albums with solid smashes. She partied with "Happy" and mourned with "Rain On Me." Murder Inc.'s only maven remained a staple for rap choruses and a figure of a million video cameos.

Overcoming the slump of Chapter II, Ashanti return with Concrete Rose, which she explains is a metaphor of her sound. But listeners will take this with a pinch of salt when they realize that Ja Rule's crew gal refers to hip hop as "grunge-y." Does she even know who Kurt Cobain is?

The album, which is her favorite, is lacking on numbers in the same sense that her previous efforts are. An Ashanti album usually has three or so hits and the rest is filler. "Focus" is good and ready for release, as it is definitely a catchy R&B number. "Take Me Tonight" featuring Lloyd is also an exceptional soul ditty. "Wonderful" has its moments.

Other tracks waver between mid-tempo balderdash like "Still Down" and "Don't Let Them" or redundant like "U."

The lead single saves the album with its alarming beat and sultry sound. "Only U" sees Ashanti in the most attractive light she has ever been in.

Concrete Rose fits the Ashanti mold. It has its good times but also has its blandness. Get the singles and ignore the rest.

This is such a relief from last summer's "Chapter II". The only good songs on that CD were its 2 singles: "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)" and "Rain On Me". Here, there are many gems.

First, I must say that rapper T.I. is about to become the hottest rapper in the mainstream, from as far as I can tell. Apparently, all of R&B's leading ladies are feelin' him, and asking for his assistance on their albums. Not only are these leading ladies that he's working with...these women are R&B royalty! First, Destiny's Child, now, Ashanti.

The first song on Ashanti's new album, "Concrete Rose", features T.I. The track is called, "Still Down". It's a very hot track and could easily be a hit single right off the bat. The next song on the album, "Only U", serves as the album's first single. First let me say that the video for this song is so hot & sexy! But, the most noticeable and evident thing about this song is its crazy and creative production. All thanks to The I.N.C. Records producer, 7 Aurelius, Ashanti has had to make many rappers jealous. Jealous that she's an R&B songstress with a such gritty, Hip-Hop beat.

The next song, "Focus", is a nice song, but there's not much to say about it. It's just, well....there. The track after that, titled "Don't Like Them", is one of my favorites. I love the thematic feature of this song. She's telling her fans (such as myself) not to let anyone drive you away from your true love. Yeah, I thought so too. It's just a tad bit like Brandy's "Talk About Our Love". Theme anyways.

"Love Again" is a beautiful song for an R&B songstress like Ashanti. Her vocals sound so sexy, sensual, and relaxed on this track. The next song, a duet with fellow I.N.C. recording artist Lloyd, titled "Take Me Tonight", would be a great R&B duet to follow-up to Usher & Alicia's "My Boo". The only thing wrong with that is the fact that only Ashanti is on that superstar level with Usher & Alicia...Lloyd isn't. Maybe this song being released as a single may help.

"U", the album's next song, shows Ashanti's sexy vocals sounding a little more street. It's a great song. She's singing about making love, but her vocals sound so streetwise.

"Every Lil' Thing" is a very catchy song. I think that's why I love it so much.

The next song, "So Hot", is a song that I just have mixed emotions about. Maybe I should listen to it a few more times, just to get used to it. 7 Aurelius once again shows up on the next track, "Don't Love Me Alone". His production genius graces the platform yet another time, and Ashanti's vocals just sound so sexy...yet again!

The last track, "Freedom", is a song that I can really relate to. That Ashanti's tried to please so many people, but now she just has to live her life for her, and not everyone else.

The album's bonus, a remix of Ja Rule's top 5 hit "Wonderful", has improved, with Ashanti getting a verse. It could also serve as a great single. Sometimes people could listen to the original recording, and not even notice that she was on it. Now, we know for sure.

In my opinion, this beats both the debut and the sophomore album. It doesn't be the debut by much, but it definitely beats the sophomore album be a long shot. All comparisons to Mary J. Blige should be stopped here. Mary is a more soulful, edgy, Hip-Hop vocalist. They don't call her the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" for nothing.

Ashanti is an R&B songstress. Her vocals are sexier and more sensual than Mary's. Not to say that she sings better than Blige. It's just a fact that Ashanti's voice carries a more sexy sound. Comparing Ashanti to Christina Milian, Beyoncé, Tamia, and the beloved Aaliyah would make a lot more sense in comparison. She doesn't sing better than any of them, but her voice keeps improving, so she'll be just as good vocally in no time.

Shani's vocals have improved so much more on this album. The voice just keeps getting better and better. Buy this CD!

This has got to be Ashanti's best album ever it beats her self titled album. Ashanti stepped up her level, and she's showing the haters she can dance, and her vocals have progressed, and her lyrics are more mature. This is a must have album from Ashanti for all types of people including the haters to the fans which we have stuck by her since she first cam out! It also features collaborations from TI, Ja, Lloyd, and 7 Aurelis her producer that came back to work with her, 7 actually worked on her first album but dropped The INC. last year and came back to the camp this year to reunite with The INC. and made hits for her such as "Foolish","Down 4 U", and "Always On Time", and "Rescue". This album is her best of yet every song is a hit honestly so there for I encourage u to buy her album,Concrete Rose, get the album!

This cd is marginal at best. Ashanti copies alot of other peoples songs, or at least sounds scarily similar - track 12 sounds alot like Jodeci's 'Feenin', track 14 is from a song by Total, and track 15 is a beat from Notorious B.I.G. feat. Bone-Thugz-N-Harmony, Notorious Thugs. The only songs that are worth listening to are Focus, Take Me Tonight, Don't Leave Me Alone (my favorite), and Wonderful Remix featuring Ja Rule. So Hot starts off ok, but something happens about half way that makes me cringe.

By the end of the cd I am tired of Ashanti's voice, and hurridly get the cd out of my player.

Ja Rules latest cd R.U.L.E. failed to impress me as well. This was the last release from The INC. that I spent hard earned money on.

This album by far tops Ashanti's previous effors. "Ashanti" is enjoyable and "Chapter II" is a lot better, but "Concrete Rose" I think cements Ashanti's place in the music business.

The album doesn't have one bad track. My personal favorites are "Don't Leave Me Alone," "Freedom," "Every Lil' Thing," and "Take Me Tonight." With the exception of her sisters' annoyance, there really isn't a song I don't like.

Ashanti can really sing. Her voice is beautiful, soothing at times. The lyrics on this album, as she said, are a little deeper. Definitely pick this one up.

There are few female r&b performers who have taken such a beating from critics and listeners as Ashanti. But this time around, I'm willing to cut the lady some slack on her new album, "Concrete Rose." It's not that it's necessarily a GREAT album, but it's way better than her last two, and it does appear that she's trying. Her vocal limitations remain, but the songs on "Concrete Rose" do a better job at working around those limitations. As with her self titled debut and "Chapter II," "Concrete Rose" is more of the same hip hop-flavored r&b, but the hooks are noticeably stronger this time. I liked the collaboration between R. Kelly and Ja Rule on 'Wonderful," as well as "Only U" and "Every Lil' Thing." But Ashanti doesn't fare so well on the ballad front, where her thin voice gets pushed up front and center on tracks like "Love Again." Still, this is a better-than-expected Ashanti record. The "Rose" is concrete, even if only barely. Rating: 6 out of 10.

I actually think Concrete Rose is a well balanced album. I mean why are people always constanly saying she can't sing...MJB couldn't either when she first came out and now look at where MJB is can't say nothing negative about her. I think Ashanti needs to work with different producers and what not's. The material on this LP isn't bad ts just lacks the untapped potential I think Ashanti has to live up to the Moniker she was crowned "Princess of R&B". Although I love her first LP more I think this one made great effort and stride to showcase she can hang with the rest of the up-and-coming...and the old and flailing. Songs most notable are Only You, Focus, Freedom, Take Me Tonight & Wonderful Remix. Ashanti just needs new material production, writers etc. Using the Murda Inc Squad is gonna keep on getting her murdered by everyone. Pick this Album up you won't be disappointed like most are quick to point out.

Ashanti finally got back with 7 Aurelius and dropped a great album! Big step from that Chapter II junk...

1)Concrete Rose Intro-Ashanti talks to some host saying this is her best album. I agree!!

2)Still Down-This song has my favorite rapper,T.I. and is the BEST Ashanti song EVER. Fave singer AND fave rapper.10/10

3)Message To The Fans- Skit...leads into track 4 pretty nicely.

4)Only U-First single. This gave her the most spotlight. Love it.9/10

5)Focus-Upbeat party song. Great beat. 7/10

6)Don't Let Them- Second single. Talks about not letting what people say change how you feel about someone.9/10

7)Love Again-Slow song. Took me a while, but I enjoy it.6/10

8)Take Me Tonight-Featuring Lloyd, a labelmate. He makes the song much better. Upbeat, and a decent length. Love this one!!8/10

9)U-REMAKE!! But,pretty good I guess... not really feeling this one..4/10

10)Every Lil Thing- I really can't stand hearing this song.2/10

11)Turn It Up- Great club banger. Ja Rule puts down a good a good verse and Ashanti sound really good.

12)Buck 3000- Skit. I don't get the point of this....

13)So Hot- Ashanti always has that one song where she whines. This slow song, is it. But I really like this one though.8/10

14)Don't Leave Me Alone- This is a GREAT slow song. Producer 7 Aurelius sings the chorus , and I his voice sounds really good. Ashanti sound WAAAY better though. Wish it was a single!!10/10

15)Sister Stories-Here we go again.. Ashanti and her sister Shi Shi sing. Well they scream. They sing an old song they remember.Ashanti yells first, then Shia and is no better at all. Only 45 seconds. It's good Shia gets a LITTLE exposure...

16)Freedom-BAM!! Take that haters!! This slow paced song is where she says she'll live her life no matter what people think. Love this song.9/10

17)Wonderful Remix- When Ja Rule realeased this song in 2004 on BET, I loved it. I wasn't about to buy his cd and hate it. When I looked at the track listings for Concrete Rose and saw track 17, I was soooo happy I waited outside the cd store a half hour before it opened and bought it and ran home. Blasted it, parents yelled at me, but that's ok. R.Kelly's verse gets cut off, but WHO CARES?! Ja Rule takes his verse, and Ashanti gets the third one. Perfect collaboration.10/10

Overall, this album was great. One of my favorites. Hopefully she'll learn and stick with 7 Aurelius and make great albums in the future.

Unlike many others I think Ashanti's vocals get better with time. On Concrete Rose she experienced with different sounds on songs like " Focus ", " U " and " Every Lil' Thing " but unfortunately, like Chapter II, this album is totally forgettable. About three of Ashanti's songs sound unique then we go straight back to the same old R&B/Hip Hop sound everyone else is performing. I am sick of albums with pumped up beats and sounding the same. Today's artists won't last two years because they lack creativity and uniqueness. I think Ashanti is very talented in her own way but Concrete Rose doesn't live up to its name. Concrete Rose stands for strength, or used as the meaning ' not what it seems '. What the heck does Concrete Rose ( a beautifully wasted title ) have to do with THIS album? This should have been named Chapter III because nothing was different. I like Ashanti's music but she needs to come up with a better strategy. This bubble-gum stuff worked in 2002 with Ashanti but now that she's in her mid twenties I expected Ashanti to come up with some grown-up music. She's a beautiful woman I don't know why she's become the Keith Sweat of R&B females, begging men to stay with her or be with her in every song. And does every song have to be about a man? Can't she sing about something important like emotions or relationships in general? How many times do we have to hear her say, " I want you. I need you. Please come to me "? Enough is enough! Come with something harder, Ashanti! I believe she can do it. She needs to get away from The Ink and get with a company who knows R&B music and is not just a haven for wannabe rappers. This is the perfect time for Ashanti to change record companies. The Inc has pounded her once-happening style into the ground. She needs some producers that can bring something different out of her. I don't necessarily like Missy Elliott's style of producing but I think Ashanti needs to look either her or Jermaine Dupri up for her next album because it makes no sense for every song to sound the same way on every album. Lose the rappers, the skits, cameos from her sister AND the begging lyrics please! I think Ashanti's afraid to poke into something deeper. And what's the need of having an album out every year if this is the best she's going to do? Maybe if she waited every three years like other singers the songs would be better. She's always rushing her albums like she thinks she'll be forgotten. You won't be, Ashanti!

This album is entertaining but if you're like me, you get tired of it around the third time of listening. After the third time I never looked at the last half of the album. The first four songs are the best but it goes downhill from there. Lloyd is straight annoying, sounding like a low-grade Usher or Hi-Five. His voice isn't even fully developed. That duet would have been off the chain with someone like Usher, Sisqo or Marques Houston. And that's another thing! If Ashanti's going to have guests how come she never sings with KNOWN people? You never see her doing duets with famous people like other singers. Maybe that's one of her problems. If she insists on having so many guests they need to be worthy of the eighteen dollars people pay for her albums.

If you're a fan of Ashanti, yeah you'll like this. But I'm sure even Ashanti's biggest fan gets tired of the same kind of music. Concrete Rose is a decent buy but don't expect Grammy winning material from this album. Instead of getting songs written for an adult audience you get played up Sesame-street type lyrics and sickening begging. I hope Ashanti grows on the next album. I don't want to see her still begging at twenty-seven years old. She's never going to be nominated for a Grammy or any truly prestigious music awards unless she comes with more adult material. And the Source Awards definitely don't count.

Another thing...Her biggest problem is Ja Rule! Okay, he helped her get in the door but that was then! We don't need to hear Ja Rule's hoarse voice on all of her albums! If P. Diddy and Missy can do without Lil' Kim and Timbaland, then I know Ashanti should be able to work wonders without Ja Rule. He's the main reason her albums always hit such a predictable note.