Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
She Lost Focus :-(, May 20, 2009
I feared the worst for this album when it kept getting pushed back, for one. Then when 'Go Girl' failed to make noise, and the follow-up 'Never Ever' as well, I was just done. 'Love Sex Magic' was a decent rebound, but it was more than clear that it was a possible left over from his FutureSex/LoveSounds album and a desperate attempt to draw people in last minute. And it still hasn't generated anything compared to the singles on her last two albums. When I saw the cover I was even more mortified. And from my years of listening to music, you know you're in for a crap of an album when there are tons of guest appearances noted (with the exception of a few). The original concept of a 3-CD set crossing different genres of music and her alter ego 'Super C' was a bit exciting for a young lady who is clearly the heir to Janet Jackson and Aaliyah's throne, but looks like someone by the name of Beyonce beat her to the punch.
All jokes aside, this CD is disappointing and really all over the place. I expected so much more. It seems that she tried too hard and just lost focus and sight of what she wanted in the end, which could be at the fault of the label. Up-tempo cuts like 'G is For Girl (A to Z),' 'Turntables' f/ Chris Brown, and 'Work' f/ Missy Elliot are not the cream of the crop and all over the place musically. Ciara overdoes it on 'Ciara to the Stage' and 'Keep Dancing On Me,' and 'I Don't Remember' is a horrible attempt to recreate a theme perfectly created by Britney Spears's 'Blur.'
'Tell Me What Your Name Is' and 'Pucker Up' are tossups, but there are some high points. Two of the singles that have already been released make the final cut ('Go Girl' isn't featured for some strange reason but included on the Limited Edition CD/DVD as a video only) and are to Ciara's standards vocally and musically. The-Dream puts her in her comfort zone with the opera-like 'High Price' f/ Ludacris and the duet with himself on 'Lover's Thing.' 'Like a Surgeon' has a Prince-esque type of vibe similar to how she won people over on her sophomore album with 'Promise.' The two bonus tracks on the Limited Edition CD/DVD, 'Echo' and 'I'm On' are phenomenal and should've replaced the weakest tracks on the main album. With these songs it puts in prospective how the vibe of the album would've been had she stuck it through because they are classic Ciara R&B/Pop bangers.
This album is definitely the worst of the three. I expected her to progress even more with the positive response from her sophomore release, but this is below the bar she set by far. I guess every artist has that one album that just wasn't on point for whatever reason and this is Ciara's unfortunately. Thank goodness she's in her early 20s and still has a long career ahead of her.
I expect to see her revamped and in normal form whenever the next album drops, but this simply is not her best work. Could've been a lot better.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fantasy Ride hits many highs and lows, May 15, 2009
Review:
In her third offering, Ciara takes her fans on a "fantasy ride" that hits many highs and lows. The overly hyped and continuously delayed album boosts many radio friendly songs and potential hits. One of the album's downfalls is the lack of cohesiveness. This might be attributed to the album's original formatting of having three different discs representing various musical styles, which later became scraped. The album's formatting change resulted in all concepts being placed on one disc.
Aside from the lack of fluidity, this 13-track album offers a little something for everyone. Listeners' ears will be subjected to Ciara's alter ego, "Super C" softly crooning over seductive mid-tempo ballads and heads will bob along to the album's contagious club bangers with the catchy hooks.
If listeners are looking for the growth and "evolution" with Fantasy Ride, they will be slightly disappointed.
Strongest points:
The album's aggressive and dance driven beats allow this album to standout. The album enlists production from many of the industry's "it" producers. This includes: Justin Timberlake, Tricky Stewart, The Dream, Rodney Jerkins, and Missy Elliot. In addition, the many collaborations found on the album helps to give the "swagger" Super C was aspiring for. Cameos include: Justin Timberlake (Love Sex & Magic), Chris Brown (Turntables), Ludacris (High Price), Missy Elliott (Work), Young Jeezy (Never Ever), and The-Dream (Lover's Thing).
Weak Points:
Ciara, aka Super C's vocal delivery is at most sub par. Vocally Ciara seems to exhibit a lack of growth. There is no differentiation between Ciara and Super C. Ciara's voice remains monotonous and at times is almost inaudible over the infectious production. In actuality, Ciara and Super C both become lost in the production and merely sit in the background. For the longest Ciara has been fighting for her own identity. Throughout her career she has been compared to the likes of Janet Jackson and even the late Aaliyah. Many songs throughout the album actually are very reminiscent of Janet's Discipline era. For instance, I Don't Remember is very similar to Janet's Rock With U. The lyrics at times are very superficial and lack depth and intensity--G is for Girl, Like a Surgeon, and High Price.
Highlights:
Ciara to the Stage, Love Sex & Magic, High Price (the operatic vocals gives the track an unique flair), Never Ever (possibly Ciara at her best), Work, When I (Bonus Track), and Keep Dancin' On Me.
Rating: 2.5/5
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hit 'em with the C C....Ciara!, June 16, 2009
I'm a Ciara follower and I waited so long 4 this cd 2 come out. Intially I was a bit dissapointed but I'm sure this cd will grow on me like Keisha Cole's new cd did. I love the artwork and pics in the liner notes and the music is a mix of Ciara standards and new sounding material that Ciara is exploring. Some of it works, like "Keep Dancin On Me", the standout track on the album. And some of it is filler background music that could have been worked on more and tweaked with. Here is a rundown of each track in my oppinion.
Ciara 2 The Stage: 4/5 A Ciara signature song, sticking with the Ciara formula that made her famous. Sexy, alluring, self aware and strong.
Luv Sex Magic: 3/5 Ciara is under Justin timberlakes influence and this song doen't quite work 4 me because I'm not a huge fan of his. Ciara should leave justin alone, she doesn't need his name attached to make a hit. The song is basic and too repetative.
High Price: 5/5 one of the best tracks on the cd. it has that signature Ciara soprano voice that she first introduced on "Goodies". This is a song that only Ciara can do. It's creative and classic r and b. It also reprises Ludacris and his collobos, he usually is right on the money.
Turntables: 2/5 u would think Ciara and Chris Brown would rock this one but the song just doesn't go anywhere. it's 2 repetative and more could have been done like some samples or scratching. background music!
Like A Surgeon: 3/5 I thought there would be a Madonna reference or maybe a Madonna sample from Like A Virgin. jus ur ordinary Ciara ballad, yawn.
Never ever: 2/5 ok i do not like this song. it borrows lyrics from the Simply Red song "If U don't know me by now". I never really liked that song yet alone this one, and it's way too repetative. blah.
Lover's thing: 3/5 gotta hear this one more, not very memorable so that's not a good thing.
Work: 2/5 I'm sorry i expect more from Missy and Ciara. this isn't even a good club jam, the magic is missing. I think they both played it 2 safe on this. Maybe a total remix would save it.
Pucker Up: 3/5 with a title like that, the song should be slammin but it's not so it aint so I won't.
G is 4 Girl: 3/5 ok this is where the cd starts changin it up and its just a start but doesn't quit hit the mark but it's passable.
Keep Dancin' On Me: 5/5 this is the best track. It's a sexy magical song and if Ciara would have kept this tempo and vibe thru out the entire cd it would have been classic.
Tell me What Ur Name Is: 4/5 sounds like a pop hit 4 the radio. It's a Ciara sing-a-long that sticks in ur brain and ANYBODY will sing along with it, just like my redneck roomate did in the car and he don't even like r and b music.
I Don't Remember: 5/5 this song is strange. it almost sounds like a demo. It reminds me of Solange a bit. The lyrics are about alcoholism. Alot of artist are doing songs about drinking like Britney's "Blur". If u have ever drank and got drunk or drink alot u can relate 2 this song, with the blurs and blackouts. It makes u want to get into recovery. Thanks Ciara for the wonderful message!
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