Fantasy Ride

Ciara | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 5, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 2
• ASIN: B0026OTQUS
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)

Editorial Reviews

Limited two disc (CD/DVD) edition includes two bonus tracks ('Echo' and 'I'm On' plus a bonus DVD that includes music videos and behind the scenes clips. 2009 release from the multi-platinum R&B star, her third album overall. Having sold over seven million albums worldwide since her debut Goodies and follow up The Evolution, Ciara raises the stakes with Fantasy Ride. Packed with energetic beats, dynamic production and provocative lyrics, Fantasy Ride secures Ciara the top spot as a superstar performer. Featuring production by Justin Timberlake, Rodney Jerkins, Tricky, Polow Da Don and Danja, Fantasy Ride includes appearances by Missy, The Dream, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Chris Brown and T-Pain. Features the first single 'Go Girl'.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars She Lost Focus :-(, May 20, 2009

By 

Charlie B. "Charlie" (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fantasy Ride (Audio CD)

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 Justin Timberlake's 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. Even 'Click Flash' from the Sex and the City The Movie Soundtrack is worthy. 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.

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

By 

T. Carson "Atl's Finest" (Atlanta, Ga) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fantasy Ride (Audio CD)

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

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this album!!!!, May 11, 2009

By 

Nathanishot - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fantasy Ride (MP3 Download)

I don't know what album the other reviewers are listening to but I absolutely love this album! I think it has a good mix of sexy dance songs and slow jam tracks. The album did not take long to grow on me and I find myself dancing to all the fast dance songs. There are some awesome tracks on this album! I never skip a track while listening to it. It's amazing. There are also some great guest appearances on this album!

Bottom Line - I understand that everyone has their own opinion but I think you should try things out for yourself. Preview the album and you will hear how awesome it is and you will want to buy it!!! :)