Customer Reviews

Fantasy Ride (Limited Edition CD/DVD)

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

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.

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

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!!! :)

Some of it is hit, some of it is miss. Know that I'm gonna be totally honest here. I'm not a huge fan of her but I have liked some of her songs in the past. I never really respected her for her voice because although it's pleasant, she has next to no range meaning she can't really do anything amazing with her voice.

But I know that she's not about that. She's just supposed to give you a good time. And I'm basing my rating off that. What I liked, I tell you about. And what I didn't, I'll definitely tell you about.

One last thing - I see that some people don't like this album. I think it's far from perfect but CiCi fans can find something here that they like (besides the singles).

1. -Ciara Hit The Stage- Definitely one of the strongest tracks here. Probably number two. It's got a nice vibe. The production is pretty cool. B-

2. -Love, Sex, Magic (Feat. Justin Timberlake)- Not the worst song but definitely not really feeling the beat. Sure, you guys have heard this one before. It's her current single. You either like it or you don't. D+

3. -High Price (Feat. Ludacris)- Wasn't a fan of the beat at first but might get you bouncing. Ludacris' part is fine but it's the beat after all that carries this song through. B-

4. -Turntables (Feat. Chris Brown)- This song, from the get go, is weird. The sample is annoying and repetitive. Just wait till you hear it. I don't even know what the song is about really. Nonsense to me. D-

5. -Like A Surgeon- This is the second song that Ciara takes on herself. This beat is better than Turntables. The lyrics are fun. It's sad Ciara barely had a hand in any of these songs (save for one bonus track according to Wikipedia). She's a songwriter for heaven's sake! C

6. -Never Ever- I wasn't crazy about this song before. I only liked the chorus. But I like it now. Even Young Jeezy's part fits in nicely. This is by far the best song with a guest star. The only thing I don't like about this song is that Ciara tries hard to be heard, like she has power in her voice at moments, and she doesn't. But it doesn't really take away from the song. Perfect first single. B

7. -Lover's Thing (Feat. The-Dream)- I must admit I'm no fan of The-Dream. Some say he's underrated but I say he's overrated. He just doesn't have that appeal to me. He's just another contemporary R&B singer on the charts. But to get to the song, it's not bad. They make an alright duet. C+

8. -Work (Feat. Missy Elliot)- Just doesn't compare to One, Two Step in quality. I don't really know what else to say. It's not horrible. It's actually listenable but it's not great. The beat probably saves it. C-

9. -Pucker Up- Produced and written by Darkchild, it's something that would fit right in, in a movie with a crazy night bar scene. And not just your typical bar either. It's OK I guess. But lyrically repetitive. C-

10. -G Is For Girl (A-Z)- Not crazy about this one. Would skip it if I was you. D-

11. -Keep Dancin' On Me- An improvement over "G", this song is more laid-back. A nice welcome. C+

12. -Tell Me What Your Name Is- Produced by the same guy that co-produced Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" I was a bit shocked before I actually heard the song. It's nothing like that song just so you know. -wipes off sweat- One of the better songs. C+

13. -I Don't Remember- co-written by Ne-Yo and company, I actually liked the name of this song for some reason. It sounds like a song that would have depth. But does it? Well for Ciara, I think it's safe to say yes. It's a slower song about not remembering the night before. The production is futuristic and simplistic. C

Artwork: (the Superhero theme is awesome. She looks GREAT!) A+
Inside Artwork: N/A
Lyrics: C-
Beats: C-
Songs: C
Overall: C

If you are unsure about the CD, check out the best songs first.

Never Ever, Ciara To The Stage, High Price (the beat is fire for dancing) Tell Me What Your Name Is and Lover's Thing (in that order).

end note: This is not a CD I would buy. I would definitely download what's good and then call it a day. Great cover art though!^^

I find it funny how anyone can comment on production, songwriting, lyrics etc. Especially if that isn't your profession?! Artists, producers, songwriters and record labels work very hard to give the audience something that they can enjoy. Ciara happens to be one of those artists of many in the industry who isn't going to please every single one of her listeners. It is true that after hearing a song over and over again, you just might like it! Or maybe not!
At first when I listened to some of the songs that leaked, I was a bit puzzled to say the least. But after hearing the album in it's entirety, I get where Ciara went with creating "Fantasy Ride." Either you get it or you don't! I commend her on taking a huge risk with Fantasy Ride and there are millions of people around the world who will dance and support Ciara no matter what the reviews say. Sometimes, you have to get into it for yourself before making a decision off someone else's opinion. Even mine and I love the album!

I love this CD. Ciara took her time and produced a great CD. Great workout and dance CD. I like this CD much better than Beyonce's "Sasha" album. My favorites are High Price, Turntables and Love Sex and Magic.

Ciara's third album Fantasy Ride was originally supposed to be some sort of concept album with three different "sections". That idea was scrapped, however, and after months of delays, the album came out earlier this year, and since I already heard her first two albums, I decided I might as well listen to this one.

Truth be told, there are only a few songs on this album that really stand out, two of which are "Love Sex Magic" and "Lover's Thing". The latter features The-Dream singing in an unconventional way: NORMALLY -- and I wonder why he doesn't sing this way on his albums. Speaking of Dream, it should be no surprise that there are a couple of selections on here written by him and his partner Tricky Stewart, but the only really decent one is "Keep Dancin' on Me". "Like a Surgeon" didn't do anything for me, and the Ludacris-assisted "High Price" is skippable (especially when C does that "you know me" part).

"Never Ever", the first U.S. single as well as one of the only ballads on here, does a nice job of interpolating Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' "If You Don't Know Me by Now" (Jeezy's appearance really isn't needed though). That's about it, though. Most of the rest of the songs are mindless club tracks, like "Pucker Up", "Turntables" and the ridiculous "Work" (the latter two songs feature Chris Brown and Missy Elliott, respectively). "Ciara to the Stage" is one of those cases where the chorus sounds like it's chopped-and-screwed but it isn't, and "G is for Girl (A-Z)" tries to cleverly interpolate the alphabet but fails (for a successful take on that idea, check out Nikka Costa's "Till I Get to You"). And the limited edition version of the album features two additional tracks: "Echo" and "I'm On", which are both okay (in fact, the beat to the latter sounds almost identical to the beat to "Love Sex Magic").

In short, Fantasy Ride isn't a terrible album but it would only sound good in the club, so if you don't feel like steppin' out, you can do without it.

Anthony Rupert

Shes getting better with each new CD and has alot of great singers on this one with her.

I actually bought this c.d. after I heard the song "If that boy dont love you by now... he will never, ever, never ever love you...oh no" I mean genius.
So, I ran and ordered the c.d. and I've been listening to constantly since September...THE ENTIRE CD is awesome; I was so SHOCKED at how unbelievably great this c.d. is! People are trying to down her because now she is on another level musically...just listen to the tracks with Ludacris and Chris Brown if you don't believe me. Lyrics and tracks are tighter than ever before and the CREATIVENESS is astounding. THANKS CIARA if noone has told you...THANKS AND KEEP IT UP.

I thought the new album from Super C was phenomenal. She has many different sounds and styles on this one which makes the album a great work of art. I loved listening to it.

Favorties:

Echo
Never Ever
Love, Sex, Magic
High Price