Customer Reviews

Free Yourself

5 star:		(442)
4 star:		(79)
3 star:		(42)
2 star:		(34)
1 star:		(55)

 

 

There are some very cool, slick sounds on this cd. Fantasia's voice on AI got a little screechy to me on "I Believe" but not here. "I Believe" is incredibly passionate to me. Her soulfulness is really showcased with some fantastic background sounds from the more urban "Ain't Gonna Beg," and "Free Yourself" and back to a bayou-jazz sound from "Summertime," "You Were Always on My Mind" (a simple piano, drums, some sax and her voice are lovely together and little more is necessary) and of course her rendition of "I Believe."

The better tracks are funky - "Truth is," "It's All Good" and "Selfish" are catchy and have a more traditional R&B sound as does "Baby Mama".

Overall this cd is surprisingly really good to me. I kept thinking about Ruben Studdard's first full length cd and how I was expecting something more from him like what we'd heard on AI and it turned out to be so urban it overshadowed the real joy and R&B smoothness of his voice to me. So I guess my expectations weren't very high for this cd because I thought the same thing might happen. Too much in-your-face urban clouds the universally appealing talent by these young hopeful singers. However, these tracks by Fantasia made a far more positive impression on me than I thought they would because they are very contemporary but not so urban sleek they slide off the plate.

Fantasia - Free Yourself

1 - Ain't Gon' Beg You -- A nice solid r&b soul groove that suits Fantasia really well. She really let's loose here. A nice solid start - ***

2 - Free Yourself -- Okay, here it is. One of the cd's most standout songs. Really amazing. Fantasia could really duke it out, and come out on top, with any of the vocalists in music today, and this song proves it. Wow -- ****

3 - Truth Is -- The first single is nothing but solid. Fantasia really could take on Mary J with this one. Instead of seeing them duel it out, I would love to see them duet. Its wonderful to see a single with great writing, production, and amazing performance by Fantasia. Refreshing for horrible American Idol singles. -- ***1/2

4 - Selfish (featuring Missy Elliot) -- Okay, here we go! Fantasia get's hip-hop on us, and boy does it work. This is one fun song, and a guest rap by Missy Elliot only helps things out. This is one tight track, everything is close to dance-worthy perfection. -- ****

5 - Summertime -- Of course this must be concluded, Fantasia knocks this song out of the park, as usual. There is no way this could garner anything but a four star perfect rating. Never gets old. -- ****

6 - Baby Mama -- I know when I read the title of this song I thought, Fantasia what are you thinking? But in turn, what was I thinking? This is by far the most fun song on the album. It's also very powerful, even I connect, and I do not have a child, nor am I a woman. Bravo .. Don't judge a book by its cover because I could see this being big. I simply cannot stop listening to this track. -- ****

7 - Got Me Waiting -- Very catchy chorus. Overall great song, after some great powerhouse it pales a little in comparison, but it's nice to hear Fantasia take a break and do something really smooth. -- ***

8 - It's All Good -- Fantasia get's crunk again. Woah! Love the background beat on this. Very very tight production here. She really fits all of these styles. And this is one fun song. This song is better than anything on the new Destiny Child cd, another standout song. This is one of my favorites! -- ****

9 - Always on My Mind -- Another song Fantasia sang on the show. This is by Willie Nelson. Yeah, so now we have Fantasia's take on country. This is by far, the most emotionally charged song on the cd. Fantasia sounds amazing, I want this on the radio. This song steals the show. -- ****

10 - Good Lovin -- Don't know what could follow the last song, but this song tries to slow it down even more. A very slow jazz feel to this one. I think it's one of the weaker songs on the cd. It's not terrible, but its not up to the rest. -- **1/2

11 - Don't Act Right (feat. Jazze Pha) -- I don't love the intro. with Jazze Pha, however as soon as Fantasia starts rhyming over this killer loop background, all my hope was restored. This is another hip-hop influenced song. The more I listen to this track, the more I love it. Very Very good. -- ***1/2

12 - This Is Me -- Overall pretty average song. The writing isn't as strong as some of the other songs, and the production of the song itself is rather weak. Fantasia sounds wonderful though, but this one I would skip over. -- **

13 - I Believe -- Ever since we saw her sing this as a victory performance on the show, I still get goosebumps. This is truly an amazing song, solely based on the vocal performance of Fantasia's. Even on cd, this provides the emotional impact of her onstage performance. Absolutely amazing -- ****

So overall, Fantasia really delivers, in a big way. She succeeds at all types of music, R&B, Hip Hop, Country, Jazz, etc. She does it all here. I don't know when the last time was that I rated so many songs off of one album with four stars (7 of the 13 songs here got 4 star ratings from me), so that says something. Although there were 2 songs I feel lacked a little passion, it doesn't mean this album is anything but amazing. What a debut! I hope this gets the chart success that it deserves. And I truly cannot wait to buy more and more albums from Fantasia. I really believe this girl has what it takes to be huge, and thank God American Idol finally put out a deserving winner with exceptional talent.

Best Songs: 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13

Overall rating: **** (perfect)

I got the CD and had to listen to it maybe twice before I began to appreciate fullness and realness (not to mention nice melody) of many of the songs. Music is like that with me; can't appreciate it on just one sample. I can listen to all the songs, but have a tendency to skip to: TRUTH IS (wish they would play more of the others on the radio), GOOD LOVIN(Oh man, My FAV! what a sweet, classic retro, on-vinyl-like sound. A lot of old-hats will enjoy this one). BABY MAMA, YOU CAN CALL ME SELFISH If U Want 2. Her 1st Album already has a seasoned, veteran sound (maybe with all the veteran contributors and collabs). It's her unique, not carbon-copied or cookie-cutter vocals that really set her apart and makes her work appealing. Some people critize her sound, but a lot of artist including Patty LaBelle, Denise Williams, Erykah Badu and Macy Gray work those eccentric sounding voices into heart-touching pieces of musical art.

Princess of Soul is right!!! 'Free Yourself' is phenomenal.

This woman has proven to be over the top; when she sings you feel her soul, sincerity, and deep emotions. YOU CAN FEEL WHAT SHE SINGS ABOUT. She has old fashioned roots, style, ALL mixed with modern day funkiness, class, style, commanding stage presence, explosive energy, constructive confidence and assertiveness, must I go on?

She's a new age hybrid combination of ARETHA, TINA, BILLIE HOLIDAY AND PATTI LABELLE.
TAKE NOTICE AMERICA, WE ARE WITNESSING A SERIOUS SUPERSTAR IN THE MAKING HERE. MARK MY WORDS, SHE WILL BE A HUGE SUCCESS FOR A VERY LONG TIME!!

Moral: cream always rises to the top in due time, this lady is a specially talented individual who is very deserving of a legitimate break and opportunity in the relentless, tough jungle called the entertainment business. Fantasia is the real deal based on talent, desire, and emotions, not by gimmicks, lip sinking, trendiness, publicity stunts, and the like. Just sit back and let her talent engulf and wash over you!

Five stars in my book, and I wish I could give it 10

I'm sure I'm not the first person to write this, but I'm certainly not going to go through over 600 reviews to confirm it. So forgive me now if you've already know this. Fantasia haters...eat your heart out, this little girl with the big voice from a little American town that no one had ever heard of, has been nominated for FOUR grammys. Up against some heavy hitters too. Alicia Keys, Mariah... Stevie Wonder. Whew! Now what does that say to you?

I guess what I don't understand is that if you're not a Fantasia fan, why bother to post your opinion? Sure you're entitled to your opinion but you all sure expend a whole lot of negative energy just flat out bashing either her looks, clothing, music, single motherhood, hard life. Good grief!

I guess I'm a little confused. I wasn't a Carrie Underwood fan, but I'm not bashing her album. I'm not a Clay Akin fan either, well I am kinda but I would never buy his music. Different strokes for different folks.

Anyway, I've been a fan of hers since her audition. When I listen to her sing I am so moved by her raw emotion, the way her voice can slide on and off a note and still sound good, her stage presence...I just simply love everything about Fantasia. I haven't stopped listening to her CD since I got my hands on it last summer. Really. I've listened to it every day in my car for the last 8 months. When you listen to her, it's as if she's an old soul in a young body. Wow. Simply incredible. Amazing. Outstanding! And while others are so busy bashing her, the top people in the music industry seem to think she is a force to be reckoned with. Aretha Franklin calls Fantasia her daughter. When Patti Labelle was asked on a TV cooking show who she likes to listen to she said she loved Fantasia. I'm paraphrasing but she said "pretty soon she's going to be rolling around on the floor and kicking her shoes off when she sings just like me!" In case you didn't know, at one performance, Patti asked Fantasia to do a duet with her. Everyone agreed that Fantasia had definitely passed the Diva test with a capital D. Kanye West picked her to tour with him because he thought more people should see her. On the NAACP awards, they put the camera on Oprah's face just as Fantasia was wrapping up her performance, and Oprah just shook her head and mouthed "WOW." Stevie Wonder gave her a standing ovations and said after her performance, "I love you."

I could go on but the haters need to get a life, this young lady is going to be a superstar and none of your hating is going stop her destiny.

If you don't like her, cool, but y'all need to move on. End the hate...you can do it...Free Yourself. You'll feel better.

I never watched American Idol but I saw her video on BET and she BLEW me away! I ran out and bought her cd and to my amazement and shock... the whole cd is awesome! This can't be a tv shw singer. I mean man, when I thought of American Idol I thought of Clay Aiken and his crazed fans. But Fantasia aint like that. She sounds like Aretha Franklin. I am blown away and in love with her music!

This is one of the best cd's that I've heard. It has a nice balance of fast tempo, mid tempo and slow songs. Each song is sung so powerfully and Fantasia knows how to make one moved through song no matter what she is singing. This CD is a must have for anyone who loves music as each and every song has a catchy tune that just makes you want to dance (fast or slow) even if you don't want to.

Excellent Job Fantasia!

This cd is off the chain. The girl sings like she has been in the biz for years. Good Lovin is such a beautiful ballad and is my favorite. She showed she can hang with the young, Don't Act Right, It's All Good and with the grown folks Free Yourself, Always on My Mind. It has something for every one I am in music heaven

Fantasia is the best thang that has hit the R & B scene since Mary J Blige. The album is very awesome. It is something that everybody can list to and she didn't lie when she said that she had a story to tell. Missy Elliot came through for her.

I Love Fantasia. I think she is without question of a doubt the best American idol winner since the series began. On the show, I enjoyed each and every performance she made, and I also enjoy her debut album, Free Yourself.

1. Ain't Goin' Beg You- Could be a single on the album. Sounds similiar to a song Ruben would probably put out...5 STARS!

2. Free Yourself- Not my favorite on the album but it has catchy lyrics......4 Stars

3. Truth Is....-Fantasia's First Single. First, I heard it on AOL and thought it was a really good song. I still think it is. Where is the music video for this song???.......5 Stars!

4. Selfish (I Want U 2 Myself)- Missy Elliot is featured on this song. I really like it and understand what she's saying. It's not my favorite but it's still good....4 stars

5. Summertime- Best remake of this song ever! Fantasia delievered this song as if she was singing it live on the show. It is one of the best songs on the album!....5 Stars

6. Baby Mama- Aight, now I like this. I like the fact that's she proud of herself for being a young mother. Also, letting "baby mamas" to keep their heads up even though it is hard! .....5 stars!

7. Got Me Waiting- Sounds real good. It has catchy lyrics also. It could possibly be a later single....4 Stars

8. It's All Good- I heard that this couldv'e been her first single, but i'm glad it wasn't. I don't really like this song because it sounds so different in a lot of ways but fantasia still sings the hell out of it! .....3 Stars!

9.You Were Always On My Mind- The 2nd remake on the album originally by Willie Nelson. Also, I enjoyed the saxophone solo during the bridge of the song. Fantasia proves that she is a good interperter on this song......5 Stars!

10. Good Lovin- It is another Missy tune. I did enjoy this song as well. I just like it a lot....4 stars!

11. Don't Act Right- Jazzy Pha..is on this one. They both held it down!!!......5 Stars!

12. This Is Me- I liked the concept of the song. Fantasia tells people who she REALLY is behind the show and the "American Idol" image. She lets ppl know who the everyday Fantasia is like........4 Stars

13. I Believe- Her "American Idol" theme song. It is the best song on the album. Also, It is a very inspirational song because I can relate to the lyrics and her singing is very gospel-like. Well done Fantasia....I do believe you are a star!......5+ Stars!!!

Overall, I think this is a real good album. This is real true singing, and I hope everyone who enjoys music will agree!