Ciara - Ciara - Album Review
It's hard to believe that Ciara was close to joining many of her peers in lower R&B obscurity. After three misfire singles, Ms. Harris came back with fire. Welcome, we've been waiting.
The album begins with the banger asssisted by Nicki Minaj, "I'm Out." At first I was wondering why this song was actually chosen as the second single, but now after listening to the cohesive body of work, I see why. Different from anything else on the album, the commanding nature of the song has its own place on Ciara. Seemingly the music buying public thinks so as well, as the song stands at #14 on iTunes - her biggest digital hit in years, probably since "Love Sex Magic" with Justin Timberlake (or before that even).
"Sophomore" is a great song as well. I hate the play on words of one's year in school and it does seem very childish. But at a second listen, I consider this to be something that would be included on Goodies or The Evolution when she was more youthful and everything seemed right. Next is "Body Party." Y'all know the song that put CiCi back on the map. How dare I even think that this wasn't the ultimate R&B song of 2013 (tied with its Urban AC counterpart "Love & War"). This song is EVERYTHING we love about Ciara. The live performances she just absolutely murdered. I ain't mad.
"Keep On Lookin'" is an interesting track. I like the rap introduction and Ciara's flow does pique my interest as well. However it feels like something is missing or could have been added. Something also could have definitely been taken away - Ciara's hook. It's just not the business at all, the rap interlude should have just been there. I'm just not here for the next track, "Read My Lips." I dislike pop/R&B ballad anthems so please skip this track if you're with me.
On paper a Ciara and Future collaboration should not sound like "Where You Go." I blame the production first of all. Like some of these other songs, it does seem to be a homage to hot 2000s top-charting urban music, but not for Ciara - nor Future. However, this could be a potential grower and do well if it is a single on urban radio.
Ciara gets her swag on "Super Turnt Up." This is another song where I think the production doesn't work in her favor, and something feels missing. However, I feel "Promise" and early Ciara in this song and this is what makes it that much better. I'm not a fan of the ballads still, but if I had to choose on I would say "DUI" which isn't an offensive track at all, and could have single potential as well. She sings well here and I really like it.
I'm not a big fan of "Livin' It Up," I never was even when it first leaked. I don't understand why Nicki Minaj was added on here - they may try to get this to be a pop crossover. Slightly non-offensive, I wouldn't mind it in some instances. Parts do seem like bad pop Ciara and I'm not trying to hear that. One thing I will hear is the song that massacred everyone last summer when it was leaked - "Overdose." Epic rightfully ended this album with such an epic track. I don't know what I have to do but call L.A. Reid himself and get this on pop radio, give us a hot visual and Ciara could possibly have a top ten Billboard hit and be back on pop radio. But yall don't here me! "Overdose" is so good I think it could have put Mariah back on top pop radio if she released it! As the most straightforward pop track on the album, it would seem like people wouldn't like it since so many are anti pop-Ciara, but this song....just everything about it. Eargasmic.Key Tracks: "Body Party," "Overdose," "I'm Out," "DUI"
Rating: [a generous] 4/5
Download: Ciara