My Review:
Despite label dramas, feuds, and a radical direction change months before the confirmed and promised release date. "Ciara" the now self titled, 5th album from R&B songstress Ciara arrives.. and she's got more than one point to prove.
At the beginning of the year "Ciara" (the album) was once known as "One Woman Army". A collection of songs professing to Ciara's strength as a woman.
But im glad she took a breath, exhaled and calmed down, giving us exactly what we needed from the songstress. "Body Party". The official 1st single from the now retitled "Ciara".. Just like "Promise", "Body Party" takes us back to R&B's glory days of the 90's, thanks to a cleverly used sample and its here the magic happens. Ciara's voice blends perfectly, with every coo or adlib from her boo 'Future', giving us sexy, mature, nostalgia, and sweat all at once. The song currently sits at No.40 on the Billboard Hot 100, and continues heavy rotation in the US.
Followed by the Nicki Minaj assited "Im Out". A girl power anthem straight for the club. Its just an ok song, and when stacked up with the rest of the album its actually the poorest... but being its the first track, once its out the way the real fun can begin.
"Sophomore" in all its ice-y synth, throbbing bassline greatness, lyrics like
"so soft.. my skin..so soft my booty.. so soft my bed.. so soft.. give me more, give me more, give me more". Its a hypnotising trip to ecstasy.
"Body Party" - Its just a classic. Period.
Next on is "Keep on Looking". Ciara does sexy again on the mid tempo chants, slow burning synths, and heavy bassline, with slick smooth vocals.
Track 5 see's the album lighten up a little as Ciara has fun on "Read My Lips". A ticking synth-ey instrumental where Ciara wants to take care of you, and only wants to give it to you.. Again its sex but its irresistibly catchy and is sure to do well on the charts..
The mood is still lightened where we reach "Where You Go" the albums only ballad. Featuring "Future", whose vocals remain unmentionable but onces he's done Ciara breaks out over guitar driven, eletro synth-ey production where Ciara ask's where you go?. The appeal of the song lies in its authenticity between both Future and Ciara - their chemistry is undeniable. With great vocals from Ciara its a great album track.
"Ill give this love to you so baby come get it"
Super Turnt up. Classic, signature Ciara. A 90's inspired, modern infused urban mid tempo that oozes chart appeal. Sexy. Sexy. Sexy. An absolute must hear.
"D.U.I" . Its a head knocking midtempo, with great lyrics and great production, full of guitars, a knocking bassline, deep dark synths and great vocal delivery. Another must hear.
Another Nicki Minaj assisted track, but this time its a summery, full on pop gem. Livin' It Up is a feel good anthem driven by a trumpeting island tinged instrumental. Ciara's vocals are never the more clearer or stronger. I feel Nicki's presence in the song does absolutely nothing, and i prefer the previous leaked version.
After the heights of Living It Up, were treated yet again into Pop trinity category with"Overdose". Its just a great pop song. Period. Its irresistibly catchy, with Ciara singing in her full deliciously hypnotising falsetto.. Its an anthem, a must release, and an amazing ending to the album.
Ciara's new album is many things. Its a must buy. A must hear. but most of all its the promise of an amazing new time for Ciara as an artist. I feel this album is only the beginning for the singer as she takes her new found inspiration and evolves it further and further.. My only major issue is "Im Out" and the lack of the amazing "Sorry"..
Must Hear's
Sophomore, Read My Lips, Where You Go, Super Turnt Up, DUI, Living It Up, Overdose
9/10
SUPPORT:-
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ciara/id632895294
@ M&S great review.