cletta1201's Full Review: Ashanti [PA] by Ashanti (R&B)
I had zero expectations for this CD. Okay, that may not be entirely true. I suppose that I expected that since she’s signed to Murder Inc. records that Ja Rule would be all over the place ruining the whole thing for me, but this time I lucked out. Although the CD is stamped with a parental advisory warning, Ashanti has the makings of a real R&B star. Speaking of the PA, I think it’s due to language – which in my opinion is not even as strong as you might see in a PG-13 movie. Moving along, at only 21-years old and the first real R&B act to come from the Murder Inc. camp; Ashanti has just begun her journey to stardom. Ashanti the album is a surprisingly good mix of Hip-hop and R&B with only a few guest appearances and solid vocals. Many might recognize Ashanti’s voice from singing hooks for Ja Rule (on “Always On Time”) and for the late Big Pun (“How We Roll”) but striking out on her own and not just singing hooks was the best thing she could have ever done for herself.
Track Listing
1. Intro
2. Foolish
3. Happy
4. Leaving
5. Narrative Call (interlude)
6. Call
7. Scared
8. Rescue
9. Baby
10. Voodoo
11. Movies
12. Fight
13. Over
14. Unfoolish
15. Shi Shi (interlude)
16. Dreams
17. Thank You (outro)
The only real media that I consume is through the internet and reading and so I’m fortunate enough to not have been bombarded by the lead single from this album called ”Foolish”. If one more person samples ”Stay With Me” (*most famous use by Notorious B.I.G. on “One More Chance”) I think that I might scream. It’s not even that Ashanti doesn’t do it justice – it’s just how many songs can keep using this song as a base? You have to let it go at some point. Really. Musically speaking that’s where the Hip-hop comes into Ashanti’s music – through sampling and beats. She doesn’t ever try to rap or come anywhere close to it, she holds her grounds as what she knows she is – a singer.
Ja Rule does show up on ”Happy” to christen Ashanti as Murder Inc.’s Princess of Hip-hop and R&B. Comparing Ashanti to someone vocally the singer who quickly comes to mind is Aaliyah but I must say Ashanti has more depth and more range. Capable of singing in that sweet almost falsetto that was pretty much an Aaliyah trademark and then turning right around and bringing it down and impressing you again. ”Leaving” sounds too much like “Always On Time” so I’m prone to skipping right over it.
”Rescue” is the album’s longest song with a running time of 7:45. What could possibly go on for 7:45? Not all that much, it shouldn’t be that long especially since the last minutes aren’t really anything but music. To a careful ear though, you might be able to pick up a ”Cherish The Day” by Sade sample. As luck would have it, they don’t site that in the liner notes – they’ll probably get sued later, but remember you heard it hear first. One of the greatest compliments I could pay to Ashanti is that on this song she does evoke a Sade-like sense. Sensual, breathy – you definitely think of Sade when you hear this. ”Baby” is definitely an album stand out and I think it should be a single. Sampling ”Mary Jane” “Baby”, is simple and good. Not a whole lot of production, no guests – and Ashanti’s vocals don’t get overpowered.
Rant On
Why are artists attaching interludes to the beginnings of their songs? Is it because they think that their stupid phone calls to their friends are really pertinent? NO THANK YOU!
Rant Off
”Voodoo” is for me the song that must reminds me of TRL. I think Ashanti’s voice sounds almost juvenile on this one and it doesn’t do her any justice. ”Movies” gives me a good feeling. It reminds me of being in high school (not that far behind me, thank you very much), a cheesy ode to wanting to be loved like you see in the movies (hence, the title) this one has a fairy-tale feel to it. ”Over” redeems “Voodoo” in a big way. More mature, more solid, just much better. The only thing about this song I would nix would be the cheesy rain and thunderstorm effects in the background. ”Can’t believe that it’s over baby/ But every bruise on my heart you gave me/ See we tried/ But we fight/ Then we cried/ Now it’s over baby”
”Unfoolish” basically serves as a reprise of “Foolish” but this time Ashanti gets her act together and decided she’s not going to be a sucker anymore. Starting with no expectations at all and working up to this, I must say that I’m pleased. I’m glad that the Murder Inc. music executives allowed Ashanti to shine and didn’t litter her album with all the things you so commonly find on R&B records these days. I think Ashanti’s talent puts her ahead of her peers in that not only did she help write the songs on her records but also she possesses real and viable talent – which is a breath of fresh air.
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
Ja Rule, J. Lo, Big Pun, Fat Joe. She s worked with some of the industry s best--writing lyrics and singing hooks that help their records reach the to...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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