Fantasy Ride

Ciara’s third album is significantly different from the previous ones

If a couple of years ago one could well say that the young and quite promising singer Ciara Harris was at the back of the back of such R&B divas as Beyonce and Rihanna today the competition has reached the apogee. Although both the two latter’s creations have proved to be rather successful Ciara’s third album Fantasy Ride has all the chances to become the work that will leave the contenders far behind. Despite that practically all the same producers that were present on two previous albums are present on the new record as well and the collaborations do not surprise anymore with the participation of such performers as Ludacris, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown and Missy Elliott this album is significantly different from the others. The point is that Ciara has been positioned herself as a sporty and unusually wise teenager that was just entering the adult life, find out what the relationships can be like and understand the opposite sex. Naturally that sincere girl able to love still exists on Fantasy Ride but a decent portion of sexuality is added here making each of the album’s danceable tracks a ready club hit and the ballads – the best accompaniment for a romantic evening for two.

The best arrangement and the best beat contest on Fantasy Ride

It is no secret for anybody that production is the basis for any modern R&B album and Fantasy Ride reminds of the best arrangement and the best beat contest in this respect – the producer’s name is listed on each track so one can appreciate them all as they deserve listening to these contagious compositions. The album opens with a mid-tempo song Ciara To The Stage, telling what a good and responsive girl Ciara can be. Contrasting with it is the world hit and the album’s second single Love Sex Magic featuring Justin Timberlake, bold, sexy and memorable; the singer here is a sophisticated young seducer. Ludacris refines the track High Price with his presence and here Ciara’s vocals sound unusually interesting especially combined with rapping. Chris Brown joins the singer on a danceable number Turntables pleasing with quite a contagious beat while the song Like A Surgeon is remarkable for the most interesting and ambiguous lyrics completely based on the medical metaphors. The record’s lead single Never Ever performed with Young Jeezy also pretends to become a hit – it is a very gentle and romantic ballad about the unshared love that and a true masterpiece. The composition Lover's Thing featuring The-Dream is another album’s highlight. Its beautiful catchy tune and touching lyrics divided between the male and female vocal parts are sure to leave nobody indifferent. Ciara once again becomes a bright and strong singer on the danceable track Work making a dignified duet with Missy Elliott and the frankest of all is the number Pucker Up demonstrating the artist’s more adult attitude to the opposite sex. Sensual songs Keep Dancin' On Me and Tell Me What Your Name Is please with a beautiful singing and great arrangements and the record closer is the composition I Don't Remember full of feelings and with a deep meaning.

Always the leading roles only

With all the brilliant production and guest performances Ciara easily remains in the center of attention throughout three albums in a row now. Her unique energy and no less unique vocals allow the singer to play only the leading role whichever song she is singing. Performing on stage or recording tracks in the studio the artist does her best to prove the best and is always a success at every working moment. She realizes clearly that a bright appearance and at least a hint at being able to sing and dance are the things many people possess and it is only hard work that can help achieve heights in show business. She is now preparing her own clothing line for launching, acts, composes music, producers and also is writing a comics book whose main character is depicted on the album Fantasy Ride’s cover art. On the whole it is clear to everybody that this singer is a real star and probably many agree with the decision of Billboard to claim Ciara the Woman Of The Year in 2008, especially those who listens to the songs on Fantasy Ride and makes sure personally how talented this singer is.