Ashanti

excuse me...but this isn't music.

how can i put it politely...forget it. i cant be polite after having the misfortune of buying this load of garbage that Ashanti and the Inc folks beset on me. Out of everything on the cd the only two songs that i remotely liked "Foolish" and "Unfoolish" one using BIG's song for a sample and the other was just alright. Out of 17 songs (including a few lame as heck skits) that were better left on the cutting room floor. Having to listen Irv Gotti his way through a song as a featured artist is torturous enough. If i ever wonder why i didnt like Ashanti all i need to do is look at the cd cover and all those horrible songs will come back to me...unfortunately.

This isn't purchase worthy or download worthy either except for the two aforementioned songs. Sorry Ashanti...strike 1 please try again at a later time. January 20, 2008

Debut that showcases great talent and major potential...

Ashanti was one of the freshest faces in the R&B world way back when this album dropped. It was highly anticipated and in all actuality it did not disappoint. Her self titled debut is for the most part a solid effort. My only real critique is that it should have been shorter. She has too many tracks, which sadly leads to filler, tracks that, if eliminated, could have elevated the overall appeal of the album. This is the only reason this album receives four and not five stars. I love this album, and quite frankly this is the finest effort on the part of Ashanti. Her follow up albums lacked the spark and seductively that her debut had, and so I debated giving this album five stars anyways, but those few songs that shouldn't be here made that an impossibility. I'm still waiting for Ashanti to come back with an album that blows this one away, that proves her hype was well deserved. She has the pipes, she has the look and she has the star appeal, now she just has to use all of it to her advantage and truly create a worthy successor to her debut.

Ashanti received a lot of praise before this album dropped, lending her vocal talents to high profile stars like Fat Joe and Ja Rule, helping boost their record sales and making songs like `What's Luv' the Billboard hits they ended up being. Her first solo single `Foolish' further went to prove that this girl had what it took to be a superstar. Her voice was silky smooth and caressed the eardrums with delicate strokes. For the most part this debut builds on that foundation beautifully.

Let's take out the bad first. The first `filler' track in my humble opinion is `Leaving', a pointless spin off of the Ja Rule/Ashanti hit `Always on Time'. It's not bad, but it's not good and so it's purpose on the album is solely to get people to say "oh, maybe this one will be just as good as the song on the radio" and that is not the case (in fact `Always on Time' isn't even that great of a track to begin with). Then we have `Unfoolish', which in itself is the reason that star needed to be subtracted. The need to have a deceived rapper `remix' you're hit track is a need that needn't be fulfilled. It's corny and ridiculous. Why not have a current rapper do guest vocals? Why bother going into the archives and pull out raps that are not recorded for this song? It's just a pointless track, utterly pointless. `Dreams' is another track that I wish was excluded. It just doesn't fit with the rest of the album, not at all. It's supposed to be a motivational track but it makes me want to hit the `skip' button on the CD player.

Now, let's strip out the Intro and the three skits and we have a near perfect album of a still solid ten tracks.

Now, let's move onto the good. `Foolish' has a very nice beat, and although it was played out horrifically on the radio it is still a solid track. This track is followed by `Happy', a bouncy and infectious little ditty that makes the listener just that, happy. Even with Ja Rule spewing his mess in the first few seconds of the song it's still a very enjoyable track.

`Call' starts what I like to call `the heart of this album'. The next few tracks are what define this debut as one amazing album. The beats are strong and intricate and Ashanti's voice just shines. `Call' starts with what sounds like airport noise and then gets right into the delicate beat and Ashanti's seductive vocals. The song is brilliantly followed by `Scarred' featuring Irv Gotti who brilliantly allows Ashanti to dominate the track, adding nothing more than some background noise. The guitar laden beat is just effortlessly captivating and beautifully embellishes Ashanti's vocal arrangement. This progression of perfection is closed out with `Rescue', personally my favorite track on the album. It's just such a vulnerable track, Ashanti just baring her brazen sexuality and delivering a very seductive and intoxicating track.

Arguably Ashanti's most successful single to date follows; `Baby'. `Baby' is a very commercial and very catchy track. It was never my favorite but I can easily see why it is so beloved. I can get into it. `VooDoo' is even better. I just love the verse structure on this track. Her whispers are just so entrancing. `Movies' is a nice sweet ballad where Ashanti expresses the feelings of just about every girl alive (I assume) wanting to be just like the girls in the movies, finding their Price Charming and being swept off their feet. And then we have another definitive moment on the album, the token breakup song `Over', which surprisingly is effective and very nicely done. Her voice shine's beautifully here.

The album ends with a beautiful acappella `Thank You' which showcases Ashanti's range and talent. I wouldn't have ended it any other way.

In the end I am very impressed with this young lady's debut. It has a few filler tracks but in the end it's a very strong debut and establishes Ashanti as a major talent in the R&B world. I hope that she can top this one day because she definitely has the talent to do so. I have faith that one day she'll blow us all away. Until then at least we have a great foundation for greatness. December 10, 2007

Ashanti proves predictability and beauty works forceful wonders.4 stars.

Intro --> It's alright. Shows where she came from (musically). 3.5/5
Foolish --> The ultimate pop/R&B crying-cause-he-done-wrong anthem. 5.25/5
Happy --> Her most chipperly, upbeat release, EVER. 4/5
Leaving (Always On Time Pt. 2) --> Obviously Her best song here. In the top 2 best songs by Her, EVER. 6/5
Narrative Call (Skit) --> I wish I had someone that called, and I'd waste my time runnin' too (is so serious) 4/5
Call --> Some of the most soothing vocals, this Libra beaut has EVER, *EVER* delivered. Catchy, and the Ladies will GOBBLE THIS UP, I swear. 4/5
Scared --> Bubblegum pop/R&B track. Pleasant but very forgettable. But isn't that what She's the "Princess of R&B" for??! 3.5/5
Rescue --> For a long, LONG time this track was by far the sexiest and most erotic track with a decent beat that I'd ever heard. It still is. And for that, it gets a 4.75/5
Baby --> My 26 Y.O. bro was ADDICTED to this one. And for good reason. 4.25/5
Voodoo --> This is very poppy. But it's catchy. I like it. 4/5
Movies --> Borderline corny and quite cliched and very, VERY unnecessary. Sorry, Ashanti. 2.75/5
Fight (Over Skit) --> LOL @ the swearing. A decent skit. 3.75/5
Over --> Like the skit, it's very decent. 3.75/5
Unfoolish --> Nowhere near the original. 4/5
Shi Shi (Skit) --> Cute. Enough. 3.75/5
Dreams --> Weak, weak ballad that is supposed to inspire. It falls flat on its a.s.s, and You will probably skip this. 3/5
Thank You --> A very good outro. Love You, Shani. ^_^ 4/5

67.25/17 = 3.9558823529411766
3.9558823529411766 = 3.955
3.955 = 3.96

Rounded up to 4 since it's so close.

4 stars. Surprisingly! October 25, 2007

Voice Isn't Everything

Ashanti is one of those artists who are consistently hated on despite making good music. She is widely criticized for having a weak voice, although I fail to see how that matters since her style of music does NOT require Whitney-esque powerhouse vocals. Ashanti was also attacked for the overuse of samples on her albums, which was viewed as a lack of originality. However, to those of us who do not know the song that is sampled, it really is not that much of an issue. While it is true that it is not original, at least Ashanti gives credit where credit is due. It's not as though she's using someone else's songs and claiming them as her own. In fact, with her debut Ashanti shows quite a knack for penning radio-friendly songs, which, for the most part, suit her vocal range.

As with many R&B albums, Ashanti starts things off with an Intro, although hers is rather unique. It begins with a voice stating "Previously, on Ashanti" and then samples a collection of songs that Ashanti lent vocals to. It's a nice way to start out the album. This is followed by her smash hit "Foolish". Personally, I think Ashanti handles the vocals rather nicely on this track, although it is widely said to be good "only because of the music". The song tells of a woman who is being hurt by her relationship, and yet keeps coming back. I am quite certain this will go down as one of Ashanti's most memorable tracks, and for good reason. Second single, "Happy" is a summery, upbeat track that is rather self-explanatory. Compared to the rest of the album, the lyrics are rather weak, however given the purpose of the song, depth really isn't necessary. It is a nice, pop track but rather disposable. "Leaving" is a follow-up to Ashanti's previous collaboration with Ja Rule on "Always on Time". The production isn't quite as good as the first incarnation, and it may be a little too happy-sounding for a song about leaving a cheating man. However, it remains a good, fun song and an enjoyable listen.

"Narrative Call (Skit)" has Ashanti talking about how a guy had such power over her that she'd run to him whenever he asked. It's a decent interlude to lead into the following track, "Call". I like how this song takes a turn to a darker tone, compared to the three sunnier tracks that preceded it. The track is essentially an expansion on the interlude, and Ashanti's voice takes on a lower tone than the earlier songs. It's not the best the album has to offer, but it's quite a good cut nonetheless. "Scared" carries on with the darker tone, which really suits Ashanti's voice. This is one of the tracks where Ashanti's vocals truly shine. It's not that she has a powerful voice or anything of the kind, but she seems to know what works well with it, and uses that to her advantage. This is a song that many people can relate to, as it discusses being afraid to follow one's heart. "Scared" is followed by a personal favourite, in the form of "Rescue". This song is rather unusual in modern R&B as it contains a rather long instrumental portion toward the end, although it adds to the song considerably. Like the previous song, this song showcases Ashanti at her best vocally, but in this case, it also demonstrates her lyrical ability. Most complain about the instrumental, stating it makes the song far too long and boring, however I think it is unique and a nice addition to the album.

"Baby" is a fan favourite, due to interesting production, although it is practically a reworking of Scarface's "Mary." This is one of the tracks that took some time to grow on me, as at first the repetitive nature was rather grating. However, as I listen to it now, it's easy to see why it is a fan favourite. Ashanti still does best on the darker tracks, but this is a nice addition to the album as well. "VooDoo" is a personal favourite, with hypnotizing production and some of the best lyrics the album has to offer. The song discusses falling for someone else when you're already in a relationship ("every time he's here with me/I look into his eyes so desperately/but now it's not his face I see/tell me what's come over me"). Again, the vocals are rather low-key but show off Ashanti's abilities. "Movies" is another track with interesting production, and, as with "VooDoo" has no samples, showcasing Ashanti's ability to make quality original material. This track is about wanting to have a relationship like those in movies. Ashanti's voice is suited to this kind of track, although this is not her best vocal performance. "Fight (Skit)" is ruined only by the excessive swearing by Irv Gotti, playing Ashanti's boyfriend. It makes a nice lead-in to the next track, "Over", which discusses letting go of a hurtful relationship. This track showcases Ashanti's lyrical ability. She has a knack for using direct and to-the-point lyrics that suit the tone of the track. This is another of the darker songs that show Ashanti at her best.

"Unfoolish" was intended to be released as the second single, after "Foolish". It is actually a nice way to bring the album full circle, although most would find the dug up Biggie sample and vocals unnecessary. Essentially, this track has Ashanti doing what she couldn't in "Foolish": leaving the harmful relationship. "Shi Shi (Skit)" is a phone message from Ashanti's little sister, talking about how happy she is for everything that's happened for Ashanti. It's sweet, but quite unnecessary. "Dreams" is the obligatory inspirational track. It starts out with children talking about what they want to be when they grow up. As a general rule, I dislike songs that feature children singing background because, as cute as it is, it gets irritating. Here, Ashanti sings about how all you have to do is believe in order for your dreams to come true. It's a nice song, but seems rather out of place after the slew of darker-toned tracks that preceded it. Finally, the album ends off with "Thank You", which I believe is dedicated to Ashanti's grandparents. It starts off as a nice a cappella, but goes downhill when Ashanti tries to hit some of the higher notes, and ends up going off-key.

Overall Mark: 4/5

Despite complaints about Ashanti's singing ability (or lack thereof), her debut was a unexpectedly good collection of tracks. What people fail to realize is that Ashanti's music would sound quite odd if it were belted a la Beyonce. Her style calls for a more low-key, controlled performance that is exactly what Ashanti gives. At a time when most artists enlist a bevy of songwriters to pen songs for them, Ashanti had a hand in penning every track on the album. While it is true that much of the album relies on samples, it does not detract for those listeners who haven't heard the original song. Ashanti's debut remains a thoroughly enjoyable listen, containing surprisingly few missteps.
August 28, 2007

GREAT FIRST CD

THIS CD INTRODUCED ASHANTI TO THE WORLD OF MUSIC. THE FIRST SINGLE "FOOLISH" WAS AN INSTANT HIT. THE REMIX "UNFOOLISH" IS EVEN BETTER. JA RULE GUEST STARS ALOT IN THIS CD. MOSTLY JUST A LINE OR 2 HERE AND THERE. ASHANTI IS VERY TALANTED AND EVERY SONG ON THIS CD IS POWERFUL AND SUNG FROM THE HEART. IN WOULD DEFININTLY RECOMMEND THIS CD. August 9, 2007

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