Ashanti - Concrete Rose

Japanese pressing of 2004 release, scheduled to include two exclusive bonus tracks. Details TBA. The Inc. 2004. Album Description

it is good

this album is real good my favorite songs on here is
don't let them it is very good album ashanti has really grown on this one July 20, 2008

Room for improvement

Ashanti was always an artist who had lots of promotion with each album, and "Concrete Rose" was no exception. The first single, entitled "Only U", received a great deal of radio and video play, in addition to the fact that her promotions were in many magazines. Because I am a huge fan of R&B music, it didn't take much convincing for me to purchase her third musical effort. After listening to it for the first time, I really disliked what I heard. However, I just listened to it all the way through for the third time, and it's an alright CD overall, but it surely doesn't compare to her self-titled debut.

I find it strange that there are seventeen tracks on "Concrete Rose", but it is only 54 minutes long. Usually albums with that many tracks are more lengthy. This album is pretty upbeat. In fact, there are no true ballads, something I personally would have enjoyed. Oh well. "Love Again" is easily the best song here because Ashanti really came out of her box, and she impressed me immensely. Everything from the unique beat to the melody strays away from what we are accustomed to hearing from Ashanti. Other standout tracks are "U", "Take Me Tonight", "Still Down" and the lyrically magnificent "Freedom." "Freedom" is one of the most deep songs you'll probably ever hear from Ashanti.

I don't know what Ashanti and Irv Gotti were thinking when they released the horrible "Only U". Why on earth would you release the album's worst track as the leading single. I know they don't think that's a fine piece of work! It's a mistake and a misstep in my eyes. While we're on the subject, there are a couple of bad songs on "Concrete Rose." "Don't Let Them", "Don't Leave Me Alone", "Every Lil' Thing", and "Wonderful" remix are all weak songs and should have been omitted from the album.

As previously stated, this album is alright. If you already have her debut and sophomore efforts, I don't see a reason not to pick this one up. However, if you are simply thinking about going out on a limb and purchasing "Concrete Rose", keep your money and just download "Love Again."

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "Love Again"
2. "U"
3. "Freedom"
4. "Turn it Up"
5. "Focus"
December 3, 2007

Surprised!

I got this for my birthday and I thought I wasn't going to like it. It is way better than I thought it was going to be. December 7, 2006

A Step in the right direction

I looked at some of the other reviews and I agreed with some but some others just bashed. I believe with each record Ashanti's voice has got better, but the song writing has not improved much. Concrete Rose I feel is a step in the right direction, must of the tracks on the album could be labeled album fillers but the stand out tracks are "Only U", "Focus", "Take me tonight", and "So Hot". These tracks all show what Ashanti could be capable of if she just breaks out of the just put something out mode. Overall I give the CD 3 stars, it's not the best but it does have some good sounding tracks. Besides she's already done the crappy album "Chapter II" you can only go up from there.
October 30, 2006

I like it

I think Ashanti has alot of potential as an artist ,she s a good songwriter ,good singer with a powerful yet smooth voice .The problem is mainly represented by the beat of her songs and somewhat annoying hooks .This cd is way better than Chapter II.I enjoy listening to it,mainly becuz I love Ashanti s unique voice and lyrics.This is her best work. I cant complain ,I like it ! September 26, 2006

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