Fantasia - Fantasia

Maybe the best thing about American Idol is that, once it launches its stars, it sets them free. Fantasia, the self-titled sophomore set by the up-from-the-bootstraps 2004 series winner, sends out song after song that Simon would recoil over and great swaths of America would likely vote down in a heartbeat. Ripped from real life, these tracks are produced with both gumption and vision--a combination potent enough to smoke you out of your seat (see "Two Weeks Notice" and "Bore Me") and settle you back into it gently ("When I See U," "Surround U," "Bump What Ya Friends Say"). Unlike Free Yourself, Fantasia's first outing and one that wanted to work the crowd that crowned her an Idol, Fantasia's focus is de facto, de-poppified R&B--the unpretty kind. Barrino (Fantasia's last name, for those who've forgotten) brings it with a glimmering, gut-busting voice that suggests she's never seen a teleprompter before; she keeps it about as real as real gets. "Uneligible" and the Mary J. Blige-reminiscent "I Feel Beautiful" are slow burners--they linger--but by far the hottest track here is "Hood Boy." With its skittering Supremes sample and Big Boi rap, it does for refried '70s soul what Fantasia did for Idol: it makes you want to pay attention. --Tammy La Gorce Amazon.com

My favorite CD released in 2006!

I loved American Idol Season 3 champ Fantasia's self-titled second CD. It was full of great production, great vocals and great songs that make 'Tasia stand out from the predictable pack of today's R&B divas! This album wasn't as ballad heavy as her debut, but she shines on the uptempo jems like, "Baby Makin' Hips," "Not the Way That I Do," and the Supremes sampling first single, "Hood Boy." But not to worry, there are some great ballads to balance the record out, like the inspirational "I Feel Beautiful," the Patti LaBelle inspired 80s throwback jam, "Two Weeks Notice," and the #1 R&B smash, "When I See U." "Fantasia" also features two Nate "Danja" Hills produced songs that sound like nothing on R&B and even Pop radio today, the stuttering, rock-inspired man diss "Uneligible," and the 60s soul inspired man diss, "Bore Me (Yawn)."

Although the CD went gold, I wish it should have sold a little better. Fantasia's lead role in the Broadway play "The Color Purple" had a lot to do with the under promotion of this great CD, but overall, it was sonically better than her 2004 double-platinum debut, "Free Yourself," although "Free Yourself" was a great album. 'Tasia is currently working on her third CD due to be released around 3rd or 4th quarter in 2008. I hope it is just as strong as "Fantasia" and I hope Fanny doesn't have any long-term engagements to stall the promotion of her next album! May 22, 2008

LOVE FANTASIA BUT...........

Fantasia has a wonderful voice, she is so mush passion and energy, but I feel so let down with this and "free youself". This girl has gospel and soul ooooozzzzing out of her, yet we are subject to missy elliot / mtv base type tracks, that just don't fit or suit her at all.
March 8, 2008

GREAT CD

What a great CD with a song for everybody! Once I heard "When I See You" I knew I had to have it and I am glad I got it! November 2, 2007

amazing

i love fantasia. she is versitle and soulful. this cd is full of HER. she has such true feelings when she sings! she needs to collaborate more! October 15, 2007

I love Fantasia

I just love Fantasia's voice and her humbleness...I really do enjoy her singing and especially the song..When I See You....Fantasia has come a long way and I am so glad that she is using her God given talent...and it is an awesome talent. Thanks to American Idol for the exposure...and thanks to her determination.... Kudos for a job well done. October 8, 2007

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