Words by Melanie J. Cornish Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0
The younger females submersed in R&B may be finding it hard to follow in the shoes of its leading ladies who continue to pave the way, but there is no denying the aura that this Texan Princess of Crunk has established for herself.
Ciara's debut, Goodies in 2004 pushed what many may have thought "another one hit wonder" into the mainstream. Resembling a young Janet Jackson, her unobtrusive appeal attracted men and failed to threaten females -- a combination that encouraged her debut to go close to three times platinum.
Cameos on tracks by Missy Elliot, Field Mob and Bow Wow kept her from losing momentum between albums and readied her for her sophomore project, aptly titled Ciara: The Evolution, and evolution it is. It is always nice to see growth exemplified through music and this is apparent in Ciara's now certified platinum follow-up.
Calling on friends, old and new, to bless her with some up-tempo beats and some classic ballads, Ciara came back hard and firmly justified her role in a genre that has battled for direction as of late. The album exemplifies balance and to any fan or critic that is a trait that many fail to personify in today's over abundance of lack luster products.
Lil Jon shows up on the album twice and totally flips his style. His "That's Right" has the King of Crunk aiding his Princess in the way only Lil Jon can do. Then flipping his loud and brashy ways on the demure and soulful "C.R.U.S.H." had us checking the credits for fear of a typo, as it showed a more subtle approach that Lil Jon certainly isn't famed for when it comes down to production.
Failing to feel the need to over shadow her talent with an excess of features, Ciara did however call upon the notorious to drop a couple of sixteens for her. On the Rodney Jerkins produced "Can't Leave 'Em Alone," 50 Cent dropped by and regardless of whether their recent "romantic" links in the media are untrue or not, you can't deny the chemistry the two exude on this track.
With fellow statesman Chamillionaire riding through on "Get Up," produced by the man who aided and abetted the star in her search for fame, Jazze Pha, the first single off the album had a tremendous impact. The two stars go back and forth in a he said she said flirtatious banter, which appeals to the younger generations (those who buy music).
Standing alone, Ciara gives us an insight to where her mind is at on "I'm Just Me." Lyrics such as, "never thought in a million years I would blow up, be the one that carries the hood on my shoulder," shows her comprehension as to what comes with the price of fame.
However through all the good there has to be one minor set back and that would be the Will.i.am produced "Get In, Fit In." The track sounds like Fergie could come marching through at any minute frothing at the mouth about "London Bridge," and even though Ciara comments on people who "tried hard to copy my style," you can't help but think Will.i.am is giving up beats that encourage Ciara to copy his BEP homegirl's style instead.
But regardless, the album is a hit. It shows growth, it shows maturity and it shows why this young girl from Texas is truly in a league of her own when all is said and done.
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