ALBUM REVIEW: FANTASIA - 'BACK TO ME'

It has been 4 years since Fantasia released her self-titled sophomore album, which saw the singer deviating from her trademark sound to a lukewarm response from critics and fans that watched her soar to the top of ‘American Idol’.

On ‘Back to Me’, her third studio album, the soul songstress returns, amid home wrecker accusations and an attempted suicide scandal, to the formula that originally established her a connection with R&B lovers.

SUMMARY ANALYSIS

The 13-track set begins with “I’m Doin’ Me”, a feisty assertion of a woman’s self-worth and her refusal to let a man constrain her prosperity in life.

Soaring throughout the Chuck Harmony production with her dynamic vocal orchestrations, the song strikes a resounding cord with the listener; as does the album’s lead single “Bittersweet”, on which she walks a thin line of regret and gratitude over leaving an unsuccessful relationship.

Other notable moments include the reggae-infused “Teach Me”, which feels like a Bob Marley counterpart, “Move On Me”, which was originally intended to be the first single, “Trust Him” and the Cee-Lo-assisted “The Thrill Is Gone”.

Still, nothing shines brighter than “Collard Greens and Cornbread”, an old-school cut that magically pulls together to form a soulful slice of heaven.

Here the soul songstress, who is the industry’s closest incarnation to a modern day Patti LaBelle or Aretha Franklin, not only matches the dramatic production, but she lets her unique raspy vocals take the lead and oversee the Pop and Oak production to unmatched heights.

On the Jim Jonsin-produced “Falling in Love Tonight”, as well as, “Who’s Been Lovin’ You” and “Man of the House”, the ‘Idol’ alum chooses to tone down her vocal gymnastics and deliver records that boast a cross over appeal.

This initially became a problem with “Even Angels”, which boasted an identical strategy, but ultimately, failed to occupy the consumer's wants.

That said, even when she chooses to sell herself short by not using her full capabilities as a vocalist, songs like the closing ballad “I’m Here”, taken from ‘The Color Purple’, lay in the wind to remind you of her rare gift.

FINAL VERDICT

With ‘Back to Me’, Fantasia returns to her core and delivers her most cohesive collection of music thus far, all the while, maintaining an honest and thrilling connection with music lovers, that is nothing short of genuine.

4 OUT OF 5

CELEBRITY BUG'S KEY TRACKS
“Bittersweet”, “Who’s Been Lovin’ You”, “Collard Greens and Cornbread”, “Move On Me”, “Teach Me”, “The Thrill Is Gone” and “I’m Here”.