Concrete Rose marks Ashanti’s third album, (excluding her 2003 Christmas album) and showcases some of the artists’ most exciting material yet. Reverting back to the producer who helped produced the majority of her debut; (7 Aurelius) Concrete Rose emotes more of the homogenous mixture (fluctuating R&B vocals with a track production more skewed towards Hip-Hop) that has been a fixture on her previous albums.

Ashanti reaffirms her unofficial title of “Princess of Hip Hop and R&B” with the rhythmic, charismatic lead off track, “Still Down” featuring rapper T.I. Then the album ascends into two of the most distinctive tracks featured on the set: “Only U;” an assertive, but blissful hybrid of R&B/Rock, and “Focus;” which features an intoxicating dance beat. Beyond this point, Concrete Rose oscillates between good and mediocre material. Songs such as the hypnotic “U,” the feel good “Take Me Tonight,” (featuring Lloyd) and the dazzling disco influenced “Turn It Up” (featuring Ja Rule) are all buzz- worthy. On the flip side, “Don’t Let Them” misses its mark in trying to become the straight-laced R&B song of the album; while “Love Again,” “Every Lil’ Thing,” and “So Hot” turn out to be quite lethargic and forgettable.

Just as in the beginning, the closing of Concrete Rose is particularly powerful. “Don’t Leave Me Alone” (featuring 7 Aurelius) is a showstopper. Ashanti’s provocative vocals, along with 7 Aurelius’ infectious chorus accompany this slickly produced track. Closing track, “Freedom” turns out to be a true highlight with its uplifting, inspiring lyrics and Ashanti’s convincing vocals. Also included as a bonus track; the remix to “Wonderful.” (Ja Rule, R. Kelly, and Ashanti)

Overall, Concrete Rose features some of Ashanti’s best songs to date while also serving up some of her most mediocre. Ashanti should be commended on limiting the amount of skits on Concrete Rose to three. (Skits being a nuisance that plagued her previous albums) In the end, it’s the handful of monotonous tracks that gives the album a serious sense of unevenness; which keeps it from becoming truly great.