Number of tracks: 17
Rating: 6 out of 10
Buy cd: Click here
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.
Who is Quinton Link?
Hey! I'm 21 years old, 6'0, weigh 165, brown hair, brown eyes... ehh... wrong site! (haha)
I'm just your typical 'average Joe' from the lovely state of North Carolina. I have a huge passion for music. I love listening to music of all kinds (favorites are R&B, Hip Hop, Pop, and Rock/Alternative) and not scared to sing out tunes anywhere. (Mostly when I'm home alone though!)
Along with being a music fanatic, I'm also a huge sports fan. I like to watch and play: Basketball, Tennis, and Football. When I'm not on the job, (Dry Cleaners) l love to: write, read, play the occassional video game, and being around the people I care about. (Family, and friends)
Even though it usually doesn't show through my writing; (unless I'm doing an opinion column or something along those lines) I have a very sarcastic sense of humor, and love cracking jokes regularly.
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