Ashanti - Ashanti
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CD Details
Artist: AshantiEdition: Music CD
Audio: English (Original Language)
CD Release Date: 2002-04-02
Music Label: Def Jam
Soundtracks:
- Intro
- Foolish
- Happy
- Leaving (Always on Time Part II)
- Narrative Call (Skit)
- Call
- Scared
- Rescue
- Baby
- Voodoo
- Movies
- Fight (Over Skit)
- Over
- Unfoolish
- Shi Shi (Skit)
- Dreams
- Thank You
Music reviews of Ashanti
Music Review: Voice Isn't Everything
Rating: 4 Stars
Ashanti is one of those artists who are consistently hated on despite making good music. She is widely criticized for having a weak voice, although I fail to see how that matters since her style of music does NOT require Whitney-esque powerhouse vocals. Ashanti was also attacked for the overuse of samples on her albums, which was viewed as a lack of originality. However, to those of us who do not know the song that is sampled, it really is not that much of an issue. While it is true that it is not original, at least Ashanti gives credit where credit is due. It's not as though she's using someone else's songs and claiming them as her own. In fact, with her debut Ashanti shows quite a knack for penning radio-friendly songs, which, for the most part, suit her vocal range.
As with many R&B albums, Ashanti starts things off with an Intro, although hers is rather unique. It begins with a voice stating "Previously, on Ashanti" and then samples a collection of songs that Ashanti lent vocals to. It's a nice way to start out the album. This is followed by her smash hit "Foolish". Personally, I think Ashanti handles the vocals rather nicely on this track, although it is widely said to be good "only because of the music". The song tells of a woman who is being hurt by her relationship, and yet keeps coming back. I am quite certain this will go down as one of Ashanti's most memorable tracks, and for good reason. Second single, "Happy" is a summery, upbeat track that is rather self-explanatory. Compared to the rest of the album, the lyrics are rather weak, however given the purpose of the song, depth really isn't necessary. It is a nice, pop track but rather disposable. "Leaving" is a follow-up to Ashanti's previous collaboration with Ja Rule on "Always on Time". The production isn't quite as good as the first incarnation, and it may be a little too happy-sounding for a song about leaving a cheating man. However, it remains a good, fun song and an enjoyable listen.
"Narrative Call (Skit)" has Ashanti talking about how a guy had such power over her that she'd run to him whenever he asked. It's a decent interlude to lead into the following track, "Call". I like how this song takes a turn to a darker tone, compared to the three sunnier tracks that preceded it. The track is essentially an expansion on the interlude, and Ashanti's voice takes on a lower tone than the earlier songs. It's not the best the album has to offer, but it's quite a good cut nonetheless. "Scared" carries on with the darker tone, which really suits Ashanti's voice. This is one of the tracks where Ashanti's vocals truly shine. It's not that she has a powerful voice or anything of the kind, but she seems to know what works well with it, and uses that to her advantage. This is a song that many people can relate to, as it discusses being afraid to follow one's heart. "Scared" is followed by a personal favourite, in the form of "Rescue". This song is rather unusual in modern R&B as it contains a rather long instrumental portion toward the end, although it adds to the song considerably. Like the previous song, this song showcases Ashanti at her best vocally, but in this case, it also demonstrates her lyrical ability. Most complain about the instrumental, stating it makes the song far too long and boring, however I think it is unique and a nice addition to the album.
"Baby" is a fan favourite, due to interesting production, although it is practically a reworking of Scarface's "Mary." This is one of the tracks that took some time to grow on me, as at first the repetitive nature was rather grating. However, as I listen to it now, it's easy to see why it is a fan favourite. Ashanti still does best on the darker tracks, but this is a nice addition to the album as well. "VooDoo" is a personal favourite, with hypnotizing production and some of the best lyrics the album has to offer. The song discusses falling for someone else when you're already in a relationship ("every time he's here with me/I look into his eyes so desperately/but now it's not his face I see/tell me what's come over me"). Again, the vocals are rather low-key but show off Ashanti's abilities. "Movies" is another track with interesting production, and, as with "VooDoo" has no samples, showcasing Ashanti's ability to make quality original material. This track is about wanting to have a relationship like those in movies. Ashanti's voice is suited to this kind of track, although this is not her best vocal performance. "Fight (Skit)" is ruined only by the excessive swearing by Irv Gotti, playing Ashanti's boyfriend. It makes a nice lead-in to the next track, "Over", which discusses letting go of a hurtful relationship. This track showcases Ashanti's lyrical ability. She has a knack for using direct and to-the-point lyrics that suit the tone of the track. This is another of the darker songs that show Ashanti at her best.
"Unfoolish" was intended to be released as the second single, after "Foolish". It is actually a nice way to bring the album full circle, although most would find the dug up Biggie sample and vocals unnecessary. Essentially, this track has Ashanti doing what she couldn't in "Foolish": leaving the harmful relationship. "Shi Shi (Skit)" is a phone message from Ashanti's little sister, talking about how happy she is for everything that's happened for Ashanti. It's sweet, but quite unnecessary. "Dreams" is the obligatory inspirational track. It starts out with children talking about what they want to be when they grow up. As a general rule, I dislike songs that feature children singing background because, as cute as it is, it gets irritating. Here, Ashanti sings about how all you have to do is believe in order for your dreams to come true. It's a nice song, but seems rather out of place after the slew of darker-toned tracks that preceded it. Finally, the album ends off with "Thank You", which I believe is dedicated to Ashanti's grandparents. It starts off as a nice a cappella, but goes downhill when Ashanti tries to hit some of the higher notes, and ends up going off-key.
Overall Mark: 4/5
Despite complaints about Ashanti's singing ability (or lack thereof), her debut was a unexpectedly good collection of tracks. What people fail to realize is that Ashanti's music would sound quite odd if it were belted a la Beyonce. Her style calls for a more low-key, controlled performance that is exactly what Ashanti gives. At a time when most artists enlist a bevy of songwriters to pen songs for them, Ashanti had a hand in penning every track on the album. While it is true that much of the album relies on samples, it does not detract for those listeners who haven't heard the original song. Ashanti's debut remains a thoroughly enjoyable listen, containing surprisingly few missteps.
Description of Ashanti
She Has Worked with Some of the Biggest Names in Pop: Ja Rule, Big Pun, J-lo, Fat Joe... Now, She is the First R&B Signing of the Infamous Murder Inc. Record Label. Ja Rule Has Helped Position her for Multi Platinum Success. This European Edition Includes Four Tracks Not on the Us Version: 'fight (Over Skit)', 'shi Shi (Skit)', 'dreams' and 'thank You'.These days, R&B girls are a dime a dozen, but Ashanti Douglas is a step ahead of the pack. Youthful appeal and a pleasantly dreamy voice complement the 21-year-old singer/songwriter's ability to pen her own radio-friendly verses. However, Ashanti's young'un status shows itself through her treatment of the usual R&B-girl subject matter: love standing strong, love gone bad, and the search for love of self. Songs like "Foolish," "Happy," and "Baby" are as simple and agreeable as their one-word titles suggest, while "Call," "Movies," and "Over" take a slightly more earthy approach.
Ashanti is definitely R&B for the under-30 set, and as such it's bouncy and playful. This debut, as is to be expected of a Murder Inc. release, features a strong hip-hop element, including two duets with Irv Gotti's golden child, Ja Rule, and the sampling of a controversial Notorious B.I.G. composition in "Unfoolish." The kids should love it. --Rebecca Levine
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