It's been two and a half years since Ciara released her last album 'Basic Instinct' - a collection of tracks that commercially, failed to hit the mark. Call it what you will, but after the success of her first three albums ('Goodies', 'Ciara: The Evolution' and 'Fantasy Ride,' all of which peaked within the top three or higher on the Billboard 200), 'Basic Instinct' was a flop.
Of course, a lot has changed since 2010, especially for fans of the 27 year-old. We've all been patiently awaiting the release of 'Ciara' -originally titled 'One Woman Army'- since news broke of it early last year. There has been a few bumps in the road, namely the random 'Sorry' and 'Got Me Good', but now it's like we've hit the CiCi jackpot...
Upon it's leak on in the interwebs a couple of weeks ago, some have referred to 'Ciara' as the 'Love Sex Magic' stars most adventurous album yet. It contains elements of pop, R&B, soul, crunk... and all with a good helping of if-you-don't-like-it-well-f*ck-you.
'Ciara' opens with the current Nicki Minaj-assisted single 'I'm Out' - a thumpin' track dedicated to the ladies with a baseline reminiscent of a sped up version of Beyonce's 'Video Phone.' Comparisons aside, it features a hot clapping beat and noisy percussion - all which work undeniably well. And the video - both home girls really bring it, so if you haven't checked it out you must (it's below for your viewing pleasure).
The album's lead single 'Body Party' - well, it perplexes us. Still to this day, after being released back in March, we're puzzled. Whilst it probably wasn't the best choice to aid as a preview of the album (it is Ciara's party and she'll do what she wants to) we just don't see the Mike Will Made It-produced track as the strongest from the bunch.
The other Mike Will Made It-produced number to make the final cut is 'Where You Go' featuring rapper Future, who also had a hand in the production. The '1, 2 Step' chanteuse's vocals shine in this low-tempo duet, with similarities in the melody to Rihanna's recent 'Unapologetic' album track 'Mother Mary' (a much classier version though, of course).
Demonstrating she ain't here just for the pop crowd, 'Sophomore' steps right into crunkin', bad-ass goodness -"So soft, my skin / So soft, my booty / So soft, my bit / So soft, I got ‘em sayin"- reminding the fellas that she likes it just that little bit urban. 'Keep On Lookin,' 'Read My Lips', 'Super Turnt Up' and 'DUI' all follow in the same vein (one that we're a bit meh about, to be honest).
Minaj makes a second appearance on the track 'Livin' It Up.' Co-penned by is it bush week favourite Wynter Gordon, the potential-radio-hit travels the pop road with pride-in-it's-stride as CiCi belts "Cause a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do / Making up my own rules" - we imagine as a nod to this LP and the journey associated with it, more so than ever.
The final standard edition track is the pop-fused 'Overdose', a clear favourite of ours with it's sexy beats and infectious chorus, co-penned by Josh Abraham (who worked with Kelly Clarkson on her 'Stronger' tracks 'Hello' and 'Alone').
"I took your love think I took too much / Somebody call the doctor, somebody call the doctor / I took it all but it's not enough / Somebody call the doctor, somebody call the doctor" croons the star, before she finishes with "Don't let, don't let, don't let, don't let go / Don't let, don't let, don't let, don't let go / Somebody call the doctor before I overdose." It actually kills us it's that good.
Overall, Ciara's eponymous LP delivers. Is it a stand-out piece -well, no- but is it a cohesive collection of tracks that work on a whole with some really stellar moments -yes. We know CiCi's Army will certainly be happy to have her back after a few bumps in the road and to be honest, so are we.
3.75 / 5
'Ciara' is out now [iTunes]
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