♫ ALBUM REVIEW: CIARA - FANTASY RIDE ♫
Tuesday, May 5, 2009

After a couple of failed singles, it took a little while for Ciara to really get the ball rolling on her third studio album, Fantasy Ride. But she’s past all the push backs the album is finally in stores this week.
When Ciara first started to talk about the new album, Fantasy Ride was set to be a 3-disc set, conceptualized around three very different cities: “Crunktown,” “Groove City” and “Kingdom of Dance.” The three discs would contain 5-6 songs, with each city reflecting a different facet of Ciara’s music. The first bit of material to leak from the album was a snippet of the Tricky & Dream-assisted “High Price.” Mixed reviews began to flurry around the blogosphere, and it seemed as though the conceptual album that Ciara had once announced had been scrapped. Then came and went the “buzz” single, which introduced Ciara’s superhero alter ego, Super C. “♫ Go Girl,” featuring T-Pain, was a critical flop. Even with it’s sexy, high-profile video, “Go Girl” could not give Fantasy Ride the push Ciara wanted to get a solid release date. And with all the leaked material, it seemed that Ciara’s project was to get an ill fate: shelved.
But things started to look up after Ciara went back to the drawing board with Polow Da Don for the new single, “Never Ever.” With a solid feature from Young Jeezy, the song started to pick up radio play after the release of it’s video, which found Ciara doing what we loved: dancing. And soon after, she followed up with the Justin Timberlake penned track, “Love Sex Magic,” which sounded like leftovers from his FutureSex/LoveSounds album, but shot up the charts and had blogs buzzing over it’s uber-sexuality and all most not-safe-for-work-ness. Fantasy Ride was a go.
When the full album leaked last week, some were a little disappointed that the majority of the album could already be found online some time before the album’s actual release date, but for the most part, fans seem to think that the album was well worth the wait. The album is a flurry of mid and uptempo tracks that don’t necessarily flex Ciara’s vocal muscle, but definitely throw her moreso into the pop arena without alienating the fans she gained with her R&B sound.
Fantasy Ride contains productions from some of the games biggest hitmakers, including Nate “Danjahandz” Hill, Tricky Stewart and The Dream, as well as Polow Da Don, Ne-Yo and Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. It also has a host of features, with cameos from Chris Brown, Missy Elliott, Young Jeezy and Ludacris. The production and some of the writing are the brightest points of the album. The material that was chosen suits her.
Ciara shines brightest on the album’s opening track, “Ciara to the Stage” (which leaked last year as “Explode”), “Like A Surgeon,” the mid-tempo synth ballad, “Tell Me What Your Name Is,” the eerie and daring “I Don’t Remember,” and the pulsating “I’m On.”








118 Comments
COMMENT PAGES: [1] 2 » Show All
1.
BigDaddyReg
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
sweet album
2.
SuperStatusC
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
I Love Ciara, I just left Wal-Mart and brought two copies !!!!!!! I will confess Im a Stan!!!! LMAO
3.
irrational rationalist
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
boooooo…i dont like it
4.
irrational rationalist
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
well i like ‘like a surgeon’…other than that…boooo
5.
SARA
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
i use to be such a big fan of ciara that is untill i bought her album evolution……………..it sucked so baddd i will never buy another 1 from her she disappointing me big time! and fantasy ride looks wack!
hate the superman theme
and she looks jus lik any other girl nothing spev\cial
6.
melonso
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
the songs itself were nice,
but ciara just cant sing
I’ll never buy her album… sorry hun (not that you need my help anyway)
7.
jackie
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Ok album….not my cup of tea though…
8.
lala
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
this looks like shit….ciara really?????
9.
jackie
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
I think that she could have done better, I expected a crunk album and I think that she mostly focused on the “crossover” appeal, and I really didnt like it all that much…
10.
DIOR
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
CIARA HAS SIMPlYPROVE THAT She CAN IMPROVe heR dancn, writing and entertainment skills from this alum. Get locked IN!!!!
11.
THE TRUTH
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
i do not like this gimmicky ass super c!!!!! please bring back ciara from goodies & oh!!!! im not buying this crap i only like the songz thats posted & high price! other then that girl bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12.
LaLa
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Going to get my album today. This beautiful thing about music is when I am in the mood to listen to A. keys I will, Hall & Oats one day, and take it back to Anita Baker another. I don’t see why people get all fussy about a person not being able to sing as well as the next artist. If you don’t like them then simply don’t support them. I actually like the fact of being able to listen to different genres of music and vocal ranges. To each is own though! Much success to you CI!
13.
syn'ceRe
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
im feelin it ..love her shes a good performer!!!!!!!
14.
risingSTAR
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
BOOOOOOOOOOOOO
im still rockin evolution..that was when she actually had decent songs..ill pass…all these gimmicks these days are giving me a headache now
its sad..sometimes i listen to my artists from the 90s more than i listen to stuff thats out today
15.
fantasy ride5509
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
@lala
i agree, we should not be judging a singer’s vocal range with another artists…and ciara is obviously doing something right.
my rating of the album is 4.5/5… i like 13/15 songs
the standout tracks are like a surgeon(my favorite ciara song),turntables,i dont remember,work,high price,tell me what your name is,echo,g is for girl,pucker up
but u should just buy the whole album, all the tracks are fresh and catchy
16.
risingSTAR
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
lemme backtrack…i will preview all the songs on itunes tomorrow..the ones that I MIGHT like..i will buy lol..
17.
Nothing But Love
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
I think i’ll pass, im gonna get christette Michele that more moneys worth.
18.
Shon
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Brian I really love this review. U really do a good job at times with your reviews. At first I was very skeptical with downloading the album because like you said her first couple of singles didn’t excite me at all. But after listening to the album it really has grown on me a lot. I think it was a good effort and definitely worth the download. I may tipp into the store one day and purchase a copy just to see the album art and credits. But to you Ciara stans and fans, you will be pleased I’m sure. But she still doesn’t compare to the Queen Bey! Get in!
19.
MRS. SK8BOARD P (AK & BK STAN)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
I think the album is okay, i like a few of the songs and her vocals improved..but she still can’t sing. I can tell she’s trying, and I hope her album does well..
oh and that cover looks extra bootleg, i really hope this is the end of that super ci ci bullshit..
20.
risingSTAR
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
ok why am i feelin tell me what ur name is ..lol…or maybe im feelin the track itself..
not bad..
21.
yeah
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
well, I’m downloading it from itunes right now.
22.
Salty
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Cosign lala! I can appreciate variety & I’m an absolute lover of all kinds of music. Ciara has vocal talent; she may not have the kind of vocal talent that you prefer, but nonetheless she has talent. I get drawn in more by the artistic/creative side to music then the technical. You can have a ‘big’ voice & still not be good at your craft or a good entertainer. Being a good entertainer is an essential part of being a great artist period.
23.
risingSTAR
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
i think i like 3 songs on the album..is it sad that im more interested in all the behind the scenes stuff than the actual album? lol
24.
crunkpoet
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
damn if u dont like it and know u dont like it…dont even come comment…..the album is straight to me…i been bumping “what your name is” and “high price” ‘dont remember” and “like a surgeon” are my shits too….GO CIARA! glad its finally out!
25.
Da Benz
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
I think the album is good, but not worth waiting 5 extra months for it. I think she should have kept the ball rolling when she had “Go Girl” out as a single, because it was a hot dance tune and the video was one of the best of 08. ‘Never Ever” is nice, more of a crossover, but if that is the case, this album cover doesn’t suit at all. If this was her first album, then ok. But she should have done something more subtle, more like her “Evolution” album cover. But back to the music, some of the songs are bland, but for the most part it is still a club r&b album with a couple of pop tunes. It is just not the right mixture, but worth listening to. I give it 3 1/2 stars. This is why I am against album pushbacks!
26.
ARoG
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Love the album, Wish it had 1 or two more uptempos though.
27.
Buffyuna
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Got my itunes copy and Im gonna get my deluxe edition from target tomorrow!!
28.
BRIAN
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
I got my copy of ciara’s album in the mail already. I had to see this album artwork.
29.
Jaila
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
She came hard with this album!
30.
g3
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
THE ALBUM IS PURE FIYAH MOST OF THE LEAKED SONGS WERE RE-EDITED AND SOUNDS GR8 I LOVE THE WHOLE ALBUM THIS THAT CD RIGHT HERE 2 GET U AMPED B4 A PARTY WHILE SHE THREW IN SOME SONGS TO JAM TOO LOVE IT WORK IS BANANAS CICI U DID UR THANG ON THIS ONE FANTASY RIDE IN STORES TODAY GO OUT AND GET IT U WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED I PROMISE U THAT FANTASY RIDE IS TAKING OFF ALLLLL ABOARD!!!!!! (added by Mobile using Mippin)
31.
JeNNA
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Ciara did a wonderful job creating this album…everything from the different types of songs to the album packaging was really great. it’s unfortunate that the songs had to leak….and u can’t just throw those away because they did. there’s alot of songs that are single potential!
i think Work, High Price, Like A Surgeon, and Turntables are definite singles in da future.
5/5 for me! Go Get Fantasy Ride Today!
32.
Coreline
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
At first I thought it was gonna be wack cause I heard alot of the leaks. But alot of the songs sound different (better) so Im gonna actually buy her cd. Not this week cause I need my girl Chrisette to get some sales lol, but next week is all about Ci.
33.
Steph
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
As far as an all around album effort, I think this is Ciara’s BEST ALBUM to date. It’s something on there for everyone! She has uptempos, midtempos, and some really good ballads that you maybe would expect. I think Worldwide, this album will be her biggest selling because it can appeal to other audiences. I got my copy at 12am
34.
Cynthinia
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
KUDOS TO EVERYONE WHO WENT OUT AND BOUGHT CIARA’S NEW CD!!!!
SHE’S DOESN’T HAVE GREAT VOCAL ABILITY, BUT HER HEART AND SOUL IS IN HER MUSIC, THUS, SHE DELIVERS!!! NEITHER DID JANET JACKSON, SHE JUST HAD BETTER PEOPLE PRODUCING AND MIXING AROUND HER SHORTAGES . ALSO, HOOK SINGING AND ROBOTIC VOCALS, OVERKILL RUNS AND OFF-KEY MELODIES WASN’T IN. TO CROSSOVER TO A POP AUDIENCE MEANT DISTINCTIVENESS AND ARTISTRY.. I.E. WHITNEY, JANET, BRANDY, TONI BRAXTON…
35.
Steph
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Wow, Cynthia had sense. That’s why i’m glad Ciara didn’t completely alienate her “Goodies’ lovers, but she still maintained crossover appeal. It’s very hard to be truly successfull nowdays with no crossover potential in your songs. Honestly, the pop records on this album are SOME OF HER BEST EVER. Pucker Up/Tell Me What Your Name Is are really good, 2 songs that i would never think Ciara could pull off. This is her true Evolution as an artist, and i’m happy for her.
36.
truthfulsista
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
I didn’t even know that this album was coming out today until I saw a promo pic of her album on rhapsody. I think that people who like Ciara’s new raunchy image and her music are either people who like anything really, or who are feeding into the hype because they are sick of Beyonce and Rihanna. Her vocals are awful! Her voice is so high and sweet in a bad way! She can barely sing. I don’t get why people have a hard time admitting that. She doesn’t have to BLOW but at least have a great voice. The album is straight trash and she’s just a wack artist period. The only reason why LOVE SEX AND MAGIC did so well is because of downloads and most importantly, it featured ol WHITE BOY JUSTIN T! That song was funky and just plain lame. I’m not hating at all like some dumb fans would say, I’m just feed up of these “skating by” artists. You dress them up, and make em sing.
37.
Ooh
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
I love this album. Great energy, awesome production and I feel Ciara did great on the slower jams (surprisingly).
It’s a must have for the car and iPod. Trust me.
38.
Ooh
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
@Steph I totally agree.
My fav Ciara album is Goodies and Fantasy Ride is just as good because it the same kind of high energy.
Like I said though her slow songs Like A Surgeon,Tell Me What Your name Is and Lovers Thing are fire!!
39.
cd18
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
as far as her taking me on a fantasy ride…she can forget it…..it lacks lyrical content and meaning….their is some good songs tho…”tell me what your name is”, “Never ever”, “Like a surgeon” and the song wit dream is okay…..I see little growth from her musically and vocally…and lyrically…the album cover is a mess 2….prob. the worst album cover Ive seen….next to janet velvet rope album cover….but thats a different story….
Good Luck…on the tour and album….i hope people embrace “Super C”………………………………………………………………………….(crickets rite)
40.
neosoul_classic
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Hands down best album of the year! Im normally into the jill scotts and maxwells, so i never would have thought that a poptart like ciara could deliver…but she did. The album has a real old school feel without being too obvious. Like she almost samples “time after time” but she does it in a new and innovative way to the point where u dont realize it until u have a couple of listens. Im not normally into dance tracks either, but that song work gets me pumped lol. All in all it was a pleasant suprise and Im going to pick it up so kudos Ciara. Now maybe Maxwell can drop his album so I can die happy lol.
41.
chrianna
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
First lemme say that them cornrolls is lookin thirsty lmao. Now the album_________________________is actually decent to my surprise. I was expecting a steaming pile of hot garbage cause go girl was a no girl but it was better than that I Am Sasha Fierce Bullsh!t. Standouts for me are Like A Surgeon, Work, G is for Girl, Tell Me What Your Name Is, Dont Remember, and Pucker Up. The other songs are ok but they arent anything u cant hear from other artists like Letoya or Tiearra mari. She better be lucky that the actual cd looks cute tho cause thats the only reason why im gonna buy it.
I usually only but from Rihanna, but I guess I can hop on the fantasy ride with “super Ci” [barf lol] just this once. Im not a stan but maybe a new fan =)
42.
$oulzNBladez
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Well, I’m Still Spending My Money On CiCi FR && IDGAF What Ppl Say!!!
43.
Nisha
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Superhero alter ego - Different Discs reflecting different styles of music - The Love Sex Magic video…
I got a better name for those discs.
Disc 1: I Am…
Disc 2: Trying and Failing to be…
Disc 3: Sasha Fierce
44.
Nisha
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Not to say I don’t love CiCi (Promise is my shyt) and I’m definitely copping the album but CiCi girl… you’re too talented to lower yourself like that!
45.
Carey
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
GO BRIAN!!!
I truly love the album I honestly was hating all the material, then something clicked lol and material warmed up and now I love it!
WORK
TURNTABLES
Tell What Your Name Is
Keep Dancing
Dont Remember
Like A Suregon
Pucker Up OMG!!! BEST TRACKS ON the ALBUM!! Must be singles!!
46.
Carey
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Oh and How could I forgot G is For Girl… album is full of hits! Its so hot I think people need to give it a chance it’ll be worth it!
Go and Get it Best album of 09 and getting RAVE Reviews everywhere!
47.
Franky
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Its a solid effort. Its a good album overall, could have been better but I like that she’s doing something different for her. I think this is a different sound for her and it doesn’t really show her vocal ability. But that is what live shows are for!
Standout tracks:
G Is for Girl
Ciara to the Stage
Turntables
Like A Surgeon
Echo
48.
beyonces true #1
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
i like ciara not her #1 fan but ima fan m getting this album very nice and i love it beautiful
49.
baby
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
i love ciara but this album sucks seriously its not even rnb n e more its that ringtone pop music that sounds like a mess smb should ve told her that switching to pop music isnt that simple, making good pop is prob harder than making good rnb, u cant catch 2 rabbits ciara! lol yet the tracks that i like r like a surgeon, high price, when i, yearbook (which is not even on an album)
50.
kate
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
DEFINATELY…
I AGREE URBAN ALBUM OF THE YEAR….
EVERY SONG IS A SINGLE CONTENDER
GO OUT AND BUY IT!!! THE ARTWORK IS CRAZY
51.
TrueSoul
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
I have to say i thought i would hate the album, it seemed like the singles i was hearing weren’t single worthy. But after downloading her album i have to say i am pleasantly surprised. I think it is well worth the purchase. i’ll be buying my copy today. I saw some album artwork not sure how it relates to the title “Fantasy Ride” seems a bit all over the place.
52.
malcolm
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
ciara’s album is garbage go by Chrisette Michelle’s album best album of the years
53.
wtf
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
I do not like this bullshit Ciara is calling music today! Its trash I brought that shit at 2AM in wal mart I do like tell me what your name is like a surgeon I don’t know something from her new pictures to her personal to her period has changed. I just can not put my hmmmmm on it! But ill figure it out damn it lol
54.
malcolm
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
G is for garbage
55.
=D
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
its finally heree !
< 3 ‘
LOVE YOUUU CICIII !
56.
alicia
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
tell me your …… is fired ! but so many song has leaked before i don’t wanna buy this album anymore.
57.
ThaTruth
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Why people hate on the girl so much, she’s improved, no Mariah, but neither is RIHANNA…..
58.
marlina
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
i think Ciara lacks a bit in the vocal department. she never gives u a vocal thats like ‘wow’. for that reason, i’ve never really been into her music. i do like ‘ciara to the stage’ and ‘turntables’. at least what she lacks in singing she makes up for in dancing
59.
marlina
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
oh…and i like Pucker up. 3/14 ish songs….not good
60.
Supreme
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
I love Ciara.
imma go buy the album
so her album sales can go up
& shut all the haters up! lol
61.
egates
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
This album is nothing put fillers and leftover music . I like cici first cd and the second one grew on me. Maybe it will grow on me.
62.
Marquis a huge ciara fan
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
YES I JUST CAME BACK FROM WALMART BOUGHT 2 COPIES THE STANDART AND THE DELUXE THAT ALBUM IS GREAT AND I THINK TELL ME WHAT YOUR NAME IS IS THE NEXT SINGLE………………………………….THE ALBUM IS OFF THE CHAIN.
63.
g3
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
This album is pure fiyah love all the re-edits she did to the leakd songs they sound 10x better listening to the album now n its gr8 u did ur thang ci I give it 4/5 hope u get the sales n recognition u deserve cuz overall its a very good album
64.
LaLa
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Got my album!!!! Loves it
65.
dale23
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
WELL….I GOT THE ALBUM.
66.
Arick
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
1st of all All Of You Haters can pucker Up. if it wasnt 4 people like concreteloop and peoples blogs This Album would have kicked ass but no ya ll act like yall couldnt wait. This is why the music industry is at the state its in. Im buying it Love EVERY SONG (love, sex And Magic Still Growning).
67.
andreanicole
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
hmmm i like “like a surgeon” and of course “ciara to the stage” which was originally called “explode” so i’m gonna check the joint out and see how i feel about the rest of it.
68.
richie
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
alot of people albums leak. im gettin it!!
69.
K&K
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Anyone who has the album- - - Is go girl on there?
70.
K&K
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Anyone who has the album- - - Is go girl on there?
71.
Dizzy Guy
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Tell Me What Your Name Is= Promise…lol.
72.
richie
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
do it matter just support ciara and go and get her cd!!
73.
young a
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
NICE REVIEW!!!! LOVE CIARA’S NEW ALBUM, ILL ADMIT I HAVENT PURCHASED IT YET BECUZ IM BROKE AT THE MOMENT, BUT IM GETTIN IT THIS WEEK, AND THAT WILL STILL COUNT TO HER FIRST WEEK SALES!!!!! CANT WAIT TO ME GET MY COPY!!!! LOVE U CIARA!!!
74.
Dude-N-H-Town
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Bought the album….its ok. I liked Evolution much better….
75.
richie
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 /
Tell me what your name is do not sound like promise but way better!! yall complain 2 much.
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