Bad review.
No explanation what so ever as to why the album is bad, and why the other songs weren't good enough. You spoke of three good songs, when there's 13. It sounds like you copied and pasted from other critic web sites, and didn't listen to the album yourself. People stereo-type Ashanti, and it's horrible. I'm not a huge fan of Ashanti, but she most certainly don't sound like a back up singer. She's gotten much better. Is she a Beyonce, Mariah Carey, or Mary J Blige? Absoultely not, but she's good. Not everybody can be a power house. I encourage everybody who reads this review, to just listen to the album yourself. You be the judge because it's truly a lazy review--in my opinion. I downloaded the album, loved it, then bought it.

I've actually been listening to this album for a week. I really wanted to like it, but nothing stuck out for me and I'm not about to lie just to give a positive review to something that is wholly average in just about every way.

Also, please do not accuse me of plagiarism. That's a hollow accusation.

I encourage everybody who reads this review, to just listen to the album yourself.

I would hope that goes without saying, but you never know...

Yes, you did plagiarize from another review. It's obvious. No way could you have listen to the album for a week and write such a limited review.

Forgive me for not doing a song-by-song exegesis on an album I found to be limited and average. You're welcome to show me the review I plagiarized and add some credibility to your argument, though.

Actually, I thought it was a well written review. I haven't listened to the album yet, but on the whole I got a pretty good idea of what it would sound like. (At least one person's opinion of what it sounds like.)

It's bad because its mediocre. It's bad because despite Ashanti's self declared enlightenment and maturity as an artist, she doesn't bring anything new to the table. Aside from a few catchy tunes the album as a whole is unmemorable. I'd say that's a pretty good explanation.

Besides, not liking someone's opinion isn't really grounds to accuse someone of plagiarism.

Well, just as it was his opinion with this broken review, that was my opinion. I respect everybodies opinion. I'm not saying just because i liked the album that everybody should. 1/2 the movies and albums i like get bad reviews. I'm saying, this review is mediocre. And Ryn, your prejudging the album and haven't even heard it? If you've heard Concrete Rose, Chapter 2, and the record breaking "Ashanti" you can honestly hear the growth. As i mentioned before, i'm not a huge fan, but i do enjoy her music. What i'm saying about the review is it doesn't digest well. From the review, if i haven't heard the album i wouldn't have known if it was a good or "limited" album by you mentioning your opinion of 4 songs. but it's your opinion, which i respect. I just encourage people to have an opinion of their own and download the album or buy, either way listen to it yourself.

My review:*****(five stars being the highest)

The Way That I Love You:***
Great vocals and lyrics, however it seemed a tad bit over produced with the Trumpets and bass.

You're Gonna Miss:*****
Has more of a POP fill, which shows versatility and is actully a great sound for Ashanti. Must hear.

So Over You:*****
If you are a Hip Hop lover, you are going to enjoy this song. Ashanti goes back to her roots, singing over the hard, gritty beat, while her sweet angelic voice flows gently over the track. Good song. Must Hear.

Struggle:*****
Must hear! One of my favorite tracks on the disc. If you are a fan of ballads, listen to this song. Ashanti sings about a wounded relationship, that struggles, however makes it through the storm. A lot of people can relate because if you've been in a relationship, everyone knows it can be tough. Must hear.

Girlfriend:*****
Somewhat a cliché R&b song, however it's a really great song. Baby makin' music! Very sexy and sleek. Love the beat.

Things You Make Me Do feat. Robin Thicke*****
Awesome! Never would i have pinned these two together but they make great chemistry. Another sexy song. Must hear.

In The Streets.***
Awesome course, however after the first two verses the song becomes a bit too much for me. Good song though. The course is very catchy which saves the song.

Good Good.*****
One of my personal favorites. SELF EXPLANATORY. Ashanti sings about a woman using her "goods" to keep her man running back for more. Very catchy song, must hear.

Body On Me feat Akon and Nelly.***
This song is good. Their verses weren't all that strong, but nice beat and catchy course.

Mother.****
Beautiful song. I'm not really into inspirational songs, but the fact that she wrote this for her mother is beautiful. great lyics and vocals.

Shine***
Again, i don't care for inspirational songs, but its good. The song wasn't written by Ashanti. I forget who the Artist was.

The Declaration*****
Great song. Ashanti bascially sings about "still being here" after being doubted constantly. I'm sure a lot of people can relate.

All in all, great album in my opinion. There really isn't a horrible song on this album. If your listening to the album with hopes that Ashanti has developed mary J Blidge or Mariah Carey singing abilities, then i suggest you don't listen to this album. It's solid R&B.However, if you are a fan of music as i am, give it a listen and develope your own opinion.

Chris, there is a huge difference between saying that a review sucks and saying that the critic plagiarized another review. That's a bold accusation to make without evidence and it isn't just your opinion. It's like telling a friend "In my opinion, your wife is cheating on you" because you don't like an outfit she has on.

Ryn also wasn't prejudging the album; he was summarizing my review. I mentioned only four songs because they were the only four songs worth mentioning, in my opinion. The rest of the album is completely bland and boring.

I also rarely do song-by-song reviews of albums for a number of reasons. It's just not my style, although I have some reviews that go deeper into albums. There is really no reason I'd ever do a song-by-song review of an album I found to be average, so that's not really a fair critique.

There are, obviously, other ways to review an album without simply listing the songs and an individualized impression of them. But there are a number of statements in my review that reference the album as a whole:

...this is about as average as average gets? It will sell well, it's easy-to-digest and flavourless, and it's wholly unremarkable.

and

There are tracks here that are respectable, proving that the Ja Rule duets from hell are in the rear-view mirror.

and

the bulk of The Declaration feels less like a decree of autonomy and more like the same old bag of feeble tricks.

and

The Declaration continues to prove Ashanti as a background singer pretending to be a lead artist...Ashanti's fundamental lack of individuality and character do little to make The Declaration memorable.

Now I think that describes this album pretty well and gives a pretty damn clear indication as to what I thought of it.

(For the record, I specifically mention 5 songs).

ha
KUDOS!
Are you getting upset?
Hilarious.
This is all still your opinion, as i mention before, i respect that.
If i think it's a shitty review, then that's my opinion.
Ryn obviously agreed with you, which is awesome! I value everyone's opinion.
I really don't care about your style and how you review albums. I read this one and didn't like it--simple as that.
You seem to be taking this "Copied and pasted" statement very seriously. Only you and only you know if you plagiarized, and if you didn't--you didn't! Whatever. I never mentioned plagiarism after you asked me to please not accuse you of plagiarizing. I said it seemed as if you copied and pasted, but never said it as if i knew for sure.
Don't take it to the heart because it's really not that serious. There's obviously two different opinions here, which makes the world a beautiful place.
"(For the record, I specifically mention 5 songs)."
Wooooo! YOU GOT ME! ha Was that really necessary? Did i say you mentioned 4? oops, my bad.
Jordan, i respect everything you said about the album, however i don't agree. That's basically all i was saying.
No biggie.

There's a difference between saying you don't agree with what I said about an album and saying I copied my review from somewhere else. Simple as that, Chris.

Hilarious, I know, but I do take allegations of plagiarism seriously. Most people don't like being accused of stealing. I asked that you respect my views on that issue and, once again, reiterated that you're welcome to have whatever opinion of my review that you like.

So yes, no biggie. If you feel the need to continue this conversation, have at it.

No.
I think we pretty much said it all.
I read a few of your other reviews, and i'm sure you didn't plagiarise. For that, i apologize.
GOOD DAY!

Why don't you two just get a room already?

Oh Bitcho, you're just jealous. :)

She is trailing about 2 years behind Beyonce. It's funny how she wants to always take shots at B, but yet is always trying to do what she has already done and look like she has already looked. She should thank B for making her step up her game.