For better or worse, much has changed since 2004, when Ashanti released Concrete Rose. And if truth be told, the R&B landscape has been completely redefined. Just think, as hard as it may seem: four years ago, Destiny's Child was still a group, the Fugees were in the midst of a "reunion" and Rihanna was preparing her first release, Music of the Sun.
More important, several R&B divas have surfaced (and disappeared) since the release of her GRAMMY-winning debut—giving Ashanti ample motivation to prove herself as the real "Princess of Hip Hop and R&B." So if the Declaration pulsates with a sense of urgency, then one should blame the album's timing, rather than its contents, because the album materializes as Ashanti's penning of a new musical chapter, rather than an attempt to redefine or takeover the R&B genre.
The Declaration lays all of Ashanti's cards on the table—covering a wide range of emotions that every female experiences, no doubt, at some point. "Good Good" acknowledges her sexual prowess, while her "Shine" empowers others to overcome their own personal battles. "Struggle," however, is the album's stand-out track and a realistic portrayal of a relationship that has successfully weathered the storms of love. Another treat is "Things You Make Me Do," a duet with Robin Thicke, where we find Ashanti falling prey to the power of love.
All in all, the Declaration reminds us why the world fell head-over-heels for Ashanti in 2002. And now that she has finally declared her professional independence, Ashanti's future works may finally get the respect (and attention) that they deserve.
Article comments
1 - jack
okay so i 110% agree with this review. ashanti is here to stay and i've been with her since 2002 and this is by far her best work.
GO GET IT
great jobb clayton!!
2 - rory
I would honestly have to say that this is her best work yet. you will never skip a track on this cd!! keep up the good work Ashanti
3 - Korey
definitely a GREAT album...i highly suggest purchasing this album. this is a great r&b album to date, next to the Dream's Love Hate album, but ashanti is a force to be reckoned with. she did her thang and i love the direction she took with this album by ditching the Incs production and oversight. you can really hear her growth. good job!!!!!
4 - OH-ASHANTI
Holler!
5 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites and Boston.com.
6 - YOLI
this just goes to show that people dont believe in real music anymore. look at her best work yet and still only 89,000 of us purchased her album wow. because it dont have them hard booty shaking beats and sex appeal love scenes. well go shanti go one day people will realize how great you are. i think its because people formed that riot or protest around her album release date about her video " the way that i love you" them haters who were scared she was going to have another big sales week so they put all this controvercy around her album and made it flop. that is truely a good album when you can sit and listen to all the songs on an album straight through without skipping this a good album and ashanti has one. a damn classic.
7 - andy
i agree it is a great album how many of the artist today can u sit and listen to their entire album not many . but ashanti definately penned a great album continue working hard and you will reached hte top ashanti GOODLUCK