Ashanti:
Concrete Rose

Release Date: 13 December 2004

Reviewed By: Jennifer Rock

1. Concrete Rose Intro

2. Still Down - ft, T.I

3. Message To The Fans (skit)

4. Only U

5. Focus

6. Don't Let Them

7. Love Again

8. Take Me Tonight - ft, Lloyd

9. U

10. Every Lil' Thing

11. Turn It Up - ft, Ja Rule

12. Buck 3000 (skit)

13. So Hot

14. Don't Leave Me Alone - ft, 7 Aurelis

15. Sister Stories (skit)

16. Freedom

17. Wonderful remix - ft, Ja Rule

18. Touch My Body (UK bonus track)

Nas - Street's Disciple
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It’s been less than 18 months since the release of Ashanti’s sophomore album ‘Chapter 2’, which spawned the big 2003 summer smash ‘Rock Wit U’.

‘Only U’, the first track off her third album ‘Concrete Rose’, is an edgy rock-laced anthem, with a distinctive pulsating guitar rift, a departure from her usual soulful R&B style. This single has already peaked at number one on MTV’s Base Chart and is set to climb the national charts. In a recent interview, Ashanti describes the album as a natural progression, and a reflection of her personal growth.

Personally, I was pleasantly surprised that this album proved to be consistently good throughout – however, apart from ‘Only U’, it is hard to decide which are the other stand out tracks and which one might be released as the next single.

Tracks such as ‘Only U’, ‘Focus’ and ‘Turn It Up’, which has a very 1970s flavour using a Curtis Mayfield sample, will definitely do well in the clubs, whereas the rest of the album has a more mellow vibe which is sensual and ideal for easy listening.

Usually recognised for her collaborations with Ja Rule on hits such as ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Mesmerise’, and more recently with Lloyd, another up and coming artist on The Inc label, Ashanti is fighting to put to rest rumours that her vocal skills don’t match up to other R&B artists. On her latest album, she does not stray too far vocally from previous outings, and although a few tracks do tend to resemble that of Beyoncé or Mary J. Blige, such as ‘Don’t Let Them’ and ‘Every Lil’ Thing’, this album is still distinctive Ashanti.

Having written for other artists including Jennifer Lopez, she gives massive input on this album, helping to co-write a substantial number of tracks alongside other Inc producers such as Aurelius and Lorenzo.

According to Ashanti, ‘Concrete Rose’ deliberately sets out to contrast her soft R&B style verses her ‘hip-hop gangsta chick’ image, which are both evident in her music. Her album cover shows her in a Chaka Khan-esque mode, a more intimate, up-close-and-personal grown-up portrait.

This album is definitely one for the fans, which with it’s feel good vibes might also attract new listeners. It should also help Ashanti curb rumours of her vocal inadequacy as it displays different musical styles with a mix of oriental flavas, hip-hop and R&B.

Talking on issues of love, commitment, and togetherness, Concrete Rose is one for the ladies whether it be played in the bedroom or in the Jeep. Ashanti has shown that she is growing through her music and vocally as an artist, and it can easily be said that this is her best album to date.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Top 3 tracks:
Only U
Love Again
Don’t Leave Me Alone

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