Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Fantasia
“Free Yourself”

1. Ain’t Gon’ Beg You
2. Free Yourself
3. Truth Is
4. Selfish (I Want U 2 Myself)
5. Summertime
6. Baby Mama
7. Got Me Waiting
8. It’s All Good
9. You Were Always On My Mind
10. Good Lovin’
11. Don’t Act Right
12. This Is Me
13. I Believe

Season three American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino has a new reality show (link) and a new CD coming out sometime later this year.

So I figured it was time to add her 2004 album to my database of reviews of older Idol CDs.

This year’s golden ticket recipients are being asked to share their favorite American Idol moment from past season. Many are pointing to Adam Lambert as the top talent ever to grace the Idol stage.

In terms of a seasoned performer who knew what he wanted to do on stage, they might be right.

But in terms of pure vocal talent, I don’t know of any former Idol who can top Fantasia.

And that’s evident from her debut album.

Most of the tracks are R&B in tone. Among the best: “Selfish” (which also features Missy Elliott) and “Don’t Act Right.”

“Baby Mama” is annoyingly catchy; “Truth Is” was the first single and climbed as high as 21 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and number 2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart.

Unfortunately, some of the other tunes sound like R&B throw-aways even Fantasia’s vocals can’t salvage.

But it’s the stripped-down numbers we’re all familiar with where Fantasia truly shines, including a splendid version of “You’re Always On My Mind” and, of course, her signature, “Summertime.”

Guarantee, if you listen to them, you’ll be reminded of why Fantasia made season three of Idol so special.

And why she’s on par with any Idol in terms of vocal talent, if not album sales.

Grade: B

Download worthy: “Summertime,” “You’re Always On My Mind,” “Don’t Act Right,” “Selfish.”

Other reviews:
http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/fantasia/albums/album/6636073/review/6821656/free_yourself”>Rolling Stone: Gives Fantasia 3 stars out of 5
AllMusic.com: Gives Fantasia 3 stars out of 5