Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Editor’s Note: Regular visitors to this blog will notice a completely different look. But in transferring blogs to the new site, I’ve fallen behind on reviewing Idol music. Now I’m catching up. For capsule reviews of all the Idol CDs released in 2010, go here.

When you think of the most successful Idols of all time, the names Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson spring to mind.

Fantasia Barrino does not. Which might explain why her new album “Back to Me,” released in last August, is looked on as something of a comeback.

After all, it’s her first album since the moderately successful “Fantasia” back in December 2006. That’s a long time between albums.

And starring in her own reality show on VH1 smacks of desperation. In fact, in the very first episode, Fantasia sounded desperate for a hit song.

Mission accomplished, to a degree: “Bittersweet,” the first single off her new album, reached number seven on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart. The followup, “I’m Doin’ Me,” seems destined for the top 20 as well.

And the album, 10 weeks after its release, is still clinging to a spot in the top 50 of the Billboard 200. It debuted at number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and at number two on the Billboard 200.

Here’s another mission accomplished: Fantasia reminds us that she still owns the most distinctive voice among the nine American Idols crowned so far. Just listen to how that voice brings throwback tunes like “Trust Him” and “Collad Greens & Cornbread” to life. Or that smoldering vocal on “Teach Me.”

And the album features on of the best Idol tunes released this year, “Falling in Love Tonight.”Have no doubt. It’s Fantasia’s vocal that turns the dance tune into pure magic. Love that giggle at the beginning.

Superstardom? “Back to Me” isn’t that good. But it’s a move in the right direction. Moreso than any reality show could be.

Grade: B
Download worthy: “Falling in Love Tonight,” “Man of the House.”

Other reviews:
Los Angeles Time: Gives Fantasia 3 stars out of 4
Rolling Stone: Gives Fantasia 3.5 stars out of 5
New York Daily News: Gives Fantasia 4 stars out of 5
AllMusic.com: Gives Fantasia 3.5 stars out of 5

Fantasia
“Back to Me”

1. I’m Doin’ Me
2. Bittersweet
3. Man of the House
4. Who’s Been Lovin’ You
5. Collard Greens & Cornbread
6. Teach Me
7. Move on Me
8. Trust Him
9. The Trill is Gone
10. Falling in Love Tonight
11. Even Angels
12. I’m Here
(From ‘The Color Purple’)