Ciara - The R&B/Pop Starlet Lives it Up - Album Review

What up sugah plums! I've been gone for a minute, now I'm back with the jumpoff...GOONS IN THE CLUB! LOL!

So I am here to do a review of my baby Ciara's new self titled album Ciara. I have been bumping this every single day for the last 2 weeks! My review may be slightly biased because I love Ciara. many criticize her for her vocals and so forth, but thats irrelevant to me. She is no Whitney or Mariah, but she is an excellent performer. Ciara has her own identity as an artist and has rejuvenated her brand. I love having a new Janet Jackson! I feel like she is embracing her career, keeping it positive and not dwelling on negativity. So let's go!

Ciara Album Review

1. I’m Out feat. Nicki Minaj
2. Sophomore
3. Body Party
4. Keep on Lookin
5. Read My Lips
6. Where You Go feat. Future
7. Super Turnt Up feat. Ciara
8. DUI
9. Livin’ It Up feat. Nicki Minaj
10. Overdose
11. Backseat Love

1. I'm Out-
A fiesty ladies anthem, Ciara is out! No time for the games her ex is playing, she chants "If you know that your badder than the new girl that he on, gone head and tell em now 'you gone miss me when I'm gone'. The production, lyrics, and feature of Nicki make this track worthy of "single" treatment. Nicki Minaj really shines, giving the track much more impact.  Ciara sounds charged and ready to go. Definitely a club banger.
It's fire! I love it! Golden Track! And the video...you all must see it.


2. Sophomore-
Ciara is teaching the fellas a little something about "sex Ed" in this one. The beat and production is outstanding. It has that ATL hood feel and is raw. She sounds hungry and confident. Have you ever had a lover who simply wanted more? Catch that. Ha! -Golden Track



3. Body Party -
A nice slow jam, I really love how she sampled  the 90's track, Ghost DJ.......
It's such a feel good record where it's not too much not too little.
It works well for Ciara, her vocals shine, and it reminds me of Janet. Make sure you dance to it with someone next time your at a turn up! ;) -Golden Track


4. Keep On lookin - 
FIYAH! A mean, cocky, ATL Georgia original, ciara tells her haters to simply "keep on lookin" as she stunts. KEEP ON HATING! People give her so much shade for being her, I'm glad she isn't taking it anymore. I love this record because we all know she is so humble and sweet; so it's a much appreciated shift for her to talk a little sh**. I like this side of Ciara. BTW, the opening of the song is EPIC.


5. Read My lips-
This song had to grow on me a bit because when you first listen, it's corny. But, after a few listens the catchiness and beat will make you fall in love. This song is simply about her telling her lover to read her lips, and savor their love. (I'll keep it PG lol but you see where I'm going!)

I also love her vocals on the chorus because she is pushing herself. Sounds like Janet! But is Ciara baby! Cute record! 


6. Where You Go-
When I first  heard this track it instantly reminded me if Janet Jackson's "someone to call my lover". I like how Ciara incorporated a pop sounding guitar, it's super cute. Her vocals are superb and she understands how to blend R&B and Pop. Her hubby, Future, makes the record heavy. Her vocals add the femininity and lightness to the record. A honest pledge of love, Where You Go will definitely have you thinking about your boo. :)

I want this to be a single!
-Golden Track


7. Super Turnt Up-
This track was definitely a risk. When I first heard it on power 106 a few months ago, I was slightly disappointed with Ciara because I wanted her to ditch this sound. It gives me "Ride", and that was not one of my favs by her at all. I thought this record would sound different. I don't love it but I don't hate it. Ciara also raps on this one, which I think is dope. 

This song is about how her lover has her not just turnt up, but Super Turnt Up! The bridge of the song is similar to "Promise".

Ok! I hate and love this song at the same time! It grew on me! I have mixed feelings about it. Super Turnt Up!

8. DUI-
Sensual, grown, dark, and exotic; DUI is about being under the influence of someone's love. You may have to pull over or else you'll crash and things will get out of hand. Penned by Elijah Blake, Ciara's airy vocals fit the track perfectly. I can't imagine anyone else singing it. It's one of my favorites, the sound is what really pulls me in, instrumental is nice. It has a dramatic feel to it, as Ciara purrs "I bet the law might arrest me, if they knew what I was thinkin." -Golden Track


9. Livin It Up-
This is a great pop record with a island feel.  Vocals are crisp and hearty, and it sends a positive message. Think about living your life, doing what you want to do, and enjoying the ride. I like the original version without Nicki Minaj although her verse is cute and inspiring. I heard this song last summer way before it made the cut for the album, so I skip this record because I played it out! But it's a great tune and catchy. I would like to see a music video, Ciara may just choose this as a single.



10. Overdose -
We see Ciara in a different light on this one. She steps completely into pop, which she has done a few times before, but not like this. I can see this playing in the clubs and having multiple dance remixes for "the kids". It's refreshing. Have you ever overdosed on someone before? You just can't get enough of them.


11. Backseat Love-
The title explains itself. Now, I love this record because its a throwback to Goodies in my eyes. The way it sounds.... Takes me back to 03. It's SWAGGED out and cute. I can see a video for it, the bass is magnificent and the verse's are dope. -Golden TrackThere are a few more songs but I don't own the hard copy from Target which includes exclusive bonus tracks! Sorry! 

Overall, Ciara allows us to be reintroduced to one of our main R&B/Pop girls on the scene. She finds the medium between radio friendly pop/R&B/Hip-Hop which makes this album amazing. All of the songs could be a single, which is good. Ciara is studying how to make her sound, "her sound" while still being open to other musical risks. I say cop this album, especially for the summer! :) 


Hugs, kisses, and wishes. AND IM NOT A STAN! LOL! #CSQUAD Stand up!

#Music - Top 5 I'm Bumping in July

Hello Ladies and Gents! Just a quick music chat for a sec. i want to share with you the top 5 artists that I've been listening to this month! The current soundtrack of my life.


1. Kelly Rowland
2. Ciara
3  Chrisette Michele
4. Eve
5. Jay -Z



Kelly Rowland -

Her recent album, Talk a Good Game, has been on heavy rotation. I can really relate to the vulnerability and honesty Kelly serves on the album. My favorite tracks include: Talk a Good Game, Red Wine, Street Life, Stand in Front of Me, Gone, and Put Your Name On It. Kelly really stood her ground and I believe this is one of her best albums. She gave us some good R&B and took a risk. I just wish more people would notice. She always gets moderate attention and it annoys me. She cooked up some good music. You can feel that she put some heart into this one.  #TeamKelly


Ciara -

#CiaraOutNow ! YASSSS! I'm definitely a part of #CSquad. I love me some Ciara. Her recent LP, the self-titled Ciara, Is a refreshing risk taking surprise from the R&B/Pop starlet. I ride for Ciara! It's real! Let me tell you why! Ciara is overall a great entertainer. Yes we know she is not a world shattering vocalist but you have to understand she is a pop singer! She can hold a tune but what makes her stand out is her dancing. She is also a very beautifu;, positive, and classy young lady. I like her vocals because they work for her. Not every artists is a Beyonce, Whitney or Mariah Carey, but that does not negate their talents. What I love about her now is that she finally is opening up her brand and seeing that it takes much more than R&B Hip Hop to remain mainstream. It's about trends and fashion as well. My favorite tracks from her album are Sophomore, DUI, Keep On Lookin, Where You Go, Livin It Up, Honey I just love the entire album! Check it out!

Chrisette Michelle -

We have been waiting for her for 3 years! After releasing her fantastic mix-tape Audio Visual Presentation: Audrey Hepburn at the end of 2012,(which inspired to to get back into songwriting), I could not wait for her recent LP Better. Chrisette has really broken out of her shell, remaining a lady but becoming more raw and ruthless. She definitely grew out of the Golden Girl phase and entered a more elegant/sensual commanding phase of womanhood. Her hair and fashion also give me life. The rawness and wittiness she exudes in her interviews make me twirl as well. My favorite tracks from her album are Get Through the Night, Ten Foot Stilettos, I'm Still Fly, Visual Love, Snow, A Couple of Forever's, Let Me Win, Interlude (In My Heart Convo With My Boyfriend), Can the Cool Be Loved, and Love in the Afternoon. If you need some good love songs and want a relationship, are a sucker for love, or just a hopeless romantic - check this album out. 

Eve - 

I am so glad that she is back. Not only because she is a female rapper from my time (90's baby) but she is on her own. You see Eve in a new light. She is such a lady on this one giving us new musical styles, features, producers, and a new look. She has been gone for 11 years ya'll! After the multiple mishaps with record labels, Eve got her own label (From The Rib) -and just kept it pushing. I respect her hustle. She also got herself a new boo and they are so cute together. Her recent LP tilted LipLock, is a good break from Nicki Minaj and Azealia Banks (I wear them out because they are the only two female rappers who are really killing the game). My favorite tracks are Forgive Me, Make It Out This Town, All Night, Wanna Be, EVE, and Never Gone. Overall it's a must listen because Eve is open. She is vulnerable, giving you the rap diva we love, but letting us see her reflect on her life/decisions in a personal way. She also has some hints of shade towards other girls in the game ;). 


Jay-Z - 

Magna Carta Holy Grail BABY! PICASSO BABY! Every single time I listen to a Jay-Z track, I feel like I'm inspired to grind even harder! Seeing all that he has accomplished, just makes me humble LOL! Real talk! Him, Beyonce and Kanye! Every time they get in the studio I feel like I have a chance to make it lol!!!! I have not completed the album as of yet guys, I'm sorry but so far my favorite tracks of Part 2(On The Run) and Holy Grail. But From what I've heard I know it's a banger. I can tell you what I expect to be my favorite tracks: Beach is Better, La Familia, Crown, and Nickles & Dimes. 



What are your top 5 artists that you ar ebumping in July? Share them with me! Let's make this a conversation :). 


Hugs, Wishes, and Kisses! 
 -KL 

Ciara - The Evolution Continues

If you don't know now you know! I am a big Ciara fan and I am so excited for her return. Currently her new self titled album "Ciara" will be in stores and on iTunes this upcoming Tuesday, July 9th! Her album is also available for a free stream on Itunes! First and foremost I would like to say how proud I am of Ciara. The last 5-6 years of her career have been challenging in the fact that her old labels, LaFace/Jive began to not support her. As an artist it is important to have your machine behind you to get you the appearances, music videos, publicity, and outreach that you need for your music. It makes me upset when people criticize her so harshly and completely ignore her talent. 

Ciara has definitely prepared for a comeback releasing two hit singles "Body Party" (which recently went number 1) and "I'm Out" ft. Nicki Minaj. With L.A. Reid as her mentor, She has revamped her image , rocking a new blonde short bob and taking risks in fashion. She has really elevated her fashion to higher levels. She is taking more risks holistically, which is important for today's artist that work in a constantly evolving world. The songs, sounds, lyrics, approach, fashion, appearances, hair, moves she makes matter to the audience. Lets not forget that Ciara has been in the game for 10 years with 5 albums under her belt plus multiple hits; so she has the freedom to expand her brand. With her new label and team at Epic, Ciara is ready to claim her territory. 


I feel like she is one of the best performers of our time and deserves success. She is my girl!

I will definitely be doing an album review once the album is released! So stay tuned.

Hugs, kisses, and wishes! Muah!