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!

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! 

Pull Up to the Bumper Baby : Small Talk

"Driving down those city streets,
Waiting to get down, 
Won't you get your big machine,     
Somewhere in this town?
Pull up to my bumper baby, 
In your long black limosine, 
Pull up to my bumper baby, 
And drive it in between."  - Grace Jones, Pull Up to the Bumper, Nightclubbing (1981)

What ya'll know about that Grace Jones? She is FIERCE!!!! 


Ladies and Gents.....if you need some tips on your game let me school you! Can I give it a shot? Why Not?

First and foremost, I have no game!!! My player card has never been activated and that's fine! Lol but I'll share some tips that I've learned and am mastering, also friends have taught me these things that have worked!  

So you want to get you a boo? A future husband / wife? A jump off? Ok I'll stop LOL! Back to the game of flirting. 

Ladies:
Truth be told, ladies actually hold the power. Many think that men pursue just to pursue but that's not really the case. A lady must give the man the GO in order for him to approach her. Now of course this doesn't always happen because there are some thirsty thirst bucket men out there! But, a woman usually gives the guy the green light. She does so by:

1. Eye contact with the admirer

2. Smiling

3. Playing with her hair while he stares

4. Fixing clothing

5. Applying make up/cosmetics as the admirer gawks at her

6. laughs

7. Catch your admirer watching you by briefly looking at him/her and looking away as if you didn't notice him/her. (If your with your girls or boys, act as if you are fully invested in your convo with them all the while your utilizing their energy to make your admirer want you - wqant you to give them your attention even more!)

8. Being Coy - The art of being clever, shy and lady like. Here is the technical definition.

adjective \ˈkȯi\  

1. a : shrinking from contact or familiarity <'tis but a kiss I beg, Why art thou coy? — William Shakespeare>

    b : marked by cute, coquettish, or artful playfulness <usingcoy tricks to attract attention>

     2

 .  showing reluctance to make a definite commitment <a coyresponse>

I'm not gonna give tips to the fellas of yet. That'll come soon. Just know that SMALL TALK HEPS YOU TOO!!! SO PURSUE WHOMEVER YOU LIKE WITH SMALL TALK! 

Although I'm still learning how to get my game on I found that SMALL TALK really helps! If someone is interested in you, they usually try to get you to engage with some small talk.

Small Talk = Pointless conversation that enables your admirer or the one you are admiring open the door for further communication! That is the goal! Small talk is completely irrelevant and does not have to make sense at all. You can be like "Wow, what did you think about the Spurs VS. Miami Heat Game? Why is the sky blue? etc." The whole point is to get the other person to engage you in conversation. Small talk can then morph into something great. The both of you talk about the weather in Kansas and then discover that you both are big fans of Scandal! Then that sparks more conversation and you'll go with with somebodies phone number! YASSSSS!

Now if you are on the receptive end of things, meaning someone is pursuing you - engage them as they small talk you ONLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED! See if your a ncie person like myself, you will give them settle ques that you aren't interested like texting on your phone, looking at someone else, or just simply telling them nicely, I AM NOT INTERESTED or make up some excuse like "Oh, I'm currently in a relationship and I'm not taking any applications or looking for interviewees."


Small Talk also allows the both of you to feel comfortable with one another. You know how it is when you first meet someone! Isn't it awkward? You may act all shy and weird the first few minutes. But Small talk diffuses that nervous energy because you gain familiarity with the other person. :)


So there you have it. Small talk is what we all do when we flirt rather you are the pursuer or the one being pursued. It is one  of the many keys for communication! Who knows, you may meet your future baby's father or mother! And I'm just as lost as you all are in the game of flirting but hey, we gotta learn somewhere right?


More of these flirty tips are coming!

Smooches!

Please share this post and your comments!