In 2006 Fantasia’s self-titled sophomore album received generally mixed reviews from critics and even less favourable responses from her fans. The record barely managed to achieve gold status in the US; a far cry from the 1.8 million units that the Grammy-nominated singer’s debut album, ‘Free Yourself’, sold in that territory.
Now, amidst public controversy and personal turmoil, Fantasia is back with a new album, aptly entitled ‘Back to Me’, which features a true return to form by the uniquely talented R&B singer. On this 13-track LP Fantasia manages to combine the raw passion of her Soul influences with her spine-tingling vocals and contemporary productions, creating one of the best releases of the year to date.
‘Back to Me’ gets underway with the motivational track ‘I’m Doin’ Me’ – a song that Fantasia herself should probably listen to at this very moment in her life. Produced by Chuck Harmony, the song features the singer making a bold statement about self-worth to a lover who does nothing but hold her back. Boasting a similar message to one of her earlier hits – ‘Free Yourself’ – this track is brought to life by Fantasia’s soulful conviction and clever vocal arrangements, making it a fine choice as the opening number on the album. Nevertheless, ‘I’m Doin’ Me’ stands as only one of the many brilliant songs on the LP which is almost devoid fillers.
From the raw passion of the lead single, ‘Bittersweet’, to the inspirational ‘Even Angels’, Fantasia applies her raspy vocals to ingenious melodies and grand productions without becoming lost in the shuffle. Even on the incredibly busy ‘Move on Me’ – which was once in the running to be the album’s 1st single – Fantasia’s voice shines through amongst the thick productions and lavish horn sections; providing one of the best uptempo R&B songs created this side of the new millennium.
However, without a doubt, the standout track of the record is ‘Collard Greens & Cornbread’. Framed by a melody reminiscent of the material found on Aretha Franklin’s classic ‘Lady Soul’ LP, this is the track where Fantasia displays her skill as a Soul singer; utilising gritty vocal runs and powerful belts while gliding seamlessly through her range without missing a beat. Lyrically, the song proves to be one that probably only Fantasia could get away with singing in the year 2010 – “…I even got the nerve to say that you’re better than my mama’s collard greens and cornbread”.
The only instances where Fantasia fumbles the ball are when she tries to reach for a more radio-friendly sound. ‘Man of The House’, ‘Falling in Love Tonight’ and ‘Who’s Been Lovin’ You’ are solid singles choices but seem to have substituted Fantasia’s usual grit and energy in an effort to capture a more crossover appeal.
Still, songs such as ‘Trust Him’ and the haunting ‘The Thrill Is Gone (Ft. Cee-Lo)’ more than compensate for shortcomings of the aforementioned tracks. Furthermore, with the Lauryn Hill/Bob Marley-flavoured ‘Teach Me’ and the grand vocal performances of ‘I’m Here’ and ‘The Worst Is Over’ on the album, any such missteps are quickly forgotten.
When it is all said and done, ‘Back to Me’ proves to be the best body of work that Fantasia has ever put forward. Passionate, convincing, honest and powerful, the album captures the elements of everything that R&B music has been missing in recent years. Whether the general public will be able to look past her personal problems and embrace this record remains to be seen but one thing is certain: this album is better than my mama’s collard greens and cornbread.
63 COMMENTS
movieman
August 18, 2010 at 4:44 pm
she aint no mary j blige
she will flop
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Boydashian
August 18, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Trent I so agree with you! This album is the epitome of R&B!!! It’s more than great! I hope people embrace it. And for the ones that love Fantasia, pick up anextra copy of the albumfor the HATERS!!! Lol
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Trey
August 18, 2010 at 4:48 pm
I doubt it will flop. At least it will do better than her second album.
I think Fantasia will surprise with this album, and will be in the top five, and would be the top debut of next week if it weren’t for Teenage Dream.
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movieman
August 18, 2010 at 4:49 pm
ofcourse it will flop its fantasia she is not made for su6
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movieman
August 18, 2010 at 4:50 pm
besides she is a homewrecker just adultery keys
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The truth teller
August 18, 2010 at 4:51 pm
who is this TRANNY???
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TruthIs
August 18, 2010 at 4:51 pm
@MovieMan Well isn’t MJB’s latest effort considered a FLOP? It’s failed to sale a million copies… That’s considered a flop for her!
Amywho, Fantasia’s album is the best R&B album of 2010. It was worth the wait. I just hope she can clean her personal life up, but who am I to judge!! Go Fantasia!
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Hmmm
August 18, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Fantasia album Is the best.. I support her… I love to see the haters try and talk bad on Tasia bcuz they’re revealing the devil!!! Go fantasia, your albumwill do fine!!!
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truthis
August 18, 2010 at 5:06 pm
It may be good but Monica album proves to me to be the best r&b album of 2010…and she selling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!with no drama or scandals to help promote or bring attention…but i do wish fantasia luck!!!
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movieman
August 18, 2010 at 5:09 pm
neverteless she aint no mary j blige she wishes she is a flop and she is fucking maried man
she will alsways be a lesser girl
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Constance
August 18, 2010 at 5:13 pm
That was a good review Trent. Fantasia always puts out solid albums. Loving her and have already pre-ordered two albums. The best R&B album this year EASILY.
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stan
August 18, 2010 at 5:16 pm
“collard greens & cornbread” is KICKASS. shoulda been the 2nd single, if you ask me.
oh, and i’m still mad “ex you” didn’t make it to this album.
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Fantasia has best R&B album of 2010
August 18, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Monica’s album was good but it has absolutely NOtHING on Fantasia’s… For one, Fantasias voice runs circles around Monica’s low alto register… Monica had 10 songs 4 of which were on YouTube a year prior to the album… Fantasias’s CD is diverse, power vocals and classic! It represents Soulful R&B.. Monica represents urban R&B which is not a bad thing. Also, Fantasia album has several AWESOME album reviews (Not a bad review yet). Monica on the other hand had mostly mediocre ones that say her voice was monotoned!!! I’m just saying, Fantasia has the better album of the two!!! Monica’s was cool for wut it was!
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Pink juicy cookies
August 18, 2010 at 5:19 pm
I agree with your statement.
This album is very solid. Every track on there is good.
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Cyphers
August 18, 2010 at 5:20 pm
I’ve had this CD playing nonstop since I got it yesterday. Grammy material IMO.
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james
August 18, 2010 at 5:20 pm
@movieman how dare you call her “lesser” Thats her problem ppl like you always telling her they aint good enough. She is good enough and her album is by far the best RnB album this year, and I doubt anyone will put out a better more complete rnb album this year. She is good enough, and as soon as she realizes that, then she can step into her destiny
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FreshUrbanEnt
August 18, 2010 at 5:24 pm
JUST LISTENED TO THE ALBUM 2DAY. I’M NOT A FAN OF HERS BUT I HAVE TO ADMIT THE ALBUM IS REALLY GOOD.
CHECK OUT MY NEW ENTERTAINMENT SITE >>> http://WWW.FRESHURBANENT.CO.UK
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truthis
August 18, 2010 at 5:25 pm
umm excuse me @fantasiahasthebestalbum that is MY OPINION THAT MONICA HAS THE BEST ALBUM AND MANY MORE…MONICA IS A POWERHOUSE WHO EXUDES CLASS AND REPRESENTS ALSO WHAT R&B IS!!! GEESH PEOPLE WANT TO GET AT U FOR A DAMN OPINION…GO HAVE A V8 AND STOP COMPARING ARTISTS CAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY MONICA AND FANTASIA WILL STILL BE STANDING!
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EXPOSED
August 18, 2010 at 5:35 pm
CRITICALLY, THIS ALBUM IS A SUCCESS. TOO BAD IT WONT HAVE THE RADIO AIRPLAY AND PHYSICAL SALES TO BACK IT UP. THEREFORE, SALES WILL BE “OK” THE FIRST WEEK AND TOTALLY DROP OFF THEREAFTER. DONT EXPECT MONICA’S NUMBERS. I SUSPECT 120K RANGE AND DROP OFF 50% FOLLOWING WEEK. WONT DO GOLD, MIGHT CAP OFF AT 400K RANGE OVER 3 MOS. TOO BAD HER PERSONAL SHIT IS GONNA RUIN IT MORE THAN IT SHOULD. MEHHH, BLAND.
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EXPOSED
August 18, 2010 at 5:37 pm
BESIDES, MONICA AND FANNIE ARE BOTH FROM THE SAME LABEL AND A&R DUDE IN LARRY JACKSON. WHO CARESSS WHO WINS. SALES GOES TO THE SAME COMPANY ANYWAY. MORONS.
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lamont
August 18, 2010 at 5:40 pm
@TRUTHIS- I AGREE TOTALLY 100% WITH YOU!! MONICA IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST. HER ALBUM IS THE BEST R&B ALBUM OF 2010! I LOVE FANTASIA ALSO BUT HER ALBUM IS GOOD I LOVE IT!! BUT, IT WILL NOT DO AS GOOD AS HER SOPHMORE ALBUM! IM A MONICA FAN FOR LIFE! YEAH YOUR RIGHT MONICA MAY HAVE HAD 10 SONGS ON HER ALBUM BUT TRUST AND BELIEVE IT WANT BE 10 SONGS ON THE NEXT ALBUM! STOP COMPARING ARTIST! @FANTASIAHASTHEBESTALBUM. MONICA HAS BEEN DOING HER THANG’ SINCE 95 AND FANTASIA HOW LONG? BITCH GET REAL!!! MONICA ALL DAY!! FUCK WHAT CRITICS SAY! ITS ABOUT THE FANS AND PEOPLE WHO GO IN THE STORE AND BUY THE ALBUM!!!
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lamont
August 18, 2010 at 5:41 pm
@EXPOSED– I TOTALLY AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU SAID 100%
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Mindset212
August 18, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Back to me is an amazing album! Vocally, Creatively, Technically, Lyrically, Emotionally and Thematically stellar. It surpasses most of the R&B releases this year and is deserving of all the nominations and accolades it will receive. Music critics from Amazon to Yahoo to Billboard have praised it thus already making it a critically acclaimed effort. Internationally this album will soar as Europeans and Canadians appreciate and respect real musical talent without being so judgmental and nasty like some American music fans. Any negative feedback via this blog is pure hatred and has nothing to do with the music or album. Thank You for such a thorough review!
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k
August 18, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Amazing album by an amazing sanger. This album puts Monica’s to shame.
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RaydeeohCity
August 18, 2010 at 6:27 pm
LOOOOVE “Collard Greens & Cornbread”…ever since the snippets leaked, thats the only one that stuck out on 1st listen.
Def one of her best songs to date, i doubt itlll get single treatment tho. I mean how are they gonna market it with a title like that lol.
The song will get judged before its even heard
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stan
August 18, 2010 at 6:34 pm
um, why are you guys pitting her against monica? they’re both fantastic artists who very much deserve success. smh.
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Terrell
August 18, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Lol at all the Monica fans hoping Fantasia’s album isn’t a success. Fantasia is unstoppable, if anybody can make the most of bad publicity it’s her. This album will be a success, and you haters putting your mouths on her won’t change that. The album is fiyah, only a hater would dare deny that. Anyway, an artist’s personal life (i.e who they are sleeping with) should never be held against the quality of their art. Some of you are really immature, grow up. Y’all act like she was personally fucking your man.
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SERIOUSLY
August 18, 2010 at 6:46 pm
FANTASIA’S ALBUM IS SIMPLY THE BEST. FANTASIA WILL NOT BE IN THE SAME LEAGUE AS A BEYONCE OR RIHANNA THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT FANBASE WHICH IS GREAT. IF YOU LOOK TO COMPARE FANTASIA TO ANYONE YOU SHOULD LOOK TO SOUL SINGERS LIKE PATTI LABELLE. PATTI HAS A VOICE AND A STAGE PERFORMANCE THEY FOLKS HAVE GROWN TO LOVE. SHE IS WELL KNOWN AND IS A SUCCESSS HOWEVER, PATTI LABEL DOES NOT SELL LOTS OF RECORDS. SHE MAKES HER MONEY AND GAINS APPEAL OFF OF TOURING AND OTHER SHOWS JUST AS TASIA. FANTASIA WILL ALOS BE A CRITICALL ACCALIMED SINGER LIKE PATTI WHILE OTHERS LIKE BEYONCE AND RIHANNA WILL BE KNOWN FOR RECORD SALES AND NUMBER ONE HITS.
FANTASIA IS SIMPLY THE BEST ONE OF A KIND AND NO ONE COMPARES .
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ATLANTABABY2010
August 18, 2010 at 6:55 pm
WELL I HOPE THIS CHICK FLOP HOW THE HECK YOU TRY TO KILL YOUR SELF TO PROMOTE YOUR CD AND THEN TWO DAYS LATER YOU BACK WITH THE PERSON YOU WANT TO KILL UR SELF OVER AND BOUT HER ALBUM BEING BETTER THEN MONICA THATS NOT A GOIN HAPPEN MONICA HAVE UNRELEASED TRACK PPL ARE WISHIN WAS ON THE ALBUM SO STOP TRYIN TO COMPARE MONICA AND THIS RETARDED CHICK BECUZ MONICA WILL CUM OUT ON TOP OH YEA MONICA STILL STANDING IS NOW CERTIFED PLATINUM
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Tiff
August 18, 2010 at 7:16 pm
I will never support a home wrecking bish.
And that song “luck girl” inappropriate and tacky as hell!
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Tiff
August 18, 2010 at 7:17 pm
*Lucky Girl
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Tooch
August 18, 2010 at 7:28 pm
@ STAN! I agree. Folks always start an argument over who is better than who. Can’t never just have a solid oppinion without making someone else better or less. Just stick to the dag gone topic. They are both beautiful and awesome singer in there OWN right. Everyone is unique and it is suppose to be that way. I love Fantasia (she is human after all) I love her gift. Same with Monica. Now let them do their OWN thing and make their OWN money individually.
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Tina
August 18, 2010 at 8:23 pm
How is a Nicki Minaj fan trying to have morals?? LMAO!
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JonathanGardnerTV
August 18, 2010 at 8:36 pm
I pre-ordered the album yesterday and can’t wait for it omg! I will probably get it the same day as my GCSE results!!!
I am so happy!!
I LOVE The Thrill Is Gone along with Even Angels – and have heard Man of the House and Bittersweet which I also like – however I REFUSE to listen to any other songs until I get my album through in the post!
GO FANNY! I hope this charts in the UK!! We need some r e a l , SOULFUL R&B back in our charts!
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blackbeautyanddiva
August 18, 2010 at 8:50 pm
TO KNOCK ALL THIS NON SENSE DOWN THAT THE NAY SAYERS ARE SAYING…EVERYBODY PLEASE DURING THE FIRST WEEK BUY TWO COPIES OF “BACK TO ME”
I LIKE BOTH MONICA AND FANTASIA AND THEY ARE BOTH UP THERE WITH THE BEST R&B SINGERS IN HE GAME WE HAVE TODAY….
I JUST LISTENED TO ALL HER SONGS ON HER FACEBOOK PAGE AND THE SONGS ARE OFF THE HOOK…
WE MUST SUPPOT OUR REAL R&B SINGERS…
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Tiff
August 18, 2010 at 9:35 pm
@ tina if you are talking about me Iam not a nicki fan. Only reason I have her as my gravatar is because it’s freaking hilarious but that does not make me a fan.I can’t stand nicki minaj
so please get all of your facts straight before you comment please and thank you.
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Bluekid
August 18, 2010 at 9:57 pm
I have to agree with Tiff on this one, but I do wish Ms. Fanny well with her new album.
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RosaRubbel
August 18, 2010 at 10:09 pm
I have to admit I haven’t listened to the album yet, because I want to be surprised when I get my copy on 24th August. I think there is no doubt this album will do well on the charts. It could even do as well as Monica’s album to be honest. Alone her ‘accident’ brings her tons of promotion. Plus she has a lot of performances coming up & a reality show.
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NUNYA
August 18, 2010 at 10:39 pm
As i said yesterday this cd is excellent, Fantasia did her thing on this cd. And Im buying it, heck I might get 2 copies because I know Im going to play the heck out of the cd,LOL
I love both Fantasia and Monica cdS, they have the best R&B cds that came out in a while. Even though Im feeling Mary and India cds. But anyway I wish Fantasia the best on this cd.
To all the people who keep on saying they dont support home wreckers and so forth. I hope you dont like no one in the entertainment field because EVERYONE in this world have committed a sin, whether is was big or small.
A SIN IS A SIN AND YOU ALL NEED TO REALIZE THAT. HYPOCRITICAL IDIOTS.
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Quiana
August 18, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Her cd is good though. I haven’t bought Monica’s yet, just haven’t had time to do it.
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ras
August 18, 2010 at 11:54 pm
man fantasia album is off the chain
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truthis
August 19, 2010 at 12:23 am
Sam as many times as u bump this topic u would think it would have more than 41 comments..oh well!!!!!!!!!!!!
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chips yummm
August 19, 2010 at 12:41 am
Sorry i dont support hoes with annoying churchy voices
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larrissa74
August 19, 2010 at 12:54 am
Loving Fantasia’s new album ,I will be buying extras!! Fantasia,Back to Me Aug.24 go get it yall!!!!
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Nick
August 19, 2010 at 1:54 am
movieman? No, she aint no Mary J, Fantasia can sing circles around Mary damn J.
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TheYoungLion
August 19, 2010 at 2:02 am
Monica slayed that fat dumb homewrecka!! Tasia’s voice is shrill, whiny and screechy as fuck. Daffy Duck sounding fool.
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TheBaddestBitch
August 19, 2010 at 2:47 am
WHY PUT MONICA against Fantasia?
The girls gave us two hot records when Real R&B is needeed!
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leeng
August 19, 2010 at 3:48 am
People will hate no matter how good you are cause they are miserable so to all TASIA haters we will show you what a real R&B singer is a real soul singer just take a listen to the artist not her personal life it is hers to do as she pleases so bow dow n and take a listen and you will hear what a true artist is……GO TASIA GOD GOT YOUR BACK…..
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MuzikManiack
August 19, 2010 at 6:51 am
I LOVE Fantasia’s cd and I def will be buying 3 copies on Tuesday! @LEENG I totally agree with everything you just said!
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XDCLUSIVE
August 19, 2010 at 8:44 am
everyone sounds so damn ignorant and stupid…one minute all the complaining that there is not enough real r&b and then when you get it you put real r&b against each other like its a battle..just be glad you HAVE MORE THAN ONE ARTIST COMING OUT WITH R&B……SO DAMN STUPID
The sad part is that most of you are probably grown a$$ idiots sitting behind a computer commenting on stuff you know nothing about.
Not a huge fan of Monica nor Fantasia but listening to both albums not I can say that Fastasia has a winner…while Monica has a more commercial r&b feel mixed with authentic r&b…Fantasia seems to go in raw for majority of the album.
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anom
August 19, 2010 at 12:35 pm
What does Fantasia’s personal life have to do with this cd?
The album is amazing and collard greens and cornbread is my jam.
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Maxi
August 19, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Truth be told, i never liked Floptasia from day 1,i always thought the other white girl had the better voice and personality and should have one the American idol…but Americans are Idiots,they rather vote for sympathy than real talent..i hate her voice..she sounds like Michelle Williams of destinys child and i just cant stand her big lips and are uncontrolled as-libs..i never bought any of her albums and i will never buy any of it….FLOPTASIA!!!
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MR_IAMWHOIAM
August 21, 2010 at 12:14 am
MOST DEFINITELY ON MY THINGS TO GET LIST… THE WOMAN IS SUPERTALENTED…
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ajm265
August 21, 2010 at 3:26 am
ummmm i see a lot of 10 year olds a posting here… Monica and Fantasia are two different singers with different ranges and different ideas when it comes to their music… the two cant be compared i listened to fantasia whole album and my favorite tracks are Falling in Love, Collard Greens & Corn Bread, Even Angels and Doing Me. those are her hit R&B singles from this albums i wish her luck. and for the ones who are throwing shade on monica Still Standing speaks for itself
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realist
August 25, 2010 at 11:55 am
maxi you are a sad excuse of a human being, don’t you have a life or nothing to do? STFU and get off Tasia page…. this album is awesome..
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larrissa74
August 25, 2010 at 9:28 pm
I just want say to all of you people putting all theses hateful comments about Tasia,when I read the subject of this thread I believe it said FANTASIA”S NEW ALBUM. If you dont like her why read a thread about her,seriously the hate has gone too far,I wonder did any of you see Good Morning America and see how hurt this young lady is. Where you there? Did you see her break up a marriage? She has come forward and told the truth,when she don’t owe none yall not even fans an explanation. LEAVE HER ALONE ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!! This could have easily be your Mother,Sister,or daughter. She is someone’s Mother.Would you want someone to talk like this about your Mother? HATERS YOU DON’T WIN SHE IS STILL HERE AND SHE AINT GOING NOWHERE!!!! Real supporters and fans please buy her Album “Back to ME” it is a beautiful piece of work. I love the fact that she even did some writing on this one. I am so proud of her ,and there is even greater things in store for her.
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Courtney Rosemond
September 1, 2010 at 3:10 am
Hate on her all you want! This is album of the year material. Her personal life is hers. No one else.
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Sabrina
September 1, 2010 at 8:17 pm
All I have to say is…..Fantasia’s album is beautiful! Don’t knock if you haven’t listened to it.
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*_Baby Nickii 808_*
September 2, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Girl You Kno You Did Tha Fool Wit That 1 And Bittersweet I Put That On Every Thing I Own Even My Ex Ringtone Bet That.
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*_Baby Nickii 808_*
September 2, 2010 at 3:13 pm
LOved It When Is Tha Next Album
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Kisha
September 16, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Her Album cover looks tight, hair is always on point, her Album was nice, hope all is well and I need to find out who does her hair. Please do post your Stylist!!
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Calvin
September 25, 2010 at 11:01 pm
Monica might have a great album as well as Fantasia does, and I hate how people hate on FANTASIA all the time she is a great person and has a kind heart and I have had the opportunity to meet her backstage before she is awesome, and another thing Fantasia has the #1 R&B Album and her album is #2 on Top 200 albums now that right there is awesome if that doesnt say it then i dont what else does?
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MS.ME
September 29, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Fantasia’s abum is great and so is Monica’s. I listen to Monica when im feeling and certian way and the same for Fantasia. Both ladies are beautiful and have AMAZING voices. Way to go to both Fantasia and Monica.
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