Album review: Fantasia's 'Back to Me'

 “American Idol” 2004 winner Fantasia Barrino has been in the news lately for reasons beyond the release of her third album, “Back to Me.” First, there’s the suicide attempt two weeks ago that she’ll be discussing in upcoming interviews. Then there’s the alleged relationship with a married man whose wife recently filed documents in court stating that he and Barrino began a “covert adulterous affair” in August 2009. And, to the pleasure of cutthroat Internet outlets everywhere, there’s reportedly a sex tape or two to be unearthed.

All this background makes it hard to listen to “Back to Me” without resorting to pat conclusions about Barrino’s state of mind. Of course, it’s also the case that Fantasia’s stock and trade is limning the emotional highs and lows of romance, using her throaty, expressive voice to color in the specifics.

“Back to Me” flies between lust (“Move on Me”), the crash (“The Thrill Is Gone” with Cee-Lo doing his best titillating creep), supplication (“Teach Me”), giddiness (“Trust Him”) — all of it set to accomplished though not particularly imaginative soul treatments from the likes of Ne-Yo, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony. There is nothing here that hasn’t been heard or seen before, but it’s done with integrity and focus.

Fantasia’s best moment is probably on “Bittersweet,” smartly chosen as the album’s first single. Opening with some anguished piano and gut-socking moans, Fantasia captures the wild oscillation between pining for someone and moving on. At 26, she sounds like she’s learning what to let go of and what to keep, a long journey to be sure; on “Back to Me,” she sounds up for the task.

— Margaret Wappler

Fantasia
"Back to Me"
(J Records)
Three stars (Out of four)

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Comments

[shirley williams]

I think Fantasia's Back to Me Album is the best R&B album I have heard in years. If you are going to review an album without bias it should be base on simply the music rather being colored by you take on a person's actions. Shame on you for not being impartial which I thought was the first rule of good journalism. Ms Barinno's voice is flawless. The songs are very listener friendly. In my humble opinion the album rates 4/4 but then I'm not a bias critic.

[Bobby]

I agree with Shirley Williams, this was not a review of the album. What goes on in her life should have nothing to do with what you think of the cd. I think you can truly hear the growth in Fantasia's voice on Back to me. The song have a much deeper meaning than some of her past work. Its a cd you can truly hit play on num 1 and listen to the cd in its entirety. I will say its not what I expected but I am well pleased. Great job Fantasia!

[shatara tamplin]

This cd is amazing fantasia has one of those old school voice the hottest out hands down ! She sings from the pits of her soul ! She is great . . . Love her ;)

[RoggieP]

I LOVE Fantasia and wish her the best! What happened to that incredible singer who blew us away in American Idol? For all the fans of AI, a big question remain: what's going on with the show? Why can't they make it as exciting as it used to be like when Ms Barrino was on? AI is becoming this Summer's Soap Opera and this article totally nails it! http://www.remotepatrolled.com/2010/08/american-idol-summer%E2%80%99s-best-soap-opera/

[Searles]

Yes this Review wasnt based entirely on the album because, i think this is the best one she has put out! You can really put it on #1 and listen to the entire album! Great Job Tasia!!

[Karen Wilcox]

Hello? Earth to the writer of this album review. What does Fantasia's personal life have to do with an album review? Margaret Wappler stated " All this background makes it hard to listen to “Back to Me” without resorting to pat conclusions about Barrino’s state of mind. " Excuse me? When has an artist personal drama effected a listener's ability to listen and enjoy an artist's record??? The readers want to hear a review of the album tracks, we want to read about your opinions on the MUSIC itself. Clearly "Maragret Wappler" is after media attention herself; seeking to sensationalize her album review with the latest tabloid gossip. If we wanted a album review that's all about gossip and not music, we would read the National Enquirer. The LA Times should hire a writer that actually "writes" about the music. The intention of this article was to review the "album". It would be nice if we could actually learn about the album.

Thanks!!

[Ms. king]

Now i consider myself fanasia's biggest fan down here in the a. this album is the best album i have heard in a long time. the last time i actually wanted to go and buy an album was when brandy was doing her thing. i dont even buy beyonce stuff b/c i dont like the kinda music beyonce does. it's not r&b. this right here what fantasia is doing is all i needed to hear to make me fall back in love with r&b music again. it's a reason why miss fantasia didn't die after taking those pills. she still has work to be done here on earth. she has influenced me so much. i am a singer and i was going to give up my dream some time ago but everytime i see fantaisa live or hear anything of hers, it makes me want to sing again. lately r&b music has disaapointed me so bad b.c they are making pop music and calling it r&b when it's not. but in my opinon fantasia should have gotten a grammy by now. that's just rediculous. the girl is unstoppable. people plz go and purchase fantasia cd. no lime wire! i love you fantasia!