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Ciara has experienced several commercial struggles during the last 2 years. Her 2009 release, ‘Fantasy Ride’, performed poorly on the charts, selling less than 200,000 units in the US to date, despite producing the top 10 hit ‘Love Sex Magic (Ft. Justin Timberlake)’.

Additionally, instead of being praised for attempting to diversify her sound, Ciara endured a backlash from her listeners who argued that she had abandoned her Urban roots. So how has Ciara decided to respond to her critics? By giving them exactly what they want – a return to basics.

‘Basic Instinct’ features the Atlanta entertainer unleashing her sexuality over 11 bass-heavy tracks crafted by the likes of Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, Kenneth ‘Soundz’ Coby, Ester Dean, Tyler Williams, Nelson Kyle and Hilton Humphery. However, Ciara’s attempts at reclaiming her title as the Princess of Crunk N’B prove to be more lukewarm than the audio fire that some would desire.

Surprisingly, the strongest songs on ‘Basic Instinct’ are the singles. The Soundz-produced ‘Gimme Dat’ provides ample opportunities for listeners to put their dance skills to the test as they attempt to keep up with the high-octane beat and pulsating bass. Although the record may not have been the best choice for a radio release, it definitely sets the pace for the rest of the LP.

Moreover, Ciara reunites with one of her favourite collaborators, Ludacris, successfully recreating the chemistry of their worldwide hit, ‘Oh’, with the help of the sensual melodies and suggestive lyrics on ‘Ride’. Even ‘Speechless’, which was initially underwhelming because of The-Dream’s predictable and redundant productions skills, proved to be quite enjoyable after several listens; a ‘grower’ in every sense of the word.

Nonetheless, there is nothing redeeming about the weakest song on the album, ‘Girls Get Your Money’. Lyrically reminiscent of an elementary school playground game, the track is nothing more than uninspired filth. The limitations of Ciara’s vocal ability could not have been made more obvious as the tone of her voice made the record even more painful to bear. In fact lines like “they always want to holla but they ain’t got no dollars” almost require the song to be renamed ‘Girls Get Your Money And Buy Another Album’.

Other missteps on the LP include ‘Yeah I Know’ and ‘You Can Get It’. A glance at the production credits for the latter is not needed as The Dream’s lack of variation is easily detectable while listening to the song’s melody which is striking similar to his own ‘Mr. Yeah’ from his ‘Love vs. Money’ LP.

Still, all is not lost for Ciara as there are a few album cuts that are almost as enjoyable as the selected singles. The mastered version of the future club anthem ‘Turn It Up (Ft. Usher)’ and the infectious ‘Heavy Rotation’ demonstrate that she has not fully abandoned her quest for mainstream success on the Pop formats; mixing Dance and R&B for favourable results.

Other gems include the uniquely interesting ‘Wants For Dinner’ which includes unmistakable Reggae influences and the sensual mystique of ‘I Run It’ display Ciara’s ability to manipulate her voice to various compositions. She may not have the most expansive vocal range yet she certainly knows how to operate within her limits.

In the end, Ciara has put forward a mild yet respectable body of work with ‘Basic Instinct’. What is most apparent about the album is that the songs that featured contributions from producers other than just Tricky and The-Dream were clearly superior; another glaring example that variation is the key to success.

Undoubtedly, however, this project would have been better suited to an August release, as she originally planned, as it reflects a Summer vibe and it may be lost in the shuffle of the various other albums due this December. Nevertheless, only time will tell if this will be the hit that she deserves.

I thought this album had already been released and flopped big time We were discussing the "Ride" single months ago! The fact that it's been delayed this long is not a good sign.It's a dud and the record label doesn't know what to do with it.

"Surprisingly, the strongest songs on ‘Basic Instinct’ are the singles"...they will probably not release the weakest songs LOL

Translation: Save your loot.

robertlove said:

Graycap23 said:

Cinnie said:

Graycap23 said:

Translation: Save your loot.

You're probably right, but did you like any of her records before?

A few of her songs are ok.

95% generic button pusher producer songs.

Cinnie said:

robertlove said:

"Surprisingly, the strongest songs on ‘Basic Instinct’ are the singles"...they will probably not release the weakest songs LOL

Yeah that left me then I realized, this is a hype piece. I was thinkin' last week like, did Ciara's album ever come out this year? I wasn't really feeling "Ride". An album where she "unleashes her sexuality" sounds like she is getting desperate. Then all those different producers, my lawd. I guess that's not greatly different from her past albums but I'm really worried for her career now.

Maybe she needs to go back to what jump started her career. Jazze Pha

Nowadays,albums come and go so quickly.They get released,flop big time and then nobody's even talking about it anymore.This will surely happen with this new album.

If you remember, BET decided to not play her racy "Ride" video. That seemed to put the brakes on promotion, and I haven't heard anything about the album until now.

Graycap23 said:

Cinnie said:

Graycap23 said: You're probably right, but did you like any of her records before?

A few of her songs are ok.

95% generic button pusher producer songs.

"The Title" based on LTD's "Love Ballad" is ma cut.

That debut as a whole was really promising.

I don't know if Crunk'N'B is even something someone would want to be the princess of anymore. It was such a hot fad 6 years ago, but now it just sounds dumb. I think Lil Jon's album bricked this year too.

Illuminati symbol.

I feel a little better after seeing Ciara on The Wendy Williams Show today:

http://thatgrapejuice.net...iams-show/

F l o p.

Dead at her wanting to keep getting better at her stale matrix move. I can't....

midiscover said:

F l o p.

Dead at her wanting to keep getting better at her stale matrix move. I can't....

okay that part reminded me of that xtranormal cici vs. keri

December is gonna be the RB female graveyard, Ciara, Keyshia Cole and Keri Hilson are all going to get a plot at that cemetary. You just think someone would shake shit up, i heard all 3 albums already and all 3 ladies are singing the same songs, same angles, same production, not even an inch of creativity on them.

lastdecember said:

December is gonna be the RB female graveyard, Ciara, Keyshia Cole and Keri Hilson are all going to get a plot at that cemetary. You just think someone would shake shit up, i heard all 3 albums already and all 3 ladies are singing the same songs, same angles, same production, not even an inch of creativity on them.

Girl's 15 minutes are now black history. If she tries hard, she may be able to squeeze in a little reality TV, a bad clothing line, and a sextape or two before utter obscurity.

...And I hope she takes Keri Hilson along with her.

[Edited 12/14/10 9:38am]

lastdecember said:

December is gonna be the RB female graveyard, Ciara, Keyshia Cole and Keri Hilson are all going to get a plot at that cemetary. You just think someone would shake shit up, i heard all 3 albums already and all 3 ladies are singing the same songs, same angles, same production, not even an inch of creativity on them.

ch

Lammastide said:

Girl's 15 minutes is now black history. If she tries hard, she may be able to squeeze in a little reality TV, a bad clothing line, and a sextape or two before utter obscurity.

...And I hope she takes Keri Hilson along with her.

Not for nothing but why do people always say these things about Ciara and Keri Hilson? Why don't people like them? Is it because of Beyonce? Do people just want her to stay on top?

dancerella said:

Lammastide said:

Girl's 15 minutes is now black history. If she tries hard, she may be able to squeeze in a little reality TV, a bad clothing line, and a sextape or two before utter obscurity.

...And I hope she takes Keri Hilson along with her.

Not for nothing but why do people always say these things about Ciara and Keri Hilson? Why don't people like them? Is it because of Beyonce? Do people just want her to stay on top?

Exactly. All Beyonce stans.

Cinnie said:

dancerella said:

Not for nothing but why do people always say these things about Ciara and Keri Hilson? Why don't people like them? Is it because of Beyonce? Do people just want her to stay on top?

Exactly. All Beyonce stans.

That must be the reason why!! Ciara may not be the most talented singer but she certainly isn't the worst either.

lastdecember said:

December is gonna be the RB female graveyard, Ciara, Keyshia Cole and Keri Hilson are all going to get a plot at that cemetary. You just think someone would shake shit up, i heard all 3 albums already and all 3 ladies are singing the same songs, same angles, same production, not even an inch of creativity on them.

I haven't even heard their albums and I can pretty much guess what it all sounds like.

dancerella said:

Lammastide said:

Girl's 15 minutes is now black history. If she tries hard, she may be able to squeeze in a little reality TV, a bad clothing line, and a sextape or two before utter obscurity.

...And I hope she takes Keri Hilson along with her.

Not for nothing but why do people always say these things about Ciara and Keri Hilson? Why don't people like them? Is it because of Beyonce? Do people just want her to stay on top?

I was rooting for her slightly less than I was rooting for Amerie. But even though Amerie hasn’t had US success her past albums have been more solid than Ciara.

I really don’t know much about Basic Instinct as my interest fell off last year but it’s got to be better than the abysmal Fantasy Ride.

Keri Hilson does absolutely nothing for me.

[Edited 12/14/10 5:34am]

Lammastide said:

Girl's 15 minutes is now black history. If she tries hard, she may be able to squeeze in a little reality TV, a bad clothing line, and a sextape or two before utter obscurity.

...And I hope she takes Keri Hilson along with her.

Yeah,her 15 minutes are just about up.She's now gonna start doing outrageous things to "shock" people....just to keep her name on people's minds,but her music career is pretty much finished.

lastdecember said:

December is gonna be the RB female graveyard, Ciara, Keyshia Cole and Keri Hilson are all going to get a plot at that cemetary. You just think someone would shake shit up, i heard all 3 albums already and all 3 ladies are singing the same songs, same angles, same production, not even an inch of creativity on them.

dancerella said:

Lammastide said:

Girl's 15 minutes is now black history. If she tries hard, she may be able to squeeze in a little reality TV, a bad clothing line, and a sextape or two before utter obscurity.

...And I hope she takes Keri Hilson along with her.

Not for nothing but why do people always say these things about Ciara and Keri Hilson? Why don't people like them? Is it because of Beyonce? Do people just want her to stay on top?

Ciara has just never done anything for me. She's pretty, but from Day 1 she just always struck me as one who has only looks to go on, despite the fact she tries sooooooo hard. And someone in her management team needs to learn once and for all that looks DO NOT equal sex appeal.

In fairness, I have less reason for my contempt for Keri Hilson other than... I just don't like her. She's not all looks -- she actually sings OK and she can write. But neither her vocals nor lyrics yet make her the legend that she already seems to think she is. Her record of calling out other acts and that accursed "Pretty Girl Rock" just tag her as an out-of-the-starting arrogant wannabe diva.

And i don't think Beyonce has much to do with how I feel. I have to admit she's earned my respect in recent years, but I'm not a huge fan of hers either.

I think I'm just getting old and irritable.

lastdecember said:

December is gonna be the RB female graveyard, Ciara, Keyshia Cole and Keri Hilson are all going to get a plot at that cemetary. You just think someone would shake shit up, i heard all 3 albums already and all 3 ladies are singing the same songs, same angles, same production, not even an inch of creativity on them.

lastdecember said:

December is gonna be the RB female graveyard, Ciara, Keyshia Cole and Keri Hilson are all going to get a plot at that cemetary. You just think someone would shake shit up, i heard all 3 albums already and all 3 ladies are singing the same songs, same angles, same production, not even an inch of creativity on them.

I've been recently thinking, I pray Keyshia Cole's new stuff isn't the same old stuff she sings about. How her man has done her wrong and she's not gonna take it anymore. Please tell me she's not singing about that again. I swear her and Mary J seriously need new writing material. They sing about the same shit over and over and over and over......you get the picture! If I hear one more Mary J song about being stronger, i'm gonna do something extreme, lol!

dancerella said:

lastdecember said:

December is gonna be the RB female graveyard, Ciara, Keyshia Cole and Keri Hilson are all going to get a plot at that cemetary. You just think someone would shake shit up, i heard all 3 albums already and all 3 ladies are singing the same songs, same angles, same production, not even an inch of creativity on them.

I've been recently thinking, I pray Keyshia Cole's new stuff isn't the same old stuff she sings about. How her man has done her wrong and she's not gonna take it anymore. Please tell me she's not singing about that again. I swear her and Mary J seriously need new writing material. They sing about the same shit over and over and over and over......you get the picture! If I hear one more Mary J song about being stronger, i'm gonna do something extreme, lol!

What else are these chicks going to sing about?

Was flipping the channels and saw a video by Fantasia and the opening line was about loving a man or something. But most of this stuff is redundant and worse yet, put to the same ole music. Mary stopped being interesting yeeears ago.