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Fantasy Ride

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Untitled

Fantasy Ride is the third studio album by American R&B/pop singer Ciara. It was released in the United Kingdom on May 3 [2] on May 5 in the United States and worldwide on May 8, 2009 through La Face, Jive and RCA Records. It was made available for pre-order on the US iTunes on April 21 and April 22, 2009 in the UK.

The album includes the first U.S. single, "Never Ever", which features rapper Young Jeezy, as well as the second US single (lead single elsewhere) and worldwide hit "Love Sex Magic", featuring Justin Timberlake. Guest vocals on the album include contributions from Justin Timberlake, Ludacris, Chris Brown, Young Jeezy, The-Dream, Missy Elliott, and T-Pain.

Background

Concept

Ciara stated in 2008 that she wanted her third album "to take fans on a musical journey".[3] Billboard magazine initially reported that the album be released across three discs each representing a different theme and featuring stylistically similar songs.[4] Danja executively produced the Crunktown and Kingdom of Dance cuts while the Groove City offerings were overseen by Tricky Stewart and Jasper Cameron.[4] The Groove City recordings were intended to remind fans of the Evolution era. The first single "Never Ever" (featuring Young Jeezy) falls under this theme and is similar to previous single "Promise". Crunktown tracks are remincent of single "Goodies" and the trademark genre that Ciara is associated with. "High Price" (featuring Ludacris) was the origional lead single and an example of what Ciara had created under the crunk theme. The final recordings where up-tempo pop-tinged, house, and freestyle cuts under the theme Kingdom of Dance which can be heard on the album's second single "Love Sex Magic" (featuring Justin Timberlake).

However in interviews with Vibe magazine Ciara confirmed that along with changing management she had dropped the three disc idea.[5] Music retailers such as Amazon, Target and HMV would go on to list a single-disc standard edition and 2-disc deluxe edition (with DVD) of the album. Some posted an official track listing on April 4, 2009.[6][7][8]

Super C

Fantasy Ride also introduces Ciara's comic book character, "Super C". Ciara said that Super C is her "inner strength and more aggressive persona". The Super C character is set to become a major factor in Fantasy Ride promotion. She is a futuristic, superhero-esque Ciara, based on the robotic character Ciara portrayed in the "Go Girl" music video.

DC Comics artist Bernard Chang helped Ciara create the character for the album artwork. Ciara said she worked on the artwork about nine months to a year.[9] On April 5, her official website posted the new covers. Speaking on the images, Ciara stated, "Super C" is my super hero name. It's who I am. It's the inner strength and drive that enables me to overcome any obstacles and who I have to be in order to accomplish my dreams and survive in this tough world." Her official website confirmed that in North America the album will feature the super hero covers and the previous official cover would appear on the album insert with the tracklisting. All other editions of the album will feature the original cover. [10]

Production

In early 2008, Ciara began working on her third album. She became executive producer of the album, with LaFace A&R coordinator Mark Pitts and music producer Tricky Stewart. First, Ciara completed recording sessions with producers Tricky Stewart, Danja, Jasper Cameron, and The-Dream.[4][11] Spike Stent has also mixed some tracks which Ciara recorded at Chalice Studios.[12]

Near the album's deadline in 2008, Ciara scheduled recording sessions with Bloodshy & Avant, Scott Storch and Jim Jonsin.[13] In an interview from a concert, Ciara stated that she worked on two tracks with Justin Timberlake and his production team The Y's which will appear on the album.[14][15] At the beginning of March Ciara stated on her official website that the album was due to be mastered this month ready for its release, later on March 19 it was confirmed that the album was in its final 'tweaking' stages and still on track for its release date of May 5, 2009.[10] Ciara announced in a SayNow fan message that the finishing touches on the album would be "mixed and mastered" before or by her album's turn in date of March 23.

Release and Promotion

In September 2008, Ciara promoted the forthcoming release of the album at Austell's Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park, with her parents and fans in attendance. For the day, the roller coaster Goliath was renamed Fantasy Ride. Ciara also met fans and signed autographs.[16] She also released a promo single for the album, titled Go Girl, which featured T-Pain on September 30,2008. Ciara made her first stage appearance performing at Media WildJam '08, where she previewed a few unreleased tracks from the upcoming album, as well has performed past hits. Performances included new songs "I'm On",[17] "Go Girl",[18] "Ciara To The Stage", and "High Price".[19] For a limited period of time UK and European customers at Footlocker where given the chance to download an exclusive remix of "Go Girl" and had the opportunity to win a meeting with Ciara in person.[10] Ciara announced that she released a Fantasy Ride mixtape. One of the mixtape tracks, "Slow Down", which features rapper 50 Cent.[20] Ciara also covered the song "Diva" by Beyoncé for the mixtape.[21]

On Monday, February 23, 2009, Ciara made an appearance on BET's 106 & Park. There, she promoted the album, the new singles, and answered selected online fan questions. Ciara spoke about the controversy surrounding the track "Turntables" featuring Chris Brown, saying that it will be on the album, but that it might sound different in a good way.[22] On Tuesday, February 24, 2009, Ciara was a special guest on Snoop Dogg's MTV show, "Dogg After Dark"[23] although she did not formerly promote the album. Ciara confirmed on April 2, 2009 that she has many promotions coming up for the album including performances live in the UK and US including appearing on Good Morning America and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.[24] On April 25, 2009 during the UK promotions, Ciara perfomed "Love Sex Magic", "Never Ever", "Goodies" and "1 2 Step" at London's G-A-Y nightclub [25].

Ciara will appear on BET's 106 & Park on May 6, 2009. [26] On May 9, 2009, during a special edition of Saturday Night Live hosted by Justin Timberlake, Ciara will perform "Love Sex Magic" with Timberlake and later be joined by Young Jeezy to perform "Never Ever".[27]

Singles

  • "Never Ever", the first official US single, was produced by Polow da Don and co-written by Ciara and Elvis *“BlacElvis” Williams. The song, which features Young Jeezy, officially impacted radio on January 19, 2009, in preparation for the album's release in April 2009. The music video was directed by Chris Robinson, and premiered on BET's Access Granted, on January 30, 2009.[28] The song peaked at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has currently peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Its worldwide release was cancelled due to poor U.S. sales.
  • "Love Sex Magic" is the second US single (first elsewhere) from the album. The song features Justin Timberlake, who also co-wrote and co-produced the track alongside upcoming production team, The Y's. The song officially impacted on US radio on March 3, 2009.[29] The music video was shot on February 20, 2009 in New York by director Diane Martel. The single is one of the biggest of her career reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached the Top 10 in Australia, Canada, Ireland and number 5 in the UK.[30]

Tours

It was confirmed in March 2009 that Ciara will be the official support act for Britney Spears on the European leg of her The Circus Starring: Britney Spears tour in support of Fantasy Ride. Ciara will appear on 3rd - 7th June and once again from the 10th - 14th June at London's O2 Arena. [31]

It is also reported that following Britney's Circus Tour, Ciara will embark on her own world tour in support of the album. Sources had stated that she will be touring with Keri Hilson, Trey Songz, and Drake.[32]

Reception

Fantasy Ride has received overall positive reviews. On Metacritic, Fantasy Ride received a score of 67 for generally positive reviews [33]

BBC Music states: "When listing great pop stars of the 2000s, it's more than likely that Ciara will be unfairly forgotten. It's just as exciting to hear the slow jams as the club tracks, thanks to the detailed and often strange sounding backing tracks. She uses her silky vocals on softer tracks such as the Ne-Yo produced "I Don't Remember" or the delicate "Never Ever" to great effect. Only "Like a Surgeon" with its somewhat bizarre sex/hospital metaphors may leave you at a loss for words. Overall it is a record that manages to make you dance as much as retreat to the bedroom, Fantasy Ride is an album which could take Ciara to the much deserved next level. Beyonce should watch her back." BBC Music Fantasy Ride Review

Slant Magazine also gave the album a positive review ending the review by calling the album "Ciara"s smoothest ride ever".

The Guardian said "despite the usual collaborators, it is Ciara's presence that is stamped firmly on the album. Evidence that she is an under-rated balladeer comes in the form of "Keep Dancin' on Me", a shimmering slow jam, and the morning-after existential haze of "I Don't Remember", but a terpsichorean swagger remains at the heart of Ciara's world. Few artists go as hard as she does on her club jams, whether inviting the world to 'kiss my swag' over kinetic freestyle beats on "Pucker Up", combining outraged soprano braggadocio with thunderous crunk baselines on the broiling "High Price" or gliding smoothly through the delectable, sun-kissed "Echo". At her best, her pace is furious, and keeping up is exhilarating" (4 out of 5 stars)[34].

Digital Spy commented that "Fantasy Ride features much the same cast of producers as countless other R&B albums from the last couple of years, but these A-list knob-twiddlers rarely try anything risky or inventive here. However, this isn't to say that Fantasy Ride is a bad album. It actually offers a consistently sexy listen with enough minor triumphs - "Love Sex Magic", "Turntables" and the electro-scuzzy "Pucker Up" - to hold your attention. Ciara, meanwhile, is on seductive form throughout. She may not have the voice of Beyoncé or the tunes of Rihanna, but she tops them both when it comes to cheesy double-entendres. Ciara's Fantasy Ride deserves the benefit of the doubt" (overall 3 out of 5 stars) [35].

"The record open's up with the most sensual song on the album, "Ciara To The Stage" widely delivers the sound her recent effort had with "Promise" in 2006. This song is one of the best highlights on the album. Track 2, follows with the national hit "Love Sex Magic" that clearly takes "Fantasy Ride" to a different direction, out of Ciara's usual bubble. But Ciara returns back to earth with urban flavored track "High Price". The song quietly resembles her previous hit "Oh", with vocals like "Goodies". This song is clearly a classic on the album. Next is the track that spun controversy, "Turntables" had a rough ride to get on the album, but both the song and Chris Brown managed to make the final cut. "Turntables" is a over-produced but long-loved track, that might keep you dancing for months to come. Brown delivers well to the song with no lost vulnerability. Track 5, "Like A Surgeon" is a R&B song operating in a different time. The 90's vibe might make this song barely likable, but soon enough the song will leave you out of breath. "Never Ever" has much R&B swag of now-a-days music. This song has to be Ciara's most heart hitting track that can make any girl cry over her pain, or make any man think twice of their dues. Track 7 "Lover's Thing", might be a ballad you would skip over to hear the next track, but with patients, the song could actually be likable. The next track, "Work" is another dance floor hit (Like "Turntables") but because Missy doesn't well deliver, and "Turntables" being so powerful, it might be hard for "Work" to keep up with the momentum. although the next track "Pucker Up", makes up for all the pop "Work" didn't have. "Pucker Up" is clearly a cocky but danceful song that could widely highlight the album (pop wise). Track 10, "G Is For Girl (A to Z) is a one of the hardest bass pounding songs (behind "High Price") we'd ride on the album. Justin Timberlake's (The Y's) sound is clearly heard in the background as Ciara sings "G is for girl like gangsta". Track 11, "Keep Dancin' On me" is the song that takes you on a late night ride that can either put you to sleep by making love or by closing your eyes and dream of melting away. This track is a good (if not great) song on the Fantasy Ride with a much detailed beat. This one,, could be the one to remember. "Tell Me What Your Name Is", the next track, actually makes Ciara sound like a shy kid again as she sings "I want to play with you all night" and the song gets catchier at each listen. The most radio friendly song on the ride. The final track, "I Don't Remember" wakes you up the next morning wondering "what happened?". At the last stop on the Fantasy Ride, Ciara asks herself many questions about what happened last night and what she had done. "I Don't Remember" is a saddening song and Ciara's vocals let you feel her pain, with a heavy horse-clap rubbing against her vocals. Fantasy Ride had some rough patches, but in all the album is a nearly perfect crossover album between hip-hop, R&B, and pop." 9/10

Track listing

Standard edition

  1. "Ciara to the Stage" (Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Blade, Rodney Richard, Jasper Cameron) - 3:45
  2. "Love Sex Magic" (featuring Justin Timberlake) (The Y's)  - 3:40
  3. "High Price" (featuring Ludacris) (Tricky Stewart, Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Kuk Harrell) - 4:02
  4. "Turntables" (featuring Chris Brown) (Nate "Danja" Hills, Marcella "Ms. Lago" Araica, The Clutch) - 4:31
  5. "Like a Surgeon" (Tricky Stewart, The-Dream) - 4:27
  6. "Never Ever" (featuring Young Jeezy) (Jamal "Polow da Don" Jones, Ciara Harris, Esther Dean, Elvis Williams)  - 4:32
  7. "Lover's Thing" (featuring The-Dream) (Carlos "LOS" McKinney, The-Dream, Kuk Harrell) - 3:27
  8. "Work" (featuring Missy Elliott) (Danja, M. Araica) - 4:05
  9. "Pucker Up" (Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins) - 3:52
  10. "G Is for Girl (A-Z)" (The Y's, The Clutch) - 3:37
  11. "Keep Dancin' on Me" (Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, Kuk Harrell) - 3:33
  12. "Tell Me What Your Name Is" (Luke "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, Benny Blanco) - 3:38
  13. "I Don't Remember" (Polow da Don, Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, J. Cameron) - 3:47

Limited deluxe edition

  1. "Echo" (Danja, The Clutch) - 3:38
  2. "I’m On" (A.J. Birchett, A.D. Birchett, Ciara Harris) [36] - 3:56
  3. DVD with exclusive video content.[37]
    I. Behind the scenes at: Photoshoot, Rehearsals, Recording Studio[37]
    II. The Making of: Go Girl, Love Sex Magic, Never Ever [37]
    III. Music Videos: Love Sex Magic, Never Ever, Go Girl[37]

Bonus tracks

  1. "Echo"[38][39][40][41] [UK & Japan Bonus Track] - 3:38
  2. "Go Girl" (featuring T-Pain) (Faheem "T-Pain" Najm, Ciara Harris, David Balfour, Jasper Cameron [42])[38] [Japan Bonus Track] - 4:30
  3. "Never Ever" (Mike D Radio Mix)[38][41] [Japan & UK Bonus Track] - 4:03
  4. "Love Sex Magic" (Jason Nevins Electric Bounce Radio Mix) [43] [Japan Deluxe Edition Bonus Track] - 3:12
  5. "When I"[41] [iTunes Pre-Order Only] - 4:04
  6. "Fit of Love"[44] [Italian iTunes Deluxe Edition Bonus Track] - 3:18

Personnel

Release history

Region Edition Date Label
United Kingdom
[2][41][40][45] 		Standard (download + bonus tracks) May 3, 2009
Jive, RCA
Standard (Single disc + bonus track) May 4, 2009
Extended (CD + DVD content) May 5, 2009
United States
[46][47] 		Standard (single disc)
Limited (CD + DVD content) 		May 5, 2009
La Face, Zomba
International Standard (single disc)
Limited (CD + DVD content) 		May 8, 2009
Zomba, Sony Music
Japan
[48][43] 		Standard (single disc) May 13, 2009
Sony Music Japan
Limited (CD + DVD content) May 27, 2009
Germany
[49] [50] 		Standard (single disc)
Limited (CD + DVD content) 		June 5, 2009
Zomba, Sony Music

References

  1. ^ LA FACE release Fantasy Ride in US
  2. ^ a b Fantasy Ride Official Digital Download
  3. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (2008-07-25). "Ciara brings new attitude to 'musical journey'". Reuters. Thomson Reuters. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
  4. ^ a b c http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003802786 Billboard: Ciara Gets Conceptual
  5. ^ http://blogs.vibe.com/rapidshare/2009/03/ciaras-fantasy-ride-um-so-where-is-it/
  6. ^ Fantasy Ride: Standard Edition Accessed April 4, 2009
  7. ^ Target Standard Edit Accessed April 4, 2009.
  8. ^ HMV Ciara: Fantasy Ride
  9. ^ Ciara: Super C Rap-Up.com. Accessed December 11, 2008.
  10. ^ a b c Ciara's official site. Accessed March 23, 2009
  11. ^ "Ciara album singles/Billboard Magazine", October, 2008.
  12. ^ Chalice Studios: Ciara's recordings Accessed March 21, 2009 in the "Clients" section
  13. ^ Ciara Explains Album's Push Back Singersroom.com. Accessed October 28, 2008
  14. ^ Ciara: NBA Arena Link [Sincerelyciara.com Accessed December 9, 2008.
  15. ^ Power 1051: Catch-up with CiCi. Accessed February 16, 2009.
  16. ^ "Ciara Brings "Fantasy Ride" To Six Flags". Rap-Up.com. Rap-Up. 2008-09-28. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  17. ^ YouTube: Ciara Performs 1 Of 2 New Fantasy Ride Tracks @ WildJam
  18. ^ YouTube: Ciara Performs Go Girl @ Wild Jam. Go Girl BreakDown Ending
  19. ^ YouTube: WiLD JAM "08
  20. ^ http://www.nypost.com/seven/03282009/gossip/pagesix/snuggly_in_vegas_161654.htm
  21. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2008/12/27/new-music-ciara-diva-beyonce-cover/#more-10100
  22. ^ Ciara on 106 & Park Rap-Up.com. Accessed February 19, 2009.
  23. ^ Ciara & Snoop Dogg Rap-Up.com. Accessed February 20, 2009.
  24. ^ http://www.saynow.com/ciara Message:04/02/09 05:05 PM accessed April 4 and Message:04/04/09 05:59 PM 1:30 accessed April 9,2009
  25. ^ Ciara Uk Promotion: G-A-Y Performances
  26. ^ http://www.sincerelyciara.com
  27. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2009/04/02/ciara-to-perform-on-snl-for-first-time/
  28. ^ Ciara's Next Single Confirmed Rap-Up.com. Accessed December 19, 2008.
  29. ^ ALREADY OUT: Mainstream
  30. ^ So-Urban: Love Sex Magic So-Urban.com. Accessed March 23, 2009
  31. ^ Ciara Support Act Tour Schedule for Britney She will also appear the Manchester's M.E.N. Arena on the 17th June
  32. ^ Power 105 Interview Power 105 FM. Accessed February 25, 2009.
  33. ^ Fantasy Ride - Meatacritic
  34. ^ The Guardian: Reviews Fantasy Ride
  35. ^ Digital Spy: Reviews Fantasy Ride
  36. ^ Right click song properties
  37. ^ a b c d Amazon List Limited Edition Bonus Content Accessed April 4, 2009
  38. ^ a b c [http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/2795361 HMV Japan: Fantasy Ride
  39. ^ Play.com list fantasy ride
  40. ^ a b HMV list Fantasy Ride
  41. ^ a b c d iTunes: Pre-oder Fantasy Ride UK
  42. ^ http://repertoire.bmi.com/title.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&keyid=10210311&ShowNbr=0&ShowSeqNbr=0&querytype=WorkID
  43. ^ a b Fantasy Ride - Deluxe Edition (in Japanese) Sony Music Shop. Sony Music Entertainment. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  44. ^ [1]
  45. ^ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fantasy-Ride-Ciara/dp/tracks/B001T46TV0/ref=dp_tracks_all_1#disc_1
  46. ^ http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001G1ACZ0/
  47. ^ http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T46TV0/
  48. ^ Fantasy Ride [Limited Low-priced Edition] Cdjapan.co.jp. Neowing. Accessed April 23, 2009
  49. ^ Fantasy Ride (Amazon) amazon.de. Accessed May 4, 2009
  50. ^ Fantasy Ride Limited Edition jpc.de. Accessed May 4, 2009
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