Ashanti

This album was just ok. No song really popped at me asbeing a "hit". Ashanti needs to reinvent her style and music quick. I give this album 2/5 stars.

i'm 22 both me and my 58 year old roommate love the sounds of this cd.

I really liked this album, the songs are well produced and Ashanti's voice has matured since her first album. She has really gorwn up and listening to the album I can tell that she is serious about her career. She looks and sound amazing and no matter what people say about Ashanti and that includes Irv Gotti, Ashanti's "The Declaration is HOTT!!

Song I like: Good Good, Mother just to name a few.

I had a difficult time reviewing this offering by Ashanti because after such a lengthy absence I expected her to come back harder - I expected an edgy album that'd re-introduce Ashanti to the music world and that it'd be a true "declaration" that she was BACK! I felt such high anticipation after the video & single, THE WAY THAT I LOVE YOU were released - a lot of people who'd written her off loved the track and were curious about how the entire album would sound.

I'm not anti-Ashanti either, I've always loved her style & attitude and although she's not the best singer, her songs for the most part are fun and quite enjoyable. I like that she cut out the skits and doesn't have a lot of guest rappers on the project BUT she played it way to safe and stayed in that hip-pop lane without bringing anything new to the genre.

The only standout track to me is: THE WAY THAT I LOVE YOU

The "ok" tracks that I think are very "radio friendly" are: YOU'RE GONNA MISS, GOOD GOOD, STRUGGLE, IN THESE STREETS & BODY ON ME (although I can't stand Akon)

The last two tracks of mention are exceptional lyrically but don't do much for me otherwise: MOTHER - a very sweet & heartfelt tribute to her Mom but it's too indulgent a track and THE DECLARATION - on which Ashanti speaks frankly about her career.

I was hoping for so much more from her but I can recommend that only fans who want to complete their Ashanti collection get the whole disc otherwise, check out the singles and purchase what you like.

I Absolutly Love This Album ! Ashanti Did Her Thing With This Album, Her Vocals Are Crazy ( Amazingly Good) The Songs Are Hot. You're Gonna Miss Is A Banger As Well As Girlfriend, So Over You, Struggle, Good Good & Many Others. She Has These Two Beautiful Songs On The Album Called Mother & Shine. Ashanti's The Declaration Is A Must Have, Just Like Solange's New Album Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams ! Go Get Both !

this album is ok with some nice songs on it like my favorites like
baby
foolish
those are the best song on the album its worth buying

how can i put it politely...forget it. i cant be polite after having the misfortune of buying this load of garbage that Ashanti and the Inc folks beset on me. Out of everything on the cd the only two songs that i remotely liked "Foolish" and "Unfoolish" one using BIG's song for a sample and the other was just alright. Out of 17 songs (including a few lame as heck skits) that were better left on the cutting room floor. Having to listen Irv Gotti his way through a song as a featured artist is torturous enough. If i ever wonder why i didnt like Ashanti all i need to do is look at the cd cover and all those horrible songs will come back to me...unfortunately.

This isn't purchase worthy or download worthy either except for the two aforementioned songs. Sorry Ashanti...strike 1 please try again at a later time.

Ashanti was one of the freshest faces in the R&B world way back when this album dropped. It was highly anticipated and in all actuality it did not disappoint. Her self titled debut is for the most part a solid effort. My only real critique is that it should have been shorter. She has too many tracks, which sadly leads to filler, tracks that, if eliminated, could have elevated the overall appeal of the album. This is the only reason this album receives four and not five stars. I love this album, and quite frankly this is the finest effort on the part of Ashanti. Her follow up albums lacked the spark and seductively that her debut had, and so I debated giving this album five stars anyways, but those few songs that shouldn't be here made that an impossibility. I'm still waiting for Ashanti to come back with an album that blows this one away, that proves her hype was well deserved. She has the pipes, she has the look and she has the star appeal, now she just has to use all of it to her advantage and truly create a worthy successor to her debut.

Ashanti received a lot of praise before this album dropped, lending her vocal talents to high profile stars like Fat Joe and Ja Rule, helping boost their record sales and making songs like `What's Luv' the Billboard hits they ended up being. Her first solo single `Foolish' further went to prove that this girl had what it took to be a superstar. Her voice was silky smooth and caressed the eardrums with delicate strokes. For the most part this debut builds on that foundation beautifully.

Let's take out the bad first. The first `filler' track in my humble opinion is `Leaving', a pointless spin off of the Ja Rule/Ashanti hit `Always on Time'. It's not bad, but it's not good and so it's purpose on the album is solely to get people to say "oh, maybe this one will be just as good as the song on the radio" and that is not the case (in fact `Always on Time' isn't even that great of a track to begin with). Then we have `Unfoolish', which in itself is the reason that star needed to be subtracted. The need to have a deceived rapper `remix' you're hit track is a need that needn't be fulfilled. It's corny and ridiculous. Why not have a current rapper do guest vocals? Why bother going into the archives and pull out raps that are not recorded for this song? It's just a pointless track, utterly pointless. `Dreams' is another track that I wish was excluded. It just doesn't fit with the rest of the album, not at all. It's supposed to be a motivational track but it makes me want to hit the `skip' button on the CD player.

Now, let's strip out the Intro and the three skits and we have a near perfect album of a still solid ten tracks.

Now, let's move onto the good. `Foolish' has a very nice beat, and although it was played out horrifically on the radio it is still a solid track. This track is followed by `Happy', a bouncy and infectious little ditty that makes the listener just that, happy. Even with Ja Rule spewing his mess in the first few seconds of the song it's still a very enjoyable track.

`Call' starts what I like to call `the heart of this album'. The next few tracks are what define this debut as one amazing album. The beats are strong and intricate and Ashanti's voice just shines. `Call' starts with what sounds like airport noise and then gets right into the delicate beat and Ashanti's seductive vocals. The song is brilliantly followed by `Scarred' featuring Irv Gotti who brilliantly allows Ashanti to dominate the track, adding nothing more than some background noise. The guitar laden beat is just effortlessly captivating and beautifully embellishes Ashanti's vocal arrangement. This progression of perfection is closed out with `Rescue', personally my favorite track on the album. It's just such a vulnerable track, Ashanti just baring her brazen sexuality and delivering a very seductive and intoxicating track.

Arguably Ashanti's most successful single to date follows; `Baby'. `Baby' is a very commercial and very catchy track. It was never my favorite but I can easily see why it is so beloved. I can get into it. `VooDoo' is even better. I just love the verse structure on this track. Her whispers are just so entrancing. `Movies' is a nice sweet ballad where Ashanti expresses the feelings of just about every girl alive (I assume) wanting to be just like the girls in the movies, finding their Price Charming and being swept off their feet. And then we have another definitive moment on the album, the token breakup song `Over', which surprisingly is effective and very nicely done. Her voice shine's beautifully here.

The album ends with a beautiful acappella `Thank You' which showcases Ashanti's range and talent. I wouldn't have ended it any other way.

In the end I am very impressed with this young lady's debut. It has a few filler tracks but in the end it's a very strong debut and establishes Ashanti as a major talent in the R&B world. I hope that she can top this one day because she definitely has the talent to do so. I have faith that one day she'll blow us all away. Until then at least we have a great foundation for greatness.

Intro --> It's alright. Shows where she came from (musically). 3.5/5
Foolish --> The ultimate pop/R&B crying-cause-he-done-wrong anthem. 5.25/5
Happy --> Her most chipperly, upbeat release, EVER. 4/5
Leaving (Always On Time Pt. 2) --> Obviously Her best song here. In the top 2 best songs by Her, EVER. 6/5
Narrative Call (Skit) --> I wish I had someone that called, and I'd waste my time runnin' too (is so serious) 4/5
Call --> Some of the most soothing vocals, this Libra beaut has EVER, *EVER* delivered. Catchy, and the Ladies will GOBBLE THIS UP, I swear. 4/5
Scared --> Bubblegum pop/R&B track. Pleasant but very forgettable. But isn't that what She's the "Princess of R&B" for??! 3.5/5
Rescue --> For a long, LONG time this track was by far the sexiest and most erotic track with a decent beat that I'd ever heard. It still is. And for that, it gets a 4.75/5
Baby --> My 26 Y.O. bro was ADDICTED to this one. And for good reason. 4.25/5
Voodoo --> This is very poppy. But it's catchy. I like it. 4/5
Movies --> Borderline corny and quite cliched and very, VERY unnecessary. Sorry, Ashanti. 2.75/5
Fight (Over Skit) --> LOL @ the swearing. A decent skit. 3.75/5
Over --> Like the skit, it's very decent. 3.75/5
Unfoolish --> Nowhere near the original. 4/5
Shi Shi (Skit) --> Cute. Enough. 3.75/5
Dreams --> Weak, weak ballad that is supposed to inspire. It falls flat on its a.s.s, and You will probably skip this. 3/5
Thank You --> A very good outro. Love You, Shani. ^_^ 4/5

67.25/17 = 3.9558823529411766
3.9558823529411766 = 3.955
3.955 = 3.96

Rounded up to 4 since it's so close.

4 stars. Surprisingly!

Ashanti is one of those artists who are consistently hated on despite making good music. She is widely criticized for having a weak voice, although I fail to see how that matters since her style of music does NOT require Whitney-esque powerhouse vocals. Ashanti was also attacked for the overuse of samples on her albums, which was viewed as a lack of originality. However, to those of us who do not know the song that is sampled, it really is not that much of an issue. While it is true that it is not original, at least Ashanti gives credit where credit is due. It's not as though she's using someone else's songs and claiming them as her own. In fact, with her debut Ashanti shows quite a knack for penning radio-friendly songs, which, for the most part, suit her vocal range.

As with many R&B albums, Ashanti starts things off with an Intro, although hers is rather unique. It begins with a voice stating "Previously, on Ashanti" and then samples a collection of songs that Ashanti lent vocals to. It's a nice way to start out the album. This is followed by her smash hit "Foolish". Personally, I think Ashanti handles the vocals rather nicely on this track, although it is widely said to be good "only because of the music". The song tells of a woman who is being hurt by her relationship, and yet keeps coming back. I am quite certain this will go down as one of Ashanti's most memorable tracks, and for good reason. Second single, "Happy" is a summery, upbeat track that is rather self-explanatory. Compared to the rest of the album, the lyrics are rather weak, however given the purpose of the song, depth really isn't necessary. It is a nice, pop track but rather disposable. "Leaving" is a follow-up to Ashanti's previous collaboration with Ja Rule on "Always on Time". The production isn't quite as good as the first incarnation, and it may be a little too happy-sounding for a song about leaving a cheating man. However, it remains a good, fun song and an enjoyable listen.

"Narrative Call (Skit)" has Ashanti talking about how a guy had such power over her that she'd run to him whenever he asked. It's a decent interlude to lead into the following track, "Call". I like how this song takes a turn to a darker tone, compared to the three sunnier tracks that preceded it. The track is essentially an expansion on the interlude, and Ashanti's voice takes on a lower tone than the earlier songs. It's not the best the album has to offer, but it's quite a good cut nonetheless. "Scared" carries on with the darker tone, which really suits Ashanti's voice. This is one of the tracks where Ashanti's vocals truly shine. It's not that she has a powerful voice or anything of the kind, but she seems to know what works well with it, and uses that to her advantage. This is a song that many people can relate to, as it discusses being afraid to follow one's heart. "Scared" is followed by a personal favourite, in the form of "Rescue". This song is rather unusual in modern R&B as it contains a rather long instrumental portion toward the end, although it adds to the song considerably. Like the previous song, this song showcases Ashanti at her best vocally, but in this case, it also demonstrates her lyrical ability. Most complain about the instrumental, stating it makes the song far too long and boring, however I think it is unique and a nice addition to the album.

"Baby" is a fan favourite, due to interesting production, although it is practically a reworking of Scarface's "Mary." This is one of the tracks that took some time to grow on me, as at first the repetitive nature was rather grating. However, as I listen to it now, it's easy to see why it is a fan favourite. Ashanti still does best on the darker tracks, but this is a nice addition to the album as well. "VooDoo" is a personal favourite, with hypnotizing production and some of the best lyrics the album has to offer. The song discusses falling for someone else when you're already in a relationship ("every time he's here with me/I look into his eyes so desperately/but now it's not his face I see/tell me what's come over me"). Again, the vocals are rather low-key but show off Ashanti's abilities. "Movies" is another track with interesting production, and, as with "VooDoo" has no samples, showcasing Ashanti's ability to make quality original material. This track is about wanting to have a relationship like those in movies. Ashanti's voice is suited to this kind of track, although this is not her best vocal performance. "Fight (Skit)" is ruined only by the excessive swearing by Irv Gotti, playing Ashanti's boyfriend. It makes a nice lead-in to the next track, "Over", which discusses letting go of a hurtful relationship. This track showcases Ashanti's lyrical ability. She has a knack for using direct and to-the-point lyrics that suit the tone of the track. This is another of the darker songs that show Ashanti at her best.

"Unfoolish" was intended to be released as the second single, after "Foolish". It is actually a nice way to bring the album full circle, although most would find the dug up Biggie sample and vocals unnecessary. Essentially, this track has Ashanti doing what she couldn't in "Foolish": leaving the harmful relationship. "Shi Shi (Skit)" is a phone message from Ashanti's little sister, talking about how happy she is for everything that's happened for Ashanti. It's sweet, but quite unnecessary. "Dreams" is the obligatory inspirational track. It starts out with children talking about what they want to be when they grow up. As a general rule, I dislike songs that feature children singing background because, as cute as it is, it gets irritating. Here, Ashanti sings about how all you have to do is believe in order for your dreams to come true. It's a nice song, but seems rather out of place after the slew of darker-toned tracks that preceded it. Finally, the album ends off with "Thank You", which I believe is dedicated to Ashanti's grandparents. It starts off as a nice a cappella, but goes downhill when Ashanti tries to hit some of the higher notes, and ends up going off-key.

Overall Mark: 4/5

Despite complaints about Ashanti's singing ability (or lack thereof), her debut was a unexpectedly good collection of tracks. What people fail to realize is that Ashanti's music would sound quite odd if it were belted a la Beyonce. Her style calls for a more low-key, controlled performance that is exactly what Ashanti gives. At a time when most artists enlist a bevy of songwriters to pen songs for them, Ashanti had a hand in penning every track on the album. While it is true that much of the album relies on samples, it does not detract for those listeners who haven't heard the original song. Ashanti's debut remains a thoroughly enjoyable listen, containing surprisingly few missteps.

the album is ok its really nice my favorite song on her album is
rain on me
living my life
other then that the album is ok its not that bad it could of been better the album is not that bad

Ashanti's sophomore album is full of sweet melodies, catchy hooks, and feel good music. "I Don't Mind" and "Ohhh Ahhh" are sultry songs that captivate you with their incredibly seductive lyrics. "Rock Wit U", "Breakup 2 Makeup", "Feels So Good" and "Living My Life" are feel good songs with sweet melodies. "Carry On" and "U Say, I Say" have more of a hip-hop vibe to them and have great beats behind their catchy lyrics. Finally, the album's stand-out track "Rain On Me" has a great beat, honest lyrics, and fantastic vocals. Ashanti definitely impressed me with this album. The mixture of songs all offer something different and bring something new and refreshing to the table. Unlike most albums in the same genre, each track has it's own unique sound. Ashanti's vocals are soft, seductive, and sweet to listen to. She may not have a powerhouse voice like some of her peers (Beyonce), but her soft vocals are incredibly seductive and it's refreshing to hear an r&b artist that doesn't try to overdo it with runs and high notes. This was a nice follow-up to her first album, which I was also a big fan of. I knocked off a star for too many skits and interludes. They take away from the album a bit. Other than that, this album is a smooth, enjoyable ride from start to finish. Recommended

The songs are pretty good. I like them. Well, most of them. The only thing that holds this album back is all those darn interludes. I'm the kind of music fan who likes to pop in a CD and start hearing the music. With this album though, you have to listen to two LONG interludes before you even get to the first song! And then, after that one song, you get ANOTHER skit. And using Ashanti's album to promote another Murder Inc. artist? For shame, Irv Gotti.

And embarrassing. I really don't know what happened between Her decent debut and here. But something TRAGIC occurred.

Standouts?

The repetitive (Rock Wit U) Aww Baby
The abusive-relationship anthem, Rain On Me (THANK GOD SHE LEAVES HIM!!)
The second most meaningful and gritty, undeniable track on the album, Then Ya Gone
The infectious, Island-influence pop track, laced with an OK rapper's rhyme: Sweet Baby

Very disappointed in this.
Sad that I ever owned it.
Won't recommend it to ANYONE anymore.
Knows it's rubbish.
Knows it's forgettable.
Knows it contains some of the most ridiculously-pointless skits ever.

2.5 stars.

I personally loved most of the songs on Ashanti's debut album but this one took terrible to a whole new level and gave the word disappointing a whole new definition for me. Ashanti has a decent voice and I know she's capable of making better music than this! The only song on here that I can tolerate is Rock Wit U. I bought this album figuring that there are enough tracks on it that I would like at least three or four more in addition to the first single but I was wrong. I won't sell my copy or use it as a coaster because although it won't see the light of day anytime soon I still might one day decide to give it a second listen.

this album is real good my favorite songs on here is
don't let them it is very good album ashanti has really grown on this one

Ashanti was always an artist who had lots of promotion with each album, and "Concrete Rose" was no exception. The first single, entitled "Only U", received a great deal of radio and video play, in addition to the fact that her promotions were in many magazines. Because I am a huge fan of R&B music, it didn't take much convincing for me to purchase her third musical effort. After listening to it for the first time, I really disliked what I heard. However, I just listened to it all the way through for the third time, and it's an alright CD overall, but it surely doesn't compare to her self-titled debut.

I find it strange that there are seventeen tracks on "Concrete Rose", but it is only 54 minutes long. Usually albums with that many tracks are more lengthy. This album is pretty upbeat. In fact, there are no true ballads, something I personally would have enjoyed. Oh well. "Love Again" is easily the best song here because Ashanti really came out of her box, and she impressed me immensely. Everything from the unique beat to the melody strays away from what we are accustomed to hearing from Ashanti. Other standout tracks are "U", "Take Me Tonight", "Still Down" and the lyrically magnificent "Freedom." "Freedom" is one of the most deep songs you'll probably ever hear from Ashanti.

I don't know what Ashanti and Irv Gotti were thinking when they released the horrible "Only U". Why on earth would you release the album's worst track as the leading single. I know they don't think that's a fine piece of work! It's a mistake and a misstep in my eyes. While we're on the subject, there are a couple of bad songs on "Concrete Rose." "Don't Let Them", "Don't Leave Me Alone", "Every Lil' Thing", and "Wonderful" remix are all weak songs and should have been omitted from the album.

As previously stated, this album is alright. If you already have her debut and sophomore efforts, I don't see a reason not to pick this one up. However, if you are simply thinking about going out on a limb and purchasing "Concrete Rose", keep your money and just download "Love Again."

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "Love Again"
2. "U"
3. "Freedom"
4. "Turn it Up"
5. "Focus"

I got this for my birthday and I thought I wasn't going to like it. It is way better than I thought it was going to be.

I looked at some of the other reviews and I agreed with some but some others just bashed. I believe with each record Ashanti's voice has got better, but the song writing has not improved much. Concrete Rose I feel is a step in the right direction, must of the tracks on the album could be labeled album fillers but the stand out tracks are "Only U", "Focus", "Take me tonight", and "So Hot". These tracks all show what Ashanti could be capable of if she just breaks out of the just put something out mode. Overall I give the CD 3 stars, it's not the best but it does have some good sounding tracks. Besides she's already done the crappy album "Chapter II" you can only go up from there.

I think Ashanti has alot of potential as an artist ,she s a good songwriter ,good singer with a powerful yet smooth voice .The problem is mainly represented by the beat of her songs and somewhat annoying hooks .This cd is way better than Chapter II.I enjoy listening to it,mainly becuz I love Ashanti s unique voice and lyrics.This is her best work. I cant complain ,I like it !

This CD sucks. The music industry is no longer making music based on talent but looks alone. Ashanti is as much a singer as I am. I actually think that I sound better.

Don't waste your money! If someone gives you this as a gift -- do not open, return immediately.

I love Ashanti as well as the next shallow music-listener, but this is ridiculous. I would pay 2 bucks and no shipping for this because I enjoyed one song, thoroughly and another one, half-heartedly.

Christmastime Again (classic X-Mas tune)
Hey, Santa (good...enough)
And some other tunes here are passable....but...

The vocals are weak and somewhat strained and YES, She hits the wrong note in a song. I swear, that Day, I wanted to retreat into My own shell when I heard it. I really was gonna leave my Bro's house. But something crazy made me stay. And endure. I could've used ear plugs, People! Why weren't You there??

Allows You to have a very average X-Mas.

2.5 stars.

Simply put, her heart is not in it. The arrangements are below par, the sound engineering mediocre, and the overall effect cheap.
Don't buy it, even if you are a fan of hers. It will lower your opinion of her limited talent.

This was one of the worst Christmas cd's I have ever heard. Ashanti is not necessarily a stand out singer, her vocals are bland and at times off key and unchanging. She's more of a back up singer. I purchased one of her cd's with that "Baby" song on it (don't burn it, but don't buy it if you don't like disappointing yourself). The daycare business was not a bad thing Ashanti, now you have enough money to start your own and you have interesting stories to tell probably but I have been disappointed with every cd you have put out, no consistency just "one hit wonders" I'm sure you'll be the star of some reality show for washed up entertainers, you acted pretty good in that one movie where you were pregnant by that basketball player. Sorry to be so harsh but the truth hurts. YOu're a beautiful girl, maybe modeling would be a bigger hit for you than your singing career.

I got this CD as a christmas gift for a friend of mine who I know loves Ashanti. I thought she would be very pleased with the gift but she never mentioned the CD after XMas. After I read the other reviews, listened to the clips, and found out the album was only 29 minutes long I can see now why she never talked too much about this album. There is nothing to talk about. I can see this album gathering dust in my friend's CD collection, maybe she'll give it another try next XMas, but I'm guessing this album will still suck! DON'T BUY THIS ALBUM, EVEN ASHANTI FANS DON'T LIKE IT!

Intro --> It's alright. Shows where she came from (musically). 3.5/5
Foolish --> The ultimate pop/R&B crying-cause-he-done-wrong anthem. 5.25/5
Happy --> Her most chipperly, upbeat release, EVER. 4/5
Leaving (Always On Time Pt. 2) --> Obviously Her best song here. In the top 2 best songs by Her, EVER. 6/5
Narrative Call (Skit) --> I wish I had someone that called, and I'd waste my time runnin' too (is so serious) 4/5
Call --> Some of the most soothing vocals, this Libra beaut has EVER, *EVER* delivered. Catchy, and the Ladies will GOBBLE THIS UP, I swear. 4/5
Scared --> Bubblegum pop/R&B track. Pleasant but very forgettable. But isn't that what She's the "Princess of R&B" for??! 3.5/5
Rescue --> For a long, LONG time this track was by far the sexiest and most erotic track with a decent beat that I'd ever heard. It still is. And for that, it gets a 4.75/5
Baby --> My 26 Y.O. bro was ADDICTED to this one. And for good reason. 4.25/5
Voodoo --> This is very poppy. But it's catchy. I like it. 4/5
Movies --> Borderline corny and quite cliched and very, VERY unnecessary. Sorry, Ashanti. 2.75/5
Fight (Over Skit) --> LOL @ the swearing. A decent skit. 3.75/5
Over --> Like the skit, it's very decent. 3.75/5
Unfoolish --> Nowhere near the original. 4/5
Shi Shi (Skit) --> Cute. Enough. 3.75/5
Dreams --> Weak, weak ballad that is supposed to inspire. It falls flat on its a.s.s, and You will probably skip this. 3/5
Thank You --> A very good outro. Love You, Shani. ^_^ 4/5

67.25/17 = 3.9558823529411766
3.9558823529411766 = 3.955
3.955 = 3.96

3.96 - .3 for editing =

3.7

3.7 stars.

ASHANTI
Ashanti's first album is mainly R&B. But there are a few upbeat songs that make it sort of pop as well. The songs are very easy to relate to. The album is all about love, breaking up, getting over the one you loved, Getting hurt, being scared and figuring out your feelings. I love this CD. The songs tell a story and they have a lot of meaning behind them. The CD is directed to females and lets us girls express what we are feeling too. My favorite tracks on the album are "Foolish" and "Baby." I think all of the songs are real. You can find a way top relate to them. But these two songs are the ones I like the most. ASHANTI the first album is a lot better then her second album CONCRETE ROSE. CONCRETE ROSE was less captivating. There were only a few songs that you can somewhat relate to. Where as every song on ASHANTI is good. Overall I would recomend this album. It has a good vibe and is real.

When I first heard about Ashanti, I thought she was just another soul sista jumping on the Rnb Bandwagon. Boy was I wrong!! This Cd is amazing. The songwriting is not the best, but good for am 23-year old!! I am sure Ashanti's gonna be around a lot longer than Missy Elliot and Lil Kim. She has a good voice, and she writes her own songs.

May 18,2003
I have Got this album already but to all people SHOULD BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!! its so great with R&B soul and some hip hop its a GREAT MIXTURE the most thing i like with this album it has all kinds of Catorgeory of music in here!
so you should buy this album Ashanti does a great job on doing her First Debut with her album so i give it ***** five stars!

In late 2001 to early 2002, Ashanti (as with Alicia Keys, Ja Rule, and sadly the death of Aaliyah) has definitely changed the direction of the music scene from the Teen Pop Phenonema (early 1997 - early 2002) to the Urban Scene of Hip-Hop & R&B. Though unlike Alicia Keys, Ashanti's R&B competitor, Ashanti has changed the direction of Top 40 music of soulful R&B (with Alicia Keys in late 2001) to an urban blend of hip-hop and R&B (with hits of late 2001-early 2002 of Always On Time [with Ja Rule], Foolish, and What's Luv? [with Fat Joe]). Ashanti & Aaliyah seemed to have dominate the Top 40 music scene of 2002 with their hits....though because of Aaliyah's tragic death it leaves Ashanti left over to become, as Ja Rule would say, "the princess of hip-hop and r&b".

The lure of obtaining Ashanti's success and the change of the music scene to urban is clearly seen with "TOP 40" one-hit wonders like Tweet, Toya, Truth Hurts, and Angie Martinez and with transitions of reigning pop stars exploring R&B like N'Sync (Nelly Remix of "Girlfriend"....most definitely Justin Timberlake with "Justified"), Britney Spears (she remixed her last two singles "Overprotected" and "Boys" to a more "r&bish" beat), Christina Aguilera (well...Dirrty explains it all), and Jennifer Lopez (less Latin songs and more hip-hop songs in her "This Is Me...Then" album comapred to her previous albums).

But anyways about the album...

Ashanti has definitely set a new level in R&B in the music scene. Her lyrics and vocals definitely bring a smooth R&B sound but still her beats create a taste of hip-hop. Ashanti's wonderful talent is definitely shown and presented nicely with this album. With Ashanti's continued success, as shown in "Mesmerize"...we could see Ashanti dominate this new Urban music period (which shows no signs of slowing down...), similar to how Britney dominated the Teen Pop phenomena...

Why is it that we are force by the music industry to listen to artist who obviously have no vocal talent. Ashanti has said in several interviews that she was drop by other labels before being signed to Murder Inc? Obviously other records execs realize the mistake they would make by signing her. This collection is as bad as all of her other music? Collectables.Yeah collectable garbage. She is horrible!!!!!!!

Ashanti is back with her 6th album entitled Collectables By Ashanti. Although Ashanti has not been in the business as long as others, she has managed to produce an album on average every 8 months and that has provided her the ability to publish Collectables by Ashanti. Collectables is much like a Greatest Hits and mix tape. The album contains four newly recorded tracks and six remixes of previously recorded songs.

Her best track on this album has to be "Show You", classic Ashanti, offering her typical catchy chorus, and common lyrics. Collectables by Ashanti also serves as a who's who of hip-hoppers that support Ashanti. "Still Down" has a nice beat and hot cameo from Caddillac Tah, who sounds a lot like TI. Ashanti offers a remix of Focus featuring Free, whose lyrics are tight, but she sounds like a man. Other tracks include Charlie Baltimore, Ja Rule, Black Child and others.

Ashanti could never be compared to others in her genre for her ability to sing but can be for her songwriting skills. She puts emphasis on her inability to sing on "Break Up 2 Make Up" when she makes a wrong turn and strains out a flat note at the end. My heart went out to her because deep down each and every one of us desires to sing well. With that said, the album is a good album to cop if you're an Ashanti fan simply because of its uniqueness; but in all, the album should be slept on by others.

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irv needs a miracle to stay in the game he had a bunch of acts on the inc that never shined black chile, cadillac tah, vita, and charli baltimore never had their albums see the light of day but irv was always about ja and ashanti it became tragic later on 6 remixes and 4 original tunes buy if you are a ashasnti nut otherwise download it.

Collectables is a collection of rare Ashanti remixes. Ashanti's Collectables is an album that features 4 new songs and 6 remixes. Ashanti has only been around for about years, but she has shown the world what she is capable and her talent is incredibly amazing. Her voice can simply blow your mind away and the mixes are really good. I have to say that if she keeps doing her thing she will keep rising. She has the potential to be one of the biggest R&B stars. The album boasts appearances from Ja Rule, Paul Wall, Method Man, Black Child, Merci, Hussein Fatal, Charli Baltimore, Caddilac Tah, and Free formerly of the BET show 106 and Park. The "Rain on Me" Remix is one of the hottest Murder Inc remixes ever. It's one of the reasons you should pick up this CD if you are an Ashanti fan or an R&B fan. One of my favorites include "I found it in you," so mellow and the lyrics are awesome. Another really hot remix on the album is "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby). This is the remix that uses a strong sample from the Michael Jackson song "Rock With You." I have to say that this one is rocking! I love it! I think that this is the best one of all of them! I strongly recommend it!

Why all the negative comments? I love Ashanti and she can't ever do wrong. Every time she comes out with an album, or featured on someone else's track she blows up. Lloyd's "Southside" flopped but Ashanti stood on top. She came up with Ja Rule, but now people are only talking about her. Just face it, you can't help but love her sexy, smooth, classy, hip style. I love this new album cause it's got some of her best hit singles but with a twist. I like what Irv Gotti did with "Focus" and "Only U". The "Rock Wit U (Aww Baby)" remix is tight too. I never get sick of the original and loved it since it came out on "Chapter II". The four new tracks are cool too. My favorite has gotta be "Still On It" cause it's got Paul Wall & Method Man on it. This song is soooo bad and the beat is bumpin'!! Any Ashanti fan is lost without the "Collectables." I love her!!!

I liked this song even thought it sampled Biggie it was her second but still it was just okay she actually had a nice voice on this one thats a legendary accomplishment she prooves again and again that she is no where near Aaliyah in her peak.
Lyrics 8/10 Production 8/10 Overall 8/10

For Ashanti, I felt very dissapointed with her very frist single, Foolish. Although she brings a little taste of soul into Murder Inc. and everything else, it feels like a remake in the middle. The song samples One More Chance by the late Notorious B.I.G. Although it seemed like a strong debut for a new singer, it falls flat on deaf ears, as a Mariah Carey wannabe. Hopefully, when her next record comes out, she'll probably show a little bit of music to call her own.

Yeah, there are people thinking Ashanti isn't that good, well maybe if you were a girl and actually listened to her lyrics they would mean so much to you. I think she has a great voice and i can't wait for her new Cd to come out this Spring!

All in all I think Ashanti is ok, but this song is just soo annoying.I don't know how it became such a big hit.her voice is pleasant, but the song is boring,repetitive and sooo cliche.

Ashanti's 1st single "Foolish" is nothing at all out of the ordinary, special, unique, creative, or profound. The beat has been sampled numerous times, the story line is cliche and her voice may be smooth and sweet but it's nothing surprising. However, this single does have something in it. The beat (although DeBarge's....sampled by Biggie...) is catchy and rather haunting. The lyrics are overused but relateable. Her voice flows with the song and it's overall pretty enjoyable. This single also includes the video which is always a plus. If your wondering if this cd inclued the remix intitled "Unfoolish" it doesn't. But that's no matter. "Foolish" is much better and the remix is almost the same but with a nasty & vulgar rap by Biggie (needless to say, also sampled).

not bad ashanti goes for the bad girl image on here I think van hunt doers the guitar solo i like hard rock but the guitar solo was'nt wild enough she should have called michael funkadelic hampton to get maggot brain ondatazz.

yeah the song is alright and it has some tight beats too also it aint too bad but i reckon that she iz fiiiiiiiiiine yknowhatimsayin