We all remember "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino who won over America with her powerful voice and touching songs dedicated to her daughter and family.
Fantasia, who dropped her last name after winning the competition, put that voice and those songs on vinyl when she released her first album, "Free Yourself" on Nov. 23.
The album was put together by Clive Davis and contains tracks produced by super stars Missy Elliott, Rodney Jerkins and Jazze Pha.
The 13-track CD has a smooth sultry sound, laced with Fantasia's trademark scratchy voice and gospel tone. The album's lyrics range from inspiration for the lost and confused to my-man-mistreats-me-but-I'll-get-over-it, people.
In addition to "I Believe" - Fantasia's "American Idol" victory song and best-selling single this year according to Nielsen SoundScan charts - the album includes Fantasia's own version of George and Ira Gershwin's "Summertime," the song that took her to the final round in the "American Idol" competition.
One downfall of the album is that Fantasia didn't write the songs.
But anybody who has been a Fantasia fan from the beginning knows that she's had her share of struggles worth singing about.
The song "Baby Mama," an ode to single mothers, attempts to represent part of her background.
She sings. "I know we can make it if we dream/And I think it should be holiday/For single mothers tryin' to make a way/But until then/Here is your song."
Fantasia made Billboard history by becoming the first artist in the history of the Hot 100 chart to debut at No. 1 with her first record, "I Believe."
In "This Is Me," one of the more R&B-type songs on the album, Fantasia explains to her listeners where she comes from and who she is: "Southern girl with city dreams/Got a sack full of clothes and just a few dollas'/Bussin' tables while I'm tryin' to sing/Hope I hit it big so I can send for my daughter."
The album does a good job of showing off Fantasia's vocal talent. However, it seems like her gospel background overshadows what is supposed to be an R&B sound.
Toward the end of most of the songs, Fantasia showcases her gospel roots by "going to church" - the sound the choir soloist has when he or she is feeling the words to the song and starts running and jumping around.
Fantasia gets props for doing an excellent job vocally. However, it would be beneficial if she follows in the footsteps of second "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard and return to her gospel roots with her next album.
Suggested listening: When you're thinking about giving your boyfriend an ultimatum and need help finding the words, or if you're a single mother and need some inspiration.
If you like Fantasia you might also like: Alicia Keys and Destiny's Child
