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Fantasy Ride

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Untitled

Fantasy Ride is the third studio album by American contemporary R&B singer Ciara. It was released in the UK on May 3, May 5 in the United States and worldwide from May 8, 2009 by Jive Records. The album sees Ciara work with a wide range of producers and collaborators that experimentally combine her trademark R&B and hip hop sound from the previous release Ciara: The Evolution with the pop and dance genres.

Featured guests on the album include Justin Timberlake, Ludacris, Chris Brown, Young Jeezy, The-Dream, Missy Elliott and T-Pain. The album includes the first U.S. single, R&B/Hip-Hop Charts top ten hit "Never Ever" (featuring Young Jeezy), as well as the second US single (lead single elsewhere), the worldwide hit "Love Sex Magic", with Justin Timberlake. "Like A Surgeon" is the third single to be released in the US only whereas the fourth single from the album, "Work" will be released in international markets.

As a whole the album has received mixed reviews varying from "disappointing" to "highly favourable", receiving 61 out 100 on Metacritic [4]. In the US the album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200, [5] making Ciara the third female artist this decade to have her first three albums all debut in the top 3, the first two being Alicia Keys and Beyonce. Elsewhere the album did good managing to reach top 10 in the UK & Ireland and the top twenty in Switzerland and Belgium amongst others. [6]

Conception and production

Recording

At the start of 2008, Ciara began working on her third album. She became executive producer of the album, with LaFace Records A&R coordinator Mark Pitts. The first recording sessions saw her working with producers Tricky Stewart, Danja, Jasper Cameron, and The-Dream. [7] In an interview from a concert, Ciara stated that she worked on two tracks with Justin Timberlake[8] and his production team The Y's which will appear on the album.[9] Spike Stent was involved in mixing tracks for the album which Ciara recorded at Chalice Studios.[10]

Themes and concept

Ciara stated in 2008 that she wanted her third album "to take fans on a musical journey".[1] Billboard magazine initially reported that the album be released across three discs each representing a different theme and featuring stylistically similar songs.[7] Danja executively produced the Crunktown and Kingdom of Dance cuts while the Groove City offerings were overseen by Tricky Stewart and Jasper Cameron.[7] 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 original 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 magazine Ciara confirmed that along with changing management she had dropped the three disc idea. [11] Music retailers such as Amazon, Target and HMV went on to list a single-disc standard edition and 2-disc deluxe edition (with DVD) of the album confirming that the album would no longer feature three discs.

Super C

Fantasy Ride also introduces Ciara's comic book character, "Super C". Ciara said that Super C is her "inner strength and aggressive persona". The Super C character is set to become a major factor in Fantasy Ride promotion. She is a futuristic, superhero-esque Ciara, loosely 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.[12]

On April 5, her official website posted the new album covers (purple Super C for the standard edition, red Super C for the deluxe edition). 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 whereas international markets will receive the human cover featuring Ciara on a faded white background.

Commericial performance

Chart performance

The album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200, selling 81,000 copies in its first week. With this, it became Ciara's third consecutive top three on that chart. Ciara also gained her first top ten album on the UK and Irish album charts. She debuted at number 9 on the UK Albums Chart and number ten on the Irish Albums Chart. The album also gave Ciara her highest peak in several countries including Canada, Australia, and France. So far, the album has sold only 150,686 copies in the United States. Although, it has had limited success in the U.S. thus far, it has already been certified gold by the CRIA (Canada) and silver by the BPI (UK).

Official Singles

  • "Love Sex Magic" is the second US single (first worldwide) from the album. The song features Justin Timberlake, who also co-wrote and co-produced the track alongside his production team, The Y's. It impacted on US radio on March 3, 2009.[14] The music video was shot on February 20, 2009 in New York by Diane Martel. It is one of the biggest releases of her career reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached the Top 10 in numerous countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland and number 5 in the UK.[15]
  • "Like a Surgeon" was released to the US radio as the third single from the album on June 15, 2009. [2] The video will be directed by Melina once Ciara finishes her current tour arrangements. [16] It charted on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart prior to its release and has so far reached number 59, without the single being officially released. [17]
  • "Work", featuring long time friend and collaborator Missy Elliot was confirmed on Ciara's official Twitter, to be the second international single from the album. It will be the fourth overall single from the album. The video was also directed by Melina before Ciara went on tour with Britney Spears. Its music video was premiered and released in the United Kingdom on June 23, 2009.[18] The single is expected to be released to radio stations in the UK on July 27, 2009.[3] The single debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 71, due to heavy radio airplay.
  • "High Price" was initially the lead single for the album, but due to being leaked early, was cancelled. It will be released as the fifth single from the album in July.

Other charted songs

  • Although "Go Girl" was initially released the first world-wide single, it eventually received a promotional release. It did however manage to chart at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 26 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also reached number 88 on the Billboard Pop 100. The single had limited success elsewhere although in Japan in managed to reach number 1. [19]
  • "I'm On", a deluxe edition track, also charted the week of the album's release. It charted on the Canadian Hot 100 at number 79.

Tours

The Circus Starring - Britney Spears

It was confirmed in March 2009 that Ciara will be the official support act for Britney Spears on the UK leg of her The Circus Starring: Britney Spears tour in support of Fantasy Ride. Ciara will appear on June 3–7 and once again from the June 10–17 at London's O2 Arena and Manchester's MEN Arena.[22] Ciara and AEG Live announced that Ciara will again become the supporting act for the tour's second North American leg, starting on August 20, 2009. [23]

Jay-Z & Ciara Live

It was later confirmed that Ciara will be going on a 6-date tour in support of Fantasy Ride, titled Jay-Z & Ciara Live with Jay-Z during the summer.[24] Six tour-dates were announced on Ciara's official website, so far.[25] The tour will begin on July 2, and will have two dates in Las Vegas, at the "The Pearl & The Palms". Ciara's setlist included old hits like "Goodies" and "Like a Boy", and other hits including "Love Sex Magic" and "Never Ever".

World Tour

It is also reported that Ciara will embark on her own world tour at towards the middle or end of 2009 in support of the album.[26] In an interview she confirmed that it was her ambition to go on her own headline tour before the end of 2009. [16]

Reception

Fantasy Ride has received overall positive reviews to mixed reviews from critics. On Metacritic, Fantasy Ride received a score of 61 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews. [4]

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. 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).[27]

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).[28]

Tracklisting

Standard Edition

# Title [29] Production and Writing Credits Featured guest Length
1. "Ciara to the Stage" Tricky Stewart, Brandon "Blade" Bowles, Rodney Richard, Jasper Cameron, Ciara Harris [29] 3:45
2. "Love Sex Magic" The Y's (Mike Elizondo, James Fauntleroy, R. Tadross, J. Timberlake) [29] Justin Timberlake 3:40
3. "High Price" Tricky Stewart, Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Ciara Harris, Kuk Harrell [29] Ludacris 4:02
4. "Turntables" Nate "Danja" Hills, Marcella Araica, C. Brown, C. Harris, N. Washington, Candice Nelson, Jim Beanz [29] Chris Brown 4:31
5. "Like a Surgeon" Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, K. Harrell [29] 4:27
6. "Never Ever" Jamal Jones, C. Harris, Esther Dean, Elvis Williams, K. Gamble, J. Jenkins, L. Huff [29] Young Jeezy 4:32
7. "Lover's Thing" Carlos "Los da Mystro" McKinney, The-Dream, K. Harrell, Ciara Harris [29] The-Dream 3:27
8. "Work" Danja, M. Araica, C. Harris, M. Elliott [29] Missy Elliott 4:05
9. "Pucker Up" Rodney Jerkins, Kaleena Harper, Osinachi Nwaneri [29] 3:52
10. "G Is for Girl (A–Z)" The Y's, C. Harris [29] 3:37
11. "Keep Dancin' On Me" Tricky Stewart, The-Dream, K. Harrell, Ciara Harris [29] 3:33
12. "Tell Me What Your Name Is" Luke "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, Benjamin "Benny Blanco" Leven, Ciara Harris, R. Jackson [29] 3:38
13. "I Don't Remember" L. Taylor, Shaffer Smith, J. Jones, C. Harris, D. Dalton [29] 3:47

Bonus tracks

# Title Release/Edition Production and Writing Credits Featured Guest Length
14. "Echo" UK [30], Japan [31], Latin America [32], Germany Danja, D. Dalton, M. Aracia, Patrick Smith, C. Harris [29] 3:38
15. "Go Girl" Japan [31] Faheem "T-Pain" Najm, David Balfour, J. Cameron, C. Harris [33] T-Pain 4:30
16. "Never Ever" (Mike D Radio Mix) International Extended Edition [31][34] DJ Mike, E. Williams, J. Jones, C. Harris Young Jeezy 4:03
17. "Fit of Love" Italian & Dutch iTunes Deluxe Edition [35] Reginald Perry, Frankie Storm, Josh Haughkirk [36][37] 3:18
18. "Love Sex Magic" (Electric Bounce Radio Mix) Japan Deluxe Edition [38] Jason Nevins, The Y's Justin Timberlake 3:12
19. "When I" Selected iTunes stores, pre-order only [39] Dreshan Smith, Stacy Barthe [40] 4:04

Limited Deluxe Edition

Including all Standard Edition tracks:
  1. "Echo" - 3:38
  2. "I’m On" (A.J. Birchett, A.D. Birchett, C. Harris) [29] - 3:56
  3. DVD with exclusive video content.[41]
    i. Behind-The-Scenes Footage: Photoshoot, Rehearsals, Recording Studio[41]
    ii. The Making of: Go Girl, Never Ever, Love Sex Magic [41]
    ii. Music Videos: Go Girl, Never Ever, Love Sex Magic [41]

Personnel

Charts

Chart Provider Peak
position 		Certification
Argentina, Top 20 Albums Chart [42] CAPIF 9
Australia, Top 50 Albums Chart [43] ARIA 39
Belgium (Flanders) Albums Chart [44] Ultratop 21
Belgian (Wallonia) Albums Chart[44] 36
Canada Albums Chart [45] Nielsen SoundScan 2
European Top 100 Albums [46] Billboard 20
France Album Chart [44] SNEP 34
Ireland Top 100 Albums[47] IRMA 10
Italian Albums Chart[48] FIMI 69
Poland Albums Chart[49] OLiS 38
Swiss Albums Chart[44] Ultratop 13
UK Albums Chart[47] OCC 9
UK R&B Album Chart[50] 2
U.S. Top 200 Albums
Billboard
3
U.S. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 2

Release history

Region Edition Date Label
United Kingdom
 Standard (download + bonus tracks) May 3, 2009 [51][39] Jive, RCA
Standard (Single disc + bonus track) May 4, 2009 [52]
Extended (CD + DVD content) May 5, 2009
United States
[53] 		Standard (single disc)
Limited (CD + DVD content) 		La Face, Zomba
Canada
[54] 		Standard (single disc)
Special (CD+DVD content)
Japan
[55] 		Standard (single disc) May 13, 2009 Sony Music Japan
Brazil
[56] 		Standard (single disc) May 15, 2009 Zomba, Sony Music
Japan
[38] 		Limited (CD + DVD content) May 27, 2009 Sony Music Japan
Germany
[57][58] 		Standard (single disc)
Limited (CD + DVD content) 		June 5, 2009 Zomba, Sony Music

References

  1. ^ a b "Ciara brings new attitude to 'musical journey'" (web). Reuters press-release. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
  2. ^ a b "Radio 1: Like A Surgeon added to US radio" (web). radio listings. Retrieved 2009-06-18.
  3. ^ a b "Radio 1: Work CD single release date" (web). radio/single listings. Retrieved 2009-06-18.
  4. ^ a b "Metacritic gives overview of Fantasy Ride" (web). collective review. Retrieved 2009-05-18.
  5. ^ "Ciara debuts at number three on Billboard 200" (web). Billboard news. Retrieved 2009-05-13.
  6. ^ "aCharts: Fantasy Ride Album Chart Positions" (web). Chart-listings. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
  7. ^ a b c "Ciara Billboard Magazine Spread about Fantasy Ride" (web). Chart-listings. Retrieved 2008-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  8. ^ "Ciara Talks on record at NBA arena" (web). interview. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  9. ^ "Power 1051: Catch-up with CiCi" (podcast). radio interview. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |Accessdate= ignored (|accessdate= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ "Ciara's Fantasy Ride Mentioned in Chalice Studies Clients" (web). interview. Retrieved 2009-03-21.
  11. ^ "Ciara speaks to Vibe Magazine" (web). blog. Retrieved 2009-03-21.
  12. ^ "Rap-up Reveals Caira's Work with Bernard Chang" (web). magazinebulletin. Retrieved 2008-12-11.
  13. ^ "Rap-up.com: New Ciara single confirmed as "Never Ever"" (web). magazinebulletin. Retrieved 2008-12-19.
  14. ^ "FMQB unveil Ciara's second single "Love Sex Magic"" (web). radio listings. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  15. ^ "SoUrban Success with "Love Sex Magic"" (web). newspage/blog. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
  16. ^ a b "TGJ Interviews Ciara" (web). interview. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
  17. ^ "Like A Surgeon, progress on Billboard Charts" (web). chart-listing. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
  18. ^ Ciara's UK Website
  19. ^ "Go Girl, progress on Billboard Charts" (web). chart-listing. Retrieved 2008-10-20.
  20. ^ "Turntables, Makes Small UK Chart Debut" (web). chart-listing. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  21. ^ "Ciara to the Stage, debuts on Billboard" (web). chart-listing. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  22. ^ "Ciara Support Act Tour Schedule for Britney" (web). Tour schedule. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  23. ^ "AEG confirm Ciara as a support act for North America" (web). Tour schedule. Retrieved 2009-06-02.
  24. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2009/05/12/jay-z-and-ciara-plan-10-city-joint-tour/
  25. ^ "Ciara cofirms Jay Z co-tour" (web). Tour schedule. Retrieved 2009-05-18.
  26. ^ "Power 105 Interview" (web). radio interview. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  27. ^ "The Guardian: Music Reviews: Fantasy Ride" (web). review. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  28. ^ "Digital Spy: Reviews Fantasy Ride" (web). review. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  29. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Final Tracklisting for Fantasy Ride With Composers" (web). billboard discogrpahy. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  30. ^ Cite error: The named reference play1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  31. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference hmvjp was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  32. ^ "Fantasy Ride for Latin America" (web). weblisting. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  33. ^ "Go Girl Writing/production credits" (web). BMIrepertoire. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  34. ^ "UK iTunes Extended edition of fantasy ride" (web). web-listing. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  35. ^ "European iTunes Extended edition of fantasy ride" (web). web-listing. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  36. ^ "ASCAP "Fit Of Love" Writing Credits" (web). ASCAP search. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  37. ^ http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=312639123&id=312638946&s=143450
  38. ^ a b Fantasy Ride - Deluxe Edition (in Japanese) Sony Music Shop. Sony Music Entertainment. Accessed April 22, 2009.
  39. ^ a b "iTunes: Pre-oder Fantasy Ride UK" (web). web-listing. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
  40. ^ "ASCAP "When I" Writing Credits" (web). ASCAP search. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  41. ^ a b c d "Amazon List Limited Edition Bonus Content" (web). web-listing. Retrieved 2009-04-04.
  42. ^ "Argentina Album Charts" (web). chart-listing.
  43. ^ "ARIA: Fantasy Ride Charts inb Australia" (web). chart-listing.
  44. ^ a b c d "Ciara - Fantasy Ride (Album)". Ultratop (in Belgian). Retrieved 2009-05-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  45. ^ "Neilson Soundscan: Fantasy Ride Charts in Canada" (web). chart-listing.
  46. ^ "Billboard: Fantasy Ride Euro-chart" (web). chart-listing.
  47. ^ a b "Ciara - Fantasy Ride - Music Charts". αCharts. Retrieved 2009-05-08.
  48. ^ "FIMI: Fantasy Ride charts in Italy" (web). chart-listing.
  49. ^ "OLIS: Fantasy Ride charts in Poland" (web). chart-listing.
  50. ^ "Official Charts Company: Fantasy Ride charts on UK R&B Charts" (web). chart-listing.
  51. ^ "Fantasy Ride Official Digital Download" (web). web-listing. Retrieved 2009-05-03.
  52. ^ "HMV list Fantasy Ride" (web). web-listing. Retrieved 2009-05-04.
  53. ^ "Amazon.com list Fantasy Ride" (web). web-listing. Retrieved 2009-05-05.
  54. ^ "Amazon.ca list Fantasy Ride" (web). web-listing. Retrieved 2009-05-05.
  55. ^ Fantasy Ride [Limited Low-priced Edition] Cdjapan.co.jp. Neowing. Accessed April 23, 2009
  56. ^ Fantasy Ride in Brazil. Accessed May 8, 2009
  57. ^ Fantasy Ride (Amazon). Accessed May 4, 2009
  58. ^ Fantasy Ride Limited Edition jpc.de. Accessed May 4, 2009


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