Ashanti: The Declaration

After a four year hiatus, Ashanti returns with a new CD and new attitude toward her craft in hopes to deliver a bold statement on "The Declaration". Did she accomplish her goal? I would definitely say so.

Led by the smash hit "The Way That I Love You", Ashanti takes listeners on a journey and showcases attitude, sex appeal, love and inspiration. The attitude she gives on "You're Gonna Miss" and "So Over You" definitely earns her a place in the hardened hearts of anyone going through a breakup. She shows vulnerability on "Struggle" as she admits not everything is perfect, but she is so in love that she is willing to make it work. The sex appeal on "Girlfriend" and the Robin Thicke duet "The Things You Make Me Do" are two of the hardest hitting records on the album and "In These Streets" is another bold declaration of devotion to her love. Ashanti bares her soul on "Mother" and "Shine" to not only tell who her inspiration is, but to also inspire others.

The most noticable thing on this album is the fact that Ashanti is trying different things vocally and the writing has gone beyond "ooh baby". The album is solid and very enjoyable and I for one am happy she made her declaration.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
~RoJay