With their third album "Concrete Rose" Ashanti linked musically on their self-titled debut album ("Ashanti"). In the intro she says that this is about their probably best album and one must admit that it is a lot musically and vocally better, unlike their last album ("Chapter II"). She knows how to lead her soft voice to roughen hiphop beats, sounds sweet times, sometimes street and sees itself on the soft high notes. The "Intro", erklährt in the Ashanti, as it came to the name "Concrete Rose" follows "Still Down" feat. TI, who has also worked with Destiny's Child. A melodic track that is reminiscent of earlier times Rule Yes and is very catchy. (10/10) After "Message to the fans," an introduction to "Only U", in the Ashanti your fans would like to thank them for their loyalty and love. "Only U" is likely to be one or the other from the radio or television known. A catchy track with interesting production. A small deduction there are unfortunately in the somewhat silly chorus (9/10) This is followed by "Focus", probably the nights single release, with nice vocal line. The beat is a bit of getting used to, but after a few times listening but catchy. (8/10) With "Do not Let Them" is followed by a highlight of the CD. The Beat stakt reminds us of the first album and is quite "Ashanti" (10/10) "Love Again" is reminiscent of "Happy", also from the first album. A nice track, which is a bit monotonous, but quite audible. (6/10) This is followed with "Take Me Tonight" feat. Lloyd again one of my favorite CD. You can see (from Lloyd album) it as a continuation of "Southside". Definitely a great song and immediately catchy. (10/10) "U" is better than "Love Again" but unfortunately somehow a bit unimaginative. (7/10) He is replaced by "Every lil 'thing" again a blast, reminiscent of Beat her to "call" from the first album and is just great. (10/10) "Turn it up" feat. Ja Rule I find failed. The beat goes towards 80's and the chorus is good, but the verses come across totally bumpy. (5/10) "So hot" is a sexy slow song of instantly catchy and absolutely suited for relaxing hours for two. (10/10) "Do not leave me alone" feat. 7Aurelius is the absolute highlight of the CD. With this song as a single from the album, it could be quite high in the charts create Ashanti again. The song would be heard again and again. It is longing and sad in a poignant way. (10/10) "Freedom" rounds off the album. A song about freedom with a nice beat and moving text. (10/10) Finally appeared as a bonus track on the remix to in Germany and successful "Wonderful" by Ja Rule feat. R.Kelly & Ashanti. The only difference is that Ashanti has got also its own stanza and is not only the echo in the chorus. It's almost a shame that not the remix was released because she does her job really well. (10/10) Unfortunately somewhat stöhrend are still completely superfluous skits where "Buck3000" flight on an answering machine or chants with Sister Ashanti Shi Shi ("Sister Stories"). Overall, a good CD has returned with catchy tracks on the Ashanti back to their former level. For fans a must and for others who like the soft Ja Rule / Murder INC sound or R & B to hip-hop beats, highly recommended. (115/130) points
