FANTASIA - Fantasia Review

Fantasia’s never going to be a pop-culture-conquering star.
I could be wrong, yeah, but I doubt it. I understand that for a brief moment a few years ago, she was close to being just that—as close as she’s going to get—after (deservedly) winning the third season of “American Idol....full text On her second disc, 2004 American Idol winner Fantasia expands her range, adds some attitude and comes up with some genuine R&B gems. "Hood Boy," featuring OutKast's Big Boi, opens the album with a thrilling burst of Motown built on a sample from the Supremes' "The Happening," to which Fantasia adds an amped-up ode to around-the-way boys....full text With the release of her self-titled second album, there should be no doubt that Fantasia Barrino is one of the best R&B vocalists of her generation. While most soul-singin’ chicks in their early-mid 20s offer a modern take on the Janet-esque sensual coo, Fantasia’s voice is already a full-bodied shout that has drawn comparisons to legends like Mary J. and Queen Aretha....full text