The Rundown: Ciara, Ciara
A track by track review of CiCi's latest effort.
1 / 12
The Rundown: Ciara, Ciara - Even though Ciara has maintained a steady presence in R&B, her career has been in kind of a quandry since her multi-platinum debut nearly a decade ago. How do you break from the pack to, once again, rise to the top? Her answer is her latest self-titled album which mixes sultry ballads with booming anthems of self-assuredness. Here's a track-by-track look at the LP. (Photo: Epic Records)
2 / 12
"I'm Out" Featuring Nicki Minaj - If Ciara is trying to rise above the fray, this opening club banger could be seen as a step into the right direction. Emerging buzzsaw synth flourishes, clapping breakdowns and chanty lyrics about partying in the face of heartbreak, while made to fall right into the mix, give the standard dancefloor vibe. Nicki Minaj offers her usual blazing guest verse to turn this into the latest female anthem. (Photos: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
3 / 12
"Sophomore" - Upon hearing the title, you may think this tune is one pertaining to academics. But with its Soundz-produced gangsta 808 bounce and Ciara's purring vocals about "riding" and indulging in physical pleasures, you'll understand the singer is talking of upping the grade in the bedroom. (Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images)
4 / 12
"Body Party" - On this sultry ballad, producer Mike Will Made It reworks Ghost Town DJ's southern R&B classic "My Boo" while Ciara makes a convincing plea for her man's body. Her current beau Future is heard wafting in and out of the track. (Photo: Epic Records, Sony Music Entertainment)
5 / 12
"Keep On Lookin'" - "I would tell you haters to f--k off, but I'm still such a lady," Ciara belts out to all doubters on this track. "Hate to say that 'I told ya,' now you see I ain't playing." Of course this is the R&B diva's message to those who thought she'd fade from the spotlight. (Photo: Jason Merritt/BET/Getty Images for BET)
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6 / 12
"Read My Lips" - On this ode to going downtown, Ciara sensually croons to her beau: "You better bring your appetite." Fortunately, the cut is filled with light and fun innuendo and nothing blatant so the content isn't so, uh, in your face, so to speak. (Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images for BET)
7 / 12
"Where You Go" Featuring Future - Ciara teams with her beau Future for this light ballad of longing for each other. Over the Mike Will Made It-produced track, Future's unpolished singing is a great compliment to Ciara's heavenly voice. (Photo: VLNY / Zodiac / Splash News)
8 / 12
"Super Turnt Up" - Accompanied by swirling synth progressions, Ciara sings about longing for her lover. "You'll go out of your way to make me happy," she celebrates. (Photo: Rodrigo Vaz/Getty Images)
9 / 12
"DUI" - This track is a story of the singer riding around with her boo and them teasing each other's body. "In the middle of the highway, me and my babe," Ciara begins this track. "R. Kelly on the radio, let it play… You got your hand on my thigh, I got my hand on the wheel and the other… I rather not mention." Can she behave? Think not. (Photo :Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images)
10 / 12
"Livin' It Up" Featuring Nicki Minaj - What R&B album would be complete without a cut celebrating living life to the fullest and making your dreams come true. On this light-hearted, '80s-inspired dance-able cut Ciara and Nicki Minaj big up their blessed lives for all to hear. (Photo: Supplied by WENN.com)
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11 / 12
"Overdose" - Josh Abraham and Oliver "Oligee" Goldstein produced this, the funkiest cut of the album. It's well-crafted dance-pop groove that finds Ciara fighting from ODing on some good love. (Photo: Ryan/WENN.com)