1 / 16

The Rundown: Ashanti, Braveheart - Shortly after Ashanti was last in the musical spotlight with the 2008 LP The Declaration, she severed ties with Irv Gotti and her Murder Inc. label, hit the Broadway stage as Dorothy in The Wiz and took a nice recording hiatus. Now the hip hop soultress is back with Braveheart, a toweringly sonic exploration of love and heartbreak. Check out this track-by-track peek at her melodic return.  (Photo: eOne)

2 / 16

"Intro – Braveheart" - Ashanti introduces her new LP with this brash opener. Laced with shimmering synth work and a booming 808 metered with finger snaps, the R&B diva sings of fighting for her true love.  (Photo: Giovanni Rufino/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank)

3 / 16

"No Where" - This cut, with its bombastic bass and cascading piano, conjures the idea of an unbreakable love as Ashanti belts out that she will stick by her man through the peaks and valleys of life.  (Photo: Moses Robinson/Getty Images)

4 / 16

"Runaway" - "Even if you try to move on," Ashanti sings to a lover who's not acting right. "Ain't another — you'll find — will do what I do." Just as bold as the singer's lyrics is the towering rhythm that fuels the head-nod factor of this track.  (Photo: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

5 / 16

"Count" - With this cut, the LP officially arrives at the club banger with Ashanti flaunting in-your-face sexuality. "Dollars ain't nothin," she chants. "Bottles ain't nothin. If you see something just push the button." (Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

6 / 16

"Early in the Morning" featuring French Montana - Ashanti teams with French Montana for this sex-fueled R&B/rap collabo that bumps with fiery anticipation.  (Photos from left: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images, Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images)

Photo By Photos from left: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

7 / 16

"3 Words" - The hip hop chanteuse breaks out the poetic metaphors for this track about being hooked by amor. "I hate that you've got this power over me," she sensually sings. "You came into the session of my soul." An extremely passionate cut.  (Photo: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

8 / 16

"Love Games" featuring Jeremih - R&B crooner Jeremih unites with Ashanti on this sexually playful tune that bobs and weaves over an atmospheric synth-n-boom rhythm.  (Photos from left: Kirill Was Here/Cohn & Wolfe, John Ricard/BET)

Photo By Photos from left: Kirill Was Here/Cohn & Wolfe

9 / 16

"Scars" - On this cut, the former first lady of Murder Inc. showcases her vengeful side as she bravely sings of being left by her man. "So tired of trying to figure out why this just didn't last," she sings. "He's gone so I'm gone/And I ain't coming back/My heart is hurtin' but my mind is saying leave his a--." (Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BET)

Photo By Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BET

10 / 16

"Never Should Have" - Call this cut the soaring ballad of the LP with its towering beat, explosive keyboards and Ashanti melodically crying her heart out over a lost love.  (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

11 / 16

"She Can't" - For the woman who's man has left her for another woman, Ashanti crafted this one for you. "She can't love you, can't touch you like Ohhh!," she brags. Basically, for the ladies in the club, it's the "f--k 'em" song.  (Photo: Jason Merritt/BET/Getty Images for BET)

12 / 16

"Don't Tell Me No" - Ashanti plays a woman all about expressing her carnal desires on this cut. "Still look in your eyes," she croons. "And I can tell that you want it. Baby, don't tell me no." (Photo: Janette Pellegrini/Getty Images)

13 / 16

"I Got It" featuring Rick Ross - Rick Ross brings the street hustle swag to this duet with Ashanti as he boasts flooding the boulevard.  (Photo: Courtesy of E-One Music)

Photo By Photo: Courtesy of E-One Music

14 / 16

"First Real Love" featuring Beenie Man - On this dancehall-fueled single, Ashanti teams with reggae vet Beenie Man for a lyrical celebration of that first real love.  (Photos: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images)

15 / 16

"Perfect So Far" - For this bonus track, it's back to intense romance for Ashanti, who sings over a tempered rhythm and flowery synth work.  (Photo: Andy Kropa/Getty Images)

16 / 16

"Never Too Far Away" - Ashanti closes out the bonus tracks edition sounding a shade like Toni Braxton while she declares her undying and unstoppable feelings for her man. It's a tender ending to her comeback. (Photo: John Ricard / BET)