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The Declaration (by Ashanti, R&B)

common sense media says

Soulful voice doesn't mask sexual stuff.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Ashanti's fourth album is more of the same in terms of sexual content, but she seems to have toned it down a bit when it comes to glorifying the gangsta life. Unfortunately, she just can't stray too far from the lyrical formula of lots of gratuitous sexual stuff.

Positive messages: She does talk about being a woman scorned and exacting revenge.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: The CD is loaded with sexual content and "trying to get in them draws and banging it out till morning" is only the beginning.
Language: The opening of "You're Gonna Miss" has a "f--ked up." Also, "And now I'm standing here looking like damn…"
Consumerism: Mentions of Sidekick phone and BMWs.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on The Declaration

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about Ashanti's progression. When she released her first album, she was just a teen. Has her musical style changed? Do you think she's made a natural development with age or did her record label force the change?

What's the story?

What's the story?
This R&B and pop star has delivered her fourth album with a slick, overproduced 13-track collection. She continues to talk about sex and brings in some big names such as Nelly, Akon, and Robin Thicke to help her out.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Ashanti's soulful voice is a little hidden behind all the production, but THE DECLARATION probably couldn't help but end up sounding overproduced with the list of people tied to it -- Babyface, Jermaine Dupri, Diane Warren -- to name a few. And production isn't the only thing that's over the top: Ashanti is definitely the "Dear Abby" of the R&B world for the heartbroken and wouldn't be herself if she wasn't singing about the highs and lows of relationships including being a woman scorned and exacting revenge. All said, what you have here is a fine album of songs that doesn't really excite or depress either. It's stuck in mediocrity and falls somewhere in the middle of take or leave it.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: June 3, 2008
Label: Universal
Genre: R&B
This review was written by Maria Dinoia
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

lilyallen101
teen, 17 years old
 
The declaration of Ashanti; very good
Sexual Content: Some iffy innuedo. Depends on your child. Violence: Not an issue. Language: "Lookin' like D**n...", "I shoulda learned my lesson when you fuc-ed before", and "Frankly I don't giva fuc-." Social Behaviour: Empowerment for anyone, boy or girl. Tracks such as "Shine" explain how no one can bring you down. Commercialism: Not an issue. One meantion each of Beamers and Sidekicks. Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco: Not an issue. The Declaration On for 13+. Great R&B/Pop album for teens. HIGHLY recommend it. :D
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linbetween
adult
 
Really Good Album
First of all her vioce is excellent, the reviewer should listen to Shine and Mother plus So Over You where she shows her best vocal ability. I agree some tracks are over produced but her voice heard and very clear that it is not played. There are songs that are sexually suggestive such as Girlfriend (by the way a nice track) and The Things You Make Do. But let's face there are other worse tracks out there. It's not for kids but it's a good album.
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