 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Free Yourself
- By Fantasia Barrino
- Genre: R&B
Common Sense Media says
Idol winner is predictable but powerful.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Fantasia's debut CD is mostly harmless, and she uses her magnificent voice to deliver predictable girl-power messages. You may want to note that the "N" word is used once to describe a loser boyfriend.
What's the story?
Like her predecessors on American Idol, Fantasia's fantastic voice won her a record deal, but unlike Kelly, Clay, and Ruben, she also won attentive production standards and backup musicians on her FREE YOURSELF album. It's nice to see the American Idol machine taking better care of its fledgling artists, and Fantasia has a voice and style that rise to the occasion. The songs seem calculated to appeal to young girls, with a couple of "You don't treat me right so get out of my life" themes, a few sentimental love -- and lost-love -- songs, and respectful covers of "You Were Always On My Mind" and "Summertime."
Is it any good?
One notable high point on the CD is "Baby Mama," a stylish and spirited anthem in support of young single mothers that doesn't shy away from the tough stuff ("I see you paying your bills/I see you working your job/I see you going to school/And girl I know it's hard"). Fantasia gets some A-list help from Missy Elliott, who produced and co-wrote three tracks and performs on "Selfish (I Want U 2 Myself)," and Jermaine Dupree, who produced "Got Me Waiting." But it's "Baby Mama" and "Truth Is" that steal the show with powerful vocals and lovingly produced classic R&B instrumental tracks.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how to treat someone in a relationship. You can also use "Baby Mama" to talk to your kids frankly about the hardships of young, single parenthood.
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Lovely
This is a very nice R&B debut. Fantasia proves she has an excellent voice, and the excellent producers here (Missy Elliot, Rodney Jerkins, Jazze Pha) never let her down. Stand-out tracks include Truth Is, Don't Act Right, and my favorite, Baby Mama). Language is iffy, there is one bad word, but violence, sex, drugs, and commercialism are not an issue (Yes, she is from American Idol, but there are no tie-ins). I said social behavior was good, because she sends strong messages, particularly on Baby Mama, a song which may help and inspire struggling single mothers.
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AGE
FANSTASIA CANT SING!
FANTASIA NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE AMERICAN IDOL! I AGREE WITH SIMON SHE SOUNDS LIKE DONALD DUCK! GO SIMON COWELL!
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| Artist: | Fantasia Barrino |
| Release date: | November 23, 2004 |
| Label: | J Records |
| Genre: | R&B |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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