Fantasia
Free Yourself
The “American Idol” champ–who has dropped her last name, Barrino–outclasses the competition and emerges with the finest debut of all the former “Idol” contestants. “Free Yourself” is far from perfect, but it’s a fine start and tentatively positions Fantasia as the heir to Patti LaBelle’s atomic-powered diva crown. Unfortunately, the album’s opener is among its weakest tracks. “Ain’t Gon’ Beg You” is barely a tune, and all the singer’s considerable exertion can’t make it work. The vocal powerhouse is capable of better and, luckily, goes on to prove it. She doesn’t have the maturity to put a distinctive stamp on chestnuts “Summertime” and “Always on My Mind,” but she doesn’t embarrass herself either. On the more contemporary productions, she comes through with a personality and style of her own.
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Take away: “Idol” threat
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale ([email protected]) and Joe Knowles ([email protected])