Ciara, Beauty Marks | Album Review

After releasing six major label albums, R&B standout Ciara releases her seventh album, Beauty Marks independently with so-so results.

Arguably, It’s been ‘tough sledding’ for Grammy-winning (“Lose Control”), urban-pop, urban contemporary singer Ciara.  After being big in the 00s with albums Goodies and The Evolution, she’s failed to match the same level of success.  Sure, she’s had a couple of hits since then, such as the marvelous “Love Sex Magic” featuring Justin Timberlake, the raunchy “Ride” featuring Ludacris, and the hella sexy “Body Party”, but nothing has propelled her back to multiplatinum heights.  Is her independently-released seventh studio album, Beauty Marks, a potential multi-platinum comeback? Eh…

“I Love Myself”

It’s easy to appreciate the confidence that Ciara exudes on the opener, “I Love Myself.”  Honestly, that’s the biggest selling point of the lengthy five-and-a-half-minute cut.  She sounds great, but an edit would’ve done wonders.  Furthermore, as respectable as “I Love Myself” is, it feels it could use an additional boost. Macklemore does fine as the featured guest, but it doesn’t feel like a game changing performance.  Obviously, ‘C’ is entertaining on early promo single ✓ “Level Up”, where she “levels up” with the hip-hop infused chorus.  Throughout the course of the record, she mixes chanting and singing. In regard to her overall performance, she’s chocked-full of swagger, showcasing ‘that attitude.’  The production work is slick, with the beat and synths standing out.  Adding to the edginess of “Level Up,” it’s set in a minor key.

“Set” is the typical Ciara record through and through with its hip-hop sensibilities (production, rhythmic melodic lines, and attitude).  It’s pleasant and inoffensive, but it doesn’t pack a significant punch by any means.  Follow-up ✓ “Thinkin Bout You” is the best candidate for a ‘gem’ beyond “Level Up.” C’s breathy upper register sounds ripe and totally feels right.  The chorus is infectious, easily getting stuck in your head.  Furthermore, even the verses are enjoyable, easygoing, and awesome ear candy.  Fifth track “Trust Myself” is well-suited for her, benefitting from another solid chorus.  That said, it follows the record that has a legitimate case for the crowning achievement of Beauty Marks.  Pleasant, but doesn’t move the needle in my eyes.

“Girl Gang”

“Girl Gang” featuring Kelly Rowland should be a surefire, big-time hit from two of the game’s ‘baddest.’ Ciara! Kelly Rowland! Hit, right? Well… while “Girl Gang” is sleekly produced, and there’s clearly swagger on display, the record just doesn’t quite reach that next level.  The ingredients are there, but that extra seasoning giving it even more flavor is missing… 

“100, 100, 100, 100 rounds / I know how to keep you chasing / Leave my handprint, make my mark…/ Trust me boy, it’s worth the waiting / Ain’t no stopping when I start.” Word! Ciara brings the heat on single ✓ “Dose.” Perhaps the biggest lift comes from veteran producer Rodney Jerkins, who sets her up for success with a rhythmic, brassy backdrop, hard-hitting drum programming, all chocked-full of attitude. There’s simply no way to deny the groovy, infectious, and utterly playful nature of “Dose.” On the minor-key banger, her vocals are bright, possessing a presence.  The lyrics are hella simple but exude confidence. On the catchy chorus she is references good sex. She follows with a post-chorus, confirming ‘the heat.’ One of the best musical moments are the hyper-rhythmic, marching band drums that follow the bridge.

“Na Na”

“Na Na” is light, characterized by its rhythm, synths, and cool, calm, and collected vocals by Ciara.  She doesn’t do very much, but successfully conveys sexy vibes without being explicit.  It’s no heavyweight, but pleasant and respectable. Another pre-release single, “Freak Me” featuring Tekno follows. Like much of Beauty Marks, the production is unique, particularly the mallet percussion parts.  “Freak Me” is fueled from a sample, “Before NKO”.  Sample or not, “Freak Me” benefits from its blend of tropical pop, reggae/dancehall, and urban contemporary.  Give JR Rotem the credit he deserves behind those boards. Known more for her vibe than her vocal prowess (no shade), the same can be said of her performance here. There are some great, smooth vocal harmonies, and the sexiness is potent, even if “Freak Me” isn’t the least bit transcendent.

✓ “Greatest Love” gives Beauty Marks another song that earns high marks.  Appropriately appearing as the penultimate song, it’s a nice lift towards the end of a decent, though not ‘earth shattering’ album.  Vocally, Ciara sounds smooth and sincere about, well, “the greatest love.” “Beauty Marks” has carries a bit more weight, signaled by the acoustic piano accompaniment and of course the lyrics themselves.  It ends the album both appropriately and successfully, even if it still falls short of really kicking into that next gear/level.

Final Thoughts

So, how does Beauty Marks stack up? Well, it’s pleasant (said that a lot) and totally inoffensive but doesn’t ‘move the needle’ or give Ciara a comeback that’s particularly notable.  With this album, there’s a lack of ‘killer instinct’ and edge that makes you want to listen to it over and over again.  The hits are likable, but nothing reaches the same heights of her crème de la crème from the past.  Good is about the maximum rating here – it’s certainly doesn’t qualify as a great LP.  

✓ Gems: “Level Up,” “Thinkin Bout You,” “Dose” & “Greatest Love”  

Ciara • Beauty Marks • Beauty Marks Entertainment • Release: 5.10.19

Photo Credit: Beauty Marks Entertainment