Reading Time: 2 min read

3.5 out of 5 stars

Fantasia, The Definition of... ยฉ RCAContemporary R&B standout Fantasia dabbles in countrified soul on โ€œUgly,โ€ a single from her upcoming LP, The Definition of…ย 

Not to relive the American Idol Series finale, but among new singles trapped in an overstuffed two-hour concert was Fantasiaโ€™s new single, โ€œUgly.โ€ Yes, โ€œUglyโ€ had to compete with a catchier, if โ€˜soon-to-be-forgottenโ€™ new single from Jennifer Lopez (โ€œAinโ€™t Your Mamaโ€) among others, but arguably, โ€œUglyโ€ might be worth a second look, even if it seemed โ€˜oddโ€™ in the context of the show. In other words, give Fantasiaโ€™s latest a chance.

Is โ€œUglyโ€ the second coming? Nope. BUT, what is respectable about this song is that thereโ€™s more of a pop and singer/songwriter vibe, something that we havenโ€™t necessarily heard from Fantasia throughout her underrated career. This is not that catchy radio song thatโ€™s going to necessarily make Fantasia a pop star โ€“ sheโ€™s clearly an R&B gal โ€“ but this is a pop-oriented R&B song that has the right formula to get pop airplay. Confused yet?


Final Thoughts ๐Ÿ’ญ

Now to address the elephant in the room โ€“ will โ€œUglyโ€ breakthrough? Probably not, but the potential is there because itโ€™s a different look/sound for Fantasia. Sheโ€™s still soulful, but the poise and restraint are a nice contrast. Furthermore, the fact she finally reaches a fever pitch is just a further testament to the โ€˜giftsโ€™ given by this unlikely candidate. It wonโ€™t be for everybody, but give it a few spins โ€“ thereโ€™s something here.

3.5 out of 5 stars


Fantasia โ€ข The Definition ofย โ€ข RCA โ€ข Released: 7.29.16
Photo Credit:ย RCA

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

Verified by MonsterInsights