May 16, 2009 12:00 EDT
Ciara
On her oft-delayed third studio album, Ciara attempts to keep it real, grown and sexy. On the intro track, "Ciara to the Stage," the Atlanta artist chants flirtatiously, over a smooth, hip-swaying production, and tantalizes her lover with a private strip tease on "Love Sex Magic," featuring Justin Timberlake—the album's highlight. Much of the rest of the album could use more of that personality. On "High Price," where she takes her vocals to an opera-like pitch, and her collaboration with the-Dream, "Lover's Things," whose faint tenor would seem like an ideal match, Ciara seems to go almost unnoticed. Thankfully, "Work," featuring Missy Elliott, has Ciara showing fly-girl antics over a house-like, clap-laden production, and the breakup song "Never Ever," featuring Young Jeezy, which samples "If You Don't Know Me by Now," pick up the slack. —Mariel Concepcion
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