Fantasia | Back To Me

Fantasia | Back To Me
by Susan Mutharia

“I’m the American idol because my lips are big but, my talent is bigger.” I still remember laughing out loud when Fantasia Barrino said those words during American idol season three. Laughing is the last thing I was doing when she sang Summertime. Laughing is the last thing she was doing when she was crowned the American Idol.

When American idol introduced the crowned queen to the world, they unleashed more than just a great singer. We were all served with a reminder; to some maybe a new lesson – ‘No matter what you go through or have to endure, never give up on your dreams.’ Six years later, the lesson still sits on my platter, only with new sides to support it. From a rollercoaster of family drama, threats of foreclosure, to an attempted suicide. Despite all these, Fantasia is still standing, still gifted and has a new album Back To Me, which as of September 1st debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B Album charts.

Back To Me includes writing and producing contribution from artists such as Ne-Yo, Claude Kelly (who has written songs for several artists including Chrisette Michele, Toni Braxton and Christina Aguilera) and Rico Love.

The album begins with the song The Worst Part is Over, whose lyrics brought up a multitude of questions in my mind.

“See I’ve been to a place called hell on earth/When your body’s the same but your heart really burns/That kind of pain is more like a curse/yeah yeah/I was down on the ground and the tears wouldn’t come/I can not make a sound and my voice would budge…”

Was the song always slated to be the first song in the album or was it bumped up after surviving the suicide attempt two weeks prior to the album release? Either way, the track is ideal and one of my favorites.

Another one of my favorites is Collard Greens & Cornbread. The ballad is as soulful as its title and suits Fantasia’s voice perfectly. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Therefore, Sunday night soul food dinners with this song playing in the background will bring a whole lot of loving at the table – at least before football season begins.

Who could forget Fantasia’s performance of the song Even Angels on Oprah. Unfortunately, the recorded version does not sound as great as her performance during the show. Bittersweet, the first single off the album was released in May and continues to top the charts and get airtime on radio stations nationwide.

Fantasia is neither done living nor singing. I believe for one to celebrate victory, you must endure some battle. The battles she has overcome I’m sure will not be her last. Hopefully looking back at where she has come from and the gift of her voice will give her strength to go on. She had my vote six years ago on Idol and still has my vote through the new album. Keep doing what you do Tasia.

Susan Mutharia
The Urban Music Scene