Ashanti's The Declaration Contains Only a Few Strong Songs

It has been four years since Ashanti's last album, the commercial failure Concrete Rose. After four years of hard work, Ashanti is prepared to release her latest album, The Declaration. Will The Declaration put the former princess of Murder Inc back on top?

The first single off of The Declaration is L.T. Hutton produced The Way That I Love You. The song is definitely the best Ashanti song in recent memory. The song features a lush piano loop and increased vocal prowess from Ashanti. Ashanti has never been known as the strongest vocalist but in her time off she has clearly worked on that as her voice sounds fuller than ever.

Body On Me teams Ashanti with her significant other Nelly and R&B megastar Akon. The song however is not as strong as a collaboration between these three strong artists. The beat just does not match the energy the three superstars could have provided to a track.

Robin Thicke teams with Ashanti on Things You Make Me Do. The song is produced by Channel 7 and is a complete departure from what you expect from Robin Thicke. The song is fairly solid however it is not spectacular.

Good Good is produced by Jermaine Dupri. The song has the feeling of many vintage Jermaine Dupri produced classics. The song stands out as one of the best tracks on the album.

So Over You is produced by Rodney Jerkins. The song is fairly catchy melodically however it is neither Rodney nor Ashanti's strongest work. However the song stands out on this album.

Mother is produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The song is a lush ballad which showcases the talent of Babyface and Ashanti's improving vocal ability.

L.T. Hutton once again joins Ashanti on Struggle. The song is a solid mid-tempo track and very commercially viable.

The title track The Declaration is produced by Channel 7. The song is definitely different than other tracks on the album and has that Channel 7 feel to it.

The Peter Stengaard produced Shine is another strong ballad on the album. The song has shades of Christina Aguilera melodically and thematically. However, the vocal ability of Ashanti limits the track.

Overall The Declaration is a mixed bag. The album contains a few very strong songs, yet a ton of filler. Overall The Declaration gets 7 out of 10 stars. If you are a fan of Ashanti make sure you pick up The Declaration.