Full disclosure: I’m one of the world’s biggest fans of Fantasia Barrino. Play me YouTube footage of her singing “I Believe” on the American Idol season 3 performance finale, and I’m guaranteed to cry like it’s the final scene of Six Feet Under. Fire up that rendition of “Lady Marmalade” she delivered at a Patti LaBelle tribute concert, and I assure you I’ll throw a minimum of one hand in the air (then wave it ’round like I’m totally square). But even I have to admit the shortcomings of some of ‘Tasia’s post-Idol output. For every electrifying romp like “Hood Boy,” there’ve been meandering midtempo jams with about as much flavor and distinctiveness as corn-starch thickener in a mass-market bisque. For every “uh-huh this girl knows how to murder it” ballad like “Free Yourself,” there’ve been melody-free compositions that left our Idol heroine to wail to no avail.
But “Even Angels,” a brand new track from Fantasia’s upcoming third studio album that she’ll perform tomorrow on Oprah, finds the current VH1 reality star aiming directly for a date with the pop charts, which is a distinct change from the grittier R&B focus of her previous records. (Hat tip to mjsbigblog for alerting me to its availability.) The unabashedly sentimental ode to recalibrating one’s inner compass has a lovely, well-defined melody that provides a border for a singer with a penchant for hollerating way outside the lines (not that there’s anything wrong with that). This unexpected vocal restraint, combined with a lilting piano line and lyrics that follow the singer pondering how to go it alone on the most ordinary of days, build slowly and almost imperceptibly. Then, at the 3:00 mark, “Even Angels,” written by Heather Bright and produced by The Stereotypes, reaches a thunderous, echoing climax — “even angels, even angels learn to fly…fly…fly…fly” — that could manipulate even Ryan Tedder into a full-bodied sway, and which plays out like a mashup of Beyoncé’s recent Grammy winner “Halo” and Bette Midler’s slice of classic sap “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Sure, it’s the kind of song you’d expect to hear a future Carrie Underwood or Jordin Sparks singing at the Kodak in May (while trying to avoid getting confetti in her mouth), and yet, ‘Tasia upgrades lines like “First step, take a deep breath/ You don’t need a reason why” with a voice that packs more emotion into a couple of bars than most Auto-Tuned pop tarts deliver on an entire album. It’s good to have Ms. Barrino back with some new music; here’s hoping radio agrees. (And here’s also hoping that just because “Even Angels” is pretty and poppy, that Fantasia doesn’t deny us some of her beautifully ugly funk on the forthcoming CD.)
What do you think of “Even Angels”? If RCA makes this the lead single, could you envision it having an impact on the Hot 100? Sound off in the comments below, but before you do, a three-step plan: Follow EW’s Music Mix blog on Twitter @EWMusicMix; then follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak; and then, after the jump, check out my recent five-part interview with Fantasia (covering everything from her VH1 show to her Gospel roots to her desire to rock).
I think this has a very good chance of being a crossover hit for Fantasia.Doesn’t hurt to launch it on Oprah.
Totally agree with you, Michael. Fantasia is one of my favorite Idols (along with Kelly and Adam). I saw her on Broadway in The Color Purple and cried like a baby. I’m diggin’ this song on first listen and know that it will grow on my even more.
It’s probably as good a shot as she’s gonna get, but the chart failure of Whitney’s relaunch suggests there’s not much of an audience for “I-made-it-through” diva rehab singles. Plus, none of the idols are really burning up the charts at this point — even Carrie’s latest is underperforming.
Fantasia is not an “I-made-it-through rehab diva”. She has been through surgery to remove polyps on her vocal cords. She has also overcome financial problems (for trusting financial managers who failed to pay her taxes) and overspending. She is a woman who has learned from her mistakes and taken control. I applaud her!!
I said “diva rehab” not “rehab diva.” I wasn’t suggesting she’s been through rehab. I’m saying her public image has taken a hit in the past couple of years, so she’s working to rehabilitate her image.
Why does this seem like Clive has entered the room? This is probably her last shot at “big time fame” like her cohort, Jennifer Hudson….She’s def toned down and not screaming….
I highly doubt Carrie is underperforming with her latest single! Each week it climbs higher on the charts and the video was only released yesterday. Sure, it’s not blockbuster chart success like Cowboy Casanova because there isn’t pent-up demand, but the single’s growing steadily!
YES! Finally! Good for her. I love this.
I think it’s okay. I do like Fantasia, but Slezak, as much as I like ya, I think you’re a bit biased here. It’s a good song, but you’re looking at it through rose-tinted glasses.
It is a good song. More than anything, I give Fantasia credit for selling it. She sang every lyric like it was personal and she didn’t even have to go into full-out gospel mode.
She needs this. Many will say that her voice is wasted on a song like this. But Fantasia, while her voice is phenomenal, is polarizing. For her to reign it in exhibits control, and she can still “work it” live if she needs to. I think it’ll do quite well.
Sappy
Finally, Fanny! This is, to my ears, is her best bet for the Hot 100. I like it. Can’t wait for the remix.
I am happy for Fantasia the song is telling a story and she can sing anything with emotion I love the song and can’t wait for her new cd and love her show. Thank you Fantasia for coming back the real deal.
I’m really skeptical as to the single’s success on top 40, but I think Fantasia is crazy talented so I’m definitely rooting for her.
Hate her! Hate it! She is so a decade ago!
Do you know her personally to have hate in your heart for her? Its okay to not like a person character; but hate a person when you don’t know them is a bit much. I love Fantasia’s new single. I am very proud of her.
i dont think you hate her i think you are a hater!!!!
thats right i think he or she is the biggest hater of all time
Nice little tune & I do like Tasia – but just wondering – does anybody else hear Miley singing Party in the USA ?
Yes! That’s what it is! I knew there was something that seemed too generic-pop about it.
As I listened to the song, I read your comment and thought, ‘he’s right’! There’s a part that reminds me of Party In The USA but overall, it has a different feel, imo. I think the song is ok but I don’t see it being a big hit.
I’m noddin’ my head like yeah.
it’s an okay song, but can she sing more than two notes? she always sounds the same
Hahaha what a statement.
I agree with you 100% I love this more controlled sound. Time will tell if it pays off. She sounds great. This is really a refreshing change. Fantasia is an amazing talent. I love this song it has an inspirational, motivational feel to it. Like Simon said to her about “Summertime” some people won’t get it or like it. But for those of us who do get it; it’s like opening a gift. Soar high Fantasia.
I think she sounds great. This may be a successful song for her. It sounds much more current and like much of what is being played on the radio now. It is also a song that many can identify with. I certainly did.