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