A few years ago, Ashanti was the name on everyone's lips. A few years in the music biz, however, can be a kiss of death to a burgeoning recording career.

The R&B arena is now stacked with the likes of Rihanna - and Ashanti is struggling to find her voice and her fans. The Declaration is not going to help matters. Ashanti's problem seems to be finding material that sticks out from the pack, and Hey Baby (After The Club) is the best of a forgettable bunch here.

Ashanti
The Declaration
(Universal)

by SHANE COOPER