Cici (Deluxe Edition)

Ciaras eighth album is an expansion of her like-titled first EP, released in 2023. All seven tracks from the original release are included. The warm Chris Brown duet "How We Roll," Ciaras biggest single since 2018, led off the EP and takes a prime spot here, while the Lil Baby-assisted "Forever," another well-received collaboration from the EP, reinforces the albums second half. Like the EP, the seven new songs are slick, tinted with vintage sonic references (Evelyn "Champagne" King, the Art of Noise, etc.), and mix it up between slow jams and more dancefloor-aimed material. As ever, Ciara maintains a fine balance between earnest and playful, reflecting on hard-fought financial stability one moment, bragging during another about the scene she makes when she picks up her kids, and leaving plenty of time for romantic and seductive sentiments. "This Right Here" reunites her with Jazze Pha, and the result is very "1, 2 Step 2025" with Latto in place of Missy Elliott. CiCi plays it safe with no surprises, and is sure to please listeners who balk at the thought of Ciara leaving her comfort zone. ~ Andy Kellman

近年は夏歩やラトー、XGら後進と絡むことも多いシアラだが、その後進の表現する00年代のモードはそのまま往時のこの人から直結したもので、しかも当の本人がブーティーで可憐な魅力を現在もブレなく追求し続けていて凄い……など思いつつ、こちらは2023年の同名EPを拡張したデビュー21年目でのニュー・アルバム。DJトランス使いのジャージークラブ"BRB"から、恩師ジャジー・フェイと再会した甘酸っぱいアトランタ・ベース"This Right Here"まで、どんだけベース好きやねんと思わせる本性と歌との相性の良さが楽しすぎる。躍動感のあるスロウというシアラ節の"Forever"も美しく、今回も最高。
bounce (C)出嶌孝次