Free Yourself

If you didn't know who Fantasia was prior to listening to this album, you would never be able to guess that she was the American Idol - and that is a good thing.

On her first single "Truth Is," Fantasia has left the sugary pop of American Idol behind, and is showing the world what her die hard fans have known from the beginning, this girl can really sing.

Hit worthy songs from this album include the somber "Got Me Waiting," and "Baby Mama," a tribute to young, single moms like herself. Another standout is a cover of Willie Nelson's " You Were Always on My Mind," a song which Fantasia manages to make her own without taking away from original sentiment of the song.

The only visible remnants of her AI career are forgivable. Her single "I Believe" is featured on the album, as well as "Summertime," which to be honest with you still give me chills.

What is most exceptional about this album is that Fantasia is able to showcase her amazing voice without over doing it. This is an achievement considering that in todays music world, singers often feel they need to shout their songs at you in order to prove that they can sing. Fantasia knows the power of her own voice, and while it stands out, it doesn't overshadow the music.

Only time will tell what happens to this American Idol alum, but my guess is that as long as Fantasia doesn't stray from her current formula she will do just fine.