In its first week of release, Free Yourself sold over 240,000 copies. And that reveals Fantasia's biggest weakness, which is part of the inherent flaw of American Idol: it rewards contestants who put on a show of being a great singer instead of actually being a great singer." Of course, the show-biz trappings haven't been completely abandoned - Fantasia's showstopping rendition of Gershwin's "Summertime" has been revived, and it's been given an overwrought treatment that's slicker and more mannered than either of her performances of it on the show. In their place are Missy Elliott, Jermaine Dupri and Rodney Jerkins, hip-hop hitmakers who give a good indication that this album is striving to seem fresh and hip, something that no other American Idol album has even attempted. Gone is Matthew Wilder, who contributed to Kelly's debut gone are Neil Sedaka and Aldo Nova, who featured heavily on Clay's album.
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic said: " Free Yourself is looser and hipper than any previous American Idol album. It also received 2.5/5 stars by Slant Magazine. It got three out of five stars by both and Rolling Stone magazine. She worked with various producers, including Louis Biancaniello, Craig Brockman, Bryan-Michael Cox, Clive Davis, Jermaine Dupri, Missy Elliott, Sean Garrett, Jazze Pha, Darkchild, Harold Lilly, Ric Rude, Soulshock & Karlin, The Underdogs, Sam Watters and Nigel Wright.Ĭritical reception Professional ratings Review scoresįree Yourself received mixed reviews. The album was recorded in 20, while Fantasia was a contestant on American Idol.
On June 29, 2004, her debut single "I Believe" was released and included as the closing track on Free Yourself.
Its first single, "Truth Is," was released in December 2004. The album was released on November 23, 2004. After winning American Idol, Fantasia signed to J Records with 19 Entertainment and began work on her debut album.
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