'Back to Me' might get Fantasia through her crisis

Album cover for "Back to Me," the third album from... — Album cover for "Back to Me," the third album from "American Idol" winner Fantasia.

By GLENN GAMBOAglenn.gamboa@newsday.comAugust 23, 2010

Considering all her alleged-affair and attempted-overdose gossip of recent weeks, Fantasia's new album, "Back to Me" (RCA), could easily be overlooked.

However, her third effort is so strong, packed with potential hits beyond the already-hot "Bittersweet," that it should serve as her pillar in the current storm.

"Back to Me" is light years ahead of her post-"American Idol" efforts - thanks to high profile help from Ne-Yo, who co-wrote the catchy, immediate anthem "Man of the House," and even Ashford & Simpson, who work on the old-school "Collard Greens and Cornbread."

But it really shines with Fantasia's renewed focus on what she wants to sing about - her dramas and overcoming them.