Review Roundup: Ashanti - 'The Declaration'

Ashanti’s fourth studio album The Declaration arrives in stores today. Here’s what the critics are saying…

Rolling Stone: On her fourth album, she’s still doing the diva-by-numbers thing, alternating between angry-at-her-man anthems and lovey pleasantry. The shuffling “Body on Me,” featuring Nelly and Akon, and the shiny electro-pop “So Over You” are a step up from her Ja Rule duets of old. 2 out of 5

MSNBC: Ashanti continues to celebrate her femininity on tracks like the sensual, Robin Thicke-assisted “Things You Make Me Do” and the bass-heavy ”Girlfriend.”

Us Weekly: While her fourth CD of self-penned R&B tracks contains a few hip beats (such as the piano-driven first single, “The Way That I Love You”), the sound feels out of date. 2 1/2 out of 4