On the sweet ballad “And I” Ciara values a lifelong love over earthly possessions. The hit “Goodies” (a duet with Petey Pablo) finds her telling a man eager for sex, “If you’re looking for the goodies, keep on looking ’cause they stay in the jar.” However …
This comes off more as a tease than true rejection since it’s wrapped in a slinky, breathy melody. “Lookin’ at You” also plays the I’m-not-that-kind-of-girl-but-make-me-an-offer card. Another half-hearted effort to resist a sexual encounter, “Next to You” waffles, “Here we are once again and I’m havin’ second thoughts, boy … at the same time, I want you near.” Sexual come-ons appear on “1, 2, Step” (with Missy Elliott), “Thug Style” and a remix of the title track with lecherous raps by T.I. and Jazze Pha. The disc includes a few mild profanities (“h—,” “d–n”), champagne-drenched celebrations and immodest liner photos. A girl competing with “Other Chicks” for a guy’s affections notes her sexual skill.
Sporting a vibe on a par with Usher or Destiny’s Child, 18-year-old Ciara Harris recruited Ludacris, R. Kelly and others for what she calls a “female empowerment” album. Sadly, she implies that ladies’ primary form of control is in granting or withholding sexual favors. Advice for teens watching their media diet: Swear off Goodies.
