THIS IS RnB

Originally due out late last summer before getting bumped to Dec. 9, Ciara’s third CD, Fantasy Ride, has now been delayed until next year. Blame it on the disappointing performance of the first single, “Go Girl,” featuring and produced by T-Pain. The sultry dance groove quickly vanished from Billboard’s all-important Hot 100 chart no sooner than it debuted (and peaked) at a modest No. 78. “The response to ‘Go Girl’ wasn’t strong enough to ignite an album,” says a rep for the Zomba Label Group. “It’s a nice setup single because [the video] introduces Ciara’s new look and her new body, but it’s not the opener.” Another setback: Pressure to match the multiplatinum success of her first two discs, 2004’s Goodies and 2006’s Ciara: The Evolution, plus stiff competition from Britney, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. “Ciara opened very wide with her first album, which gave her a broad audience and crossover appeal. Her second album was a little more urban. With Fantasy Ride, they’re trying to strike a balance [between pop and urban] while looking for the right single.” So, what’s CiCi’s latest release date and just how firm is it? “Right now, we are anticipating it for spring 2009, but we’re not gonna put another date on it.”

via Entertainment Weekly