Evolution

Photographers: Indrani; Markus Klinko.
On 2006's THE EVOLUTION, Ciara's follow-up to her breakthrough album, GOODIES, the Atlanta-based singer offers an assured set of songs that expand her signature crunk-leaning R&B sound. Featuring a cadre of ubiquitous producers, most notably the Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am and the Neptunes' Pharrell, and a handful of superstar rappers (50 Cent and Lil Jon, among others), the record largely finds Ciara in a poppier mode, as best revealed on the sensual, synth-heavy "Promise" and "Get Up," a frenetic dance number that incorporates Chamillionaire's deft rhymes to great effect. While GOODIES marked Ciara's arrival as a major R&B/hip-hop star, THE EVOLUTION cements her status as an artist who can work both within and outside of those stylistic boundaries.