R&B
Fantasia
"Fantasia"
J Records
14 tracks
Grade: A-

Well, so much for Macy Gray. This former "American Idol" has moved right into her slot. The pop market has limited room, after all, for scratchy-voiced R&B divas, and with her excellent new self-titled album, Fantasia has made a strong case as the most perfect of the imperfect. She has the confidence to sing over hot hip-hop tracks and the good sense to borrow a bit of grit from old soul music, plus she's got the commercial wherewithal to throw in a few contemporary ballads. For someone so young (she's 22), she seems awfully complete. She has a soft side, and that's nice, but she also knows how to get raw.

Peter Kramer/Getty Images (ENLARGE)
Season 3 winner Fantasia's sophomore set is full of raspy, raw fun.
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Also out today: Various artists, "Eragon" (includes tracks by Avril Lavigne and Jem); Tyrese, "Alter Ego"; Ghostface Killah, "More Fish."