Ciara's 'Fantasy Ride' Delayed to Spring 2009

© Donna Ward/PR Photos

Ciara's third major studio album "Fantasy Ride", which was supposed to be dropped on December 9 and then January 2009, is confirmed to be pushed back to spring 2009. "Right now, we are anticipating it for spring 2009," a spokesperson from Zomba Records said in a statement.

The delay happens because "the response to 'Go Girl' wasn't strong enough to ignite an album." Since it was released in late September, "Go Girl", the lead single off Ciara's upcoming LP, could only debut at number 60 and manage to climb to number 26 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "It's a nice setup single because [the video] introduces Ciara's new look and her new body, but it's not the opener," the spokesperson explained.

"Ciara opened very wide with her first album ["Goodies"], which gave her a broad audience and crossover appeal. Her second album ["Ciara: The Evolution"] was a little more urban," the spokesperson revealed more. "With 'Fantasy Ride', they're trying to strike a balance [between pop and urban] while looking for the right single."

"Fantasy Ride" lines up Ludacris, Missy Elliott, The-Dream, Young Jeezy, and T-Pain as featured guests. The album is expected to be released as a three-disc album rather than all the tracks on a single CD. Five to six songs will be featured on each disc supplying a different theme. The first disc, entitled "Groove City", contains slow jams similar to her singles on "Ciara: The Evolution". The second disc, called "Crunktown", includes crunk-influenced tracks reminiscing "Goodies". The third disc, named "Kingdom of Dance", provides up-tempo house and freestyle cuts.