OK, as far as evolutions go, Ciara's is remarkably short. The difference between "Ciara: The Evolution" (LaFace/Zomba) and her multiplatinum, hit-filled debut "Goodies" isn't even like day and night -- it's day and later-that-day. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Like "Goodies," "The Evolution" is heavy on the lightweight dance pop, built around Ciara's breathy vocals and the chance for her to show off her dance moves. She knocks out one potential hit after another, from the Prince-ly ballad "Promise" to the cooing "Can't Leave Him Alone" with a surprisingly playful 50 Cent, and back to the crunk-lite of "That's Right" with Lil' Jon and the sped-up, British two-step-influenced "Get In, Fit In" produced by will.i.am.
"The Evolution" bogs down at the end with a trio of similar empowerment ballads, but considering the dance workout of the earlier tracks, the cool-down period may be in order. ("Ciara: The Evolution," in stores today; grade: B)
Listen to "The Evolution" here