Fantasia is back! The American Idol alum samples ‘Nightshift’ by the Commodores (Lionel Richie) for ‘Lose to Win’, the first single from her highly anticipated new album!

Fanny is aiming to release her next studio album by March 2013, an album that draws inspiration from Queen, Elton John, Aerosmith, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. She describes the upcoming project as Rock/Soul, a self-professed claim to her artistic freedom.

‘Lose to Win’ will be available to download on iTunes on January 8th. Take a listen to it below. It’s real cute.

This song is amazingly retro with its 80s drums and keyboard accompaniment. It’s one of those songs that packs some real groove! The 80′s Tina Turner vibe fits her like a glove and she’s telling a story which draws you in because she’s LIVED IT.

“Have you ever needed someone so bad? But he ain’t willing to make it last? Sometimes you gotta lose to win again,” she sings when addressing a cut throat battle with love. Truer words have never been spoken. And judging by HER relationship dramas, we know all about it.

Welcome back Ms Barrino!