I Am - Chrisette Michele

...Ne-Yo and will sure as I can be transform her career for good or for worse, and she will be propelled into the lime light. You know what? She'll deserve it too. In anticipation of this I review her debut album, 'I Am' so that those who are just warming to her talent can understand what has gone before. I should also mention that she sung the chorus on a brilliant Nas track a couple of years ago too, which didn't get too much acclaim in the UK, but ...
...bluesy feel to it. When I mentioned 'classic' R&B this track really embodies it. You get the horns, the old-skool drum fills and all in all a great track.

Track 3. "If I have My Way"
The first ballad on the album was one of the critics choices, and if memory serves me correctly a single release too. It isn't my favourite track on the album, but it definitely has a strong chorus.

Track 4. "Best of Me"
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The thing about certain artists is that they emerge onto the commercial scene with a big collaboration. That definitely is the case with the relatively so-far unknown Chrisette Michele. Her latest single is with R&B superstar Ne-Yo and will sure as I can be transform her career for good or for worse, and she will be propelled into the lime light. You know what? She'll deserve it too. In anticipation of this I review her debut album, 'I Am' so that those who are just warming to her talent can understand what has gone before. I should also mention that she sung the chorus on a brilliant Nas track a couple of years ago too, which didn't get too much acclaim in the UK, but was certainly a big hit in the U.S.

'I Am' is a soulful, classic sounding R&B album with none of the over-produced, over-hyped production that you would expect to find on say a Beyonce or Mariah Carey album. Think, Indie Arie, Alicia Keys, Floetry, true, genuine musical stars. Not to say the previously mentioned are not genuine stars, they fall more into the 'diva' category.

Track 1. "Like a Dream"
Great introductory track, her voice is unique and this shows her upbeat side and a fun way to begin the album.

Track 2. "Work it Out"
Beautiful chords, raw, live-sounding percussion with a jazzy, real bluesy feel to it. When I mentioned 'classic' R&B this track really embodies it. You get the horns, the old-skool drum fills and all in all a great track.

Track 3. "If I have My Way"
The first ballad on the album was one of the critics choices, and if memory serves me correctly a single release too. It isn't my favourite track on the album, but it definitely has a strong chorus.

Track 4. "Best of Me"
I think if I was to compare this to anyone I'd think of the likes of British star Corrine Bailey Rae, it definitely has that kind of vibe to it. Very summery, fresh and once again sumptuous vocal.

Track 5. "Your Joy"
Acoustic track with a gorgeous backing track, this one is a real grower, doesn't have the instant impact of say Like a Dream, however it really shows off a softer side to Chrisette's voice. You can totally drift away with this one.

Track 6. "Good Girl"
This one is back to the more 'upbeat' sound, the production is still brilliantly raw, has an old-skool hip hop feel about the drums. Great little track this one.

Track 7. "Be Ok"
Jazzy, energetic but with feeling, 'Be Ok' is a classic tale of survival done in a real fun way. This will definitely put a smile on your face.

Track 8. "Mr. Radio"
The production values change once again on Mr Radio, old-fashioned content with more modern produced beats. Simple, yet effective melody this one is not necessarily filler material the album is too good for that, but you get what i'm saying!

Track 9. "Golden"
Nice, sweet sentiment in this track after lasting relationship. Chilled backing track.

Track 10. "Let's Rock"
As the title indicates this one is another upbeat track, within the context of the album, it retains soulful undertones with yet another nod to some classic hip-hop loops in the beat and hook line. Party track for sure.

Track 11. "Love is You"
Piano led track, emotional ballad. Not one of my favorite tracks on the album - but nonetheless lyrically this is still superb.

Track 12. "In This For You"
This album has a real personal feel to it and a great flow, In This For You is a real nice addition to a classy line up of good lenth tracks. The pace is beginning to pick up again here.

Track 13. "Is This the way Love Feels"
What an epic, nearly 7 minutes long, you are getting your money's worth with this album that is without doubt.

Track 14. "I Am (one)" Bonus Track
The final effort on the album is melancholic bonus track. It's a great ending track which signs out perfectly from what is a superb album.

If you are looking for something away from the super slick diva's of R&B then try discovering Chrisette Michele, a beautiful and as yet- unblemished talent.  

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