I heard her on Jay-Z’s “Lost Ones” and thought, “That’s a really interesting voice.” I heard her again on Nas’ “Can’t Forget About You” and thought, “That hook sounds so old school soulful.” But it wasn’t until a friend of mine played Chrisette Michele’s album while I rode along in her car that I finally asked, “Who is this??” That voice is so dynamic. It ranges from meaningfully deep to flirtatious to wonderfully lively. Yea, I know it sounds like I’m sprung off a voice, but the girl is unique.
So I decided to take a leap and buy her album, “I Am” (which the checkout boy at Target claims is practically unheard of with the advent of bootlegging.) From the first to the last, I was genuinely surprised by the quality of the album. She seems to embody a sense of innocence, as you can hear in the playful and bouncy “Like a Dream” where Ms. Michele sings about her romantic encounter with a drummer after his performance. But then again she shows her experience with “Best of Me” and the Will.I.Am-produced “Be OK.” One thing I really enjoyed was her unjaded view of love and romance. Listen to “Work It Out,” “If I Have My Way,” “Love Is You,” and “Is This The Way Love Feels.” And amongst this album of good-vibe tracks, I really like “Let’s Rock” – makes me wanna do the Pittsburgh Shuffle or something.
Overall, the album is an excellent release of soul-infused R&B. I suppose that she’s somewhat in the vein of Jill Scott, but I think Chrisette holds her own on this album. Honestly, I never buy albums because I don’t want to be disappointed by the purchase. Instead, with “I Am” I wasn’t disappointed at all, I keep playing it. I don’t know what more I can say! You will not be disappointed! A must-cop.
It’s funny that every time I play the album with other people around they always ask, “Who is that?” I’m hoping that this album review will do a bit more to get people to ask the same question. The girl can sing. (and Def Jam needs to stop playing and push her more.) By the way, she showed up on Ghostface’s “Big Doe Rehab” on “Slow Down.” Voice is incredible.
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