Artist: Chrisette Michele
Album: I Am
Label: Def Soul
Single: If I Have My Way » Video

Songwriting: A
Production: B
DUEPAYER AVERAGE (DPA): B+

Chrisette Michele is not your typical vocalist. I know you’re probably snickering at the cliche, but in this case the phrase holds true. Her voice in and of itself is a refreshing change from the over-synthesized “crunk-n-b” dominating the airwaves these days. If that isn’t enough to sway you, her gift for songwriting landed her on two of the most celebrated emcee’s latest LPs. Both legendary lyricists Jay-Z and Nas gave her free reign to “make it do what it do” on their projects and she delivered, writing and singing hooks on their hit songs “Lost One” and “Can’t Forget About You” respectively. Couple that with her reputation for putting on a great live show and its safe to say that the people were anxiously awaiting her debut album I AM to see if this rising star had any staying power. The result is a solid debut LP that should surely pique the interest of a wide range of fans.

Chrisette Michele has done a masterful job with I Am, personally penning each record with themes ranging from life and love issues to upbeat anthems for the independent ladies out there. The album features a bevy of ballads and party tracks across the entire contemporary music spectrum. Michele blends everything from jazz, pop and even gospel soundscapes and vocal arrangements interwoven to create a truly diverse musical experience. Songs like the bossa-nova infused Best of Me and pop single Your Joy exhibit Chrisette’s stellar, genre-bending vocal range. Still, she’s at her best when singing/writing classy, soulful R&B songs. Standout tracks on the album include the raucously righteous In This For You, the sultry ode to love songs, Mr. Radio, and the beautifully written and arranged Love Is You. An understudy of classic female soul singers, Chrisette takes time out to pay homage appropriately on her R&B party jam Let’s Rock singing, “So many ladies in the game right now wanna rock with the Chris on the microphone/I’ve been studying Ms. Billy, Ms. Ella, Ms. Sarah Vaughn and Ms. Natalie Cole.” From the outset, Chrisette reveals the influence she’s drawn from her soul sista counterpart Jill Scott on the playfully dreamy Like a Dream. However, she flexes her own style just enough to show that she’s a force to be reckoned with on her own.

Chrisette has a powerful, classical voice that is sure to set her apart from her contemporaries. I Am was clearly written with live performance in mind. The vibe and feel of each record gives off a sense that the experience would be elevated if sung in front of a live audience. Chrisette surely has the star power, style and charisma to bring each track to life. I’m sure that Def Jam is quite aware of this and plans to put her out on the tour circuit and take a grassroots approach to pushing this project. Her genre range should certainly attract a wide array of people and draw fans to each venue she goes to.

Although versatility is certainly a virtue, Chrisette may struggle to carve out her own niche in the market initially. Pop tracks like Your Joy and the bonus track I Am Yours may come off as a slightly contrived attempt at crossover appeal to her unsuspecting R&B fan base. However, if they approach this album with an open mind I’m sure they’ll come around quickly when they realize that the girl is just that talented.

All in all, this is a quality debut from a promising young star. The album is an easy listen, especially if you have an open mind and a keen appreciation for good music and soulful lyrics. Its refreshing to hear an artist so unabashedly passionate about life, love and integrity. Its hard not to be inspired by her work. I know I Am.

- Shawn Lee

Standout Tracks

Love Is You

Let’s Rock

Your Joy

Mr. Radio

In This For You