Chrisette Michele | Let Freedom Reign
Chrisette Michele | Let Freedom Reign By Brent Faulkner
On her third effort, Let Freedom Reign, R&B singer Chrisette Michele alters her formula slightly, but for the most part she simply makes another consistent R&B album that feels notches above the gimmickry that has come to dominate more ‘contemporary’ R&B. Let Freedom Reign does not eclipse Michele’s Grammy-winning debut effort I Am (her best which was awarded best urban/alternative performance for “Be OK” featuring will.i.am), but rivals and maybe even outshines her sophomore LP Epiphany, which garnered Michele her first #1 bow on the Billboard Album charts. What Let Freedom Reign probably won’t do is win Michele a bigger audience as the singer seems to have more of a ‘cult fan base,’ which is sad
considering her consummate vocal talents supported by a Bachelor’s Degree in vocal music performance. That said, let’s hope I’m wrong and Let Freedom Reign allows for a shining, rising star to reign in people’s hearts this year and onward.
“I’m A Star” is a lovely opener featuring capable, credible production work; perhaps it is the flanged drums that add to the sparkle and shimmer of the opener. I wouldn’t say opener “I’m A Star” eclipses “Epiphany,” which was an exceptional opener from the album of the same title, but it certainly rivals it as a solid, enjoyable cut. As always, Ms. Michele sounds strong and sings the well-penned hook with conviction: “Tell him Baby I’m a star tonight/I’m up in the sky tonight/for the world to see/I ain’t thinkin’ bout you/Baby Imma do me tonight…” “Number One” keeps up the momentum with more soulful, nuanced vocals by Michele. Face it, this lady can ‘bring the house down.’
“I Don’t Know Why, But I Do” is a sincere and lovely cut, finding our muse blending the best of adult contemporary with gospel sensibility. The production work is smart, notably the use of piano and strings as the accompaniment. “Let Freedom Reign” featuring guest rap verses fromTalib Kweli and Black Thought seems a bit clunky and ill-fitting from an initial listen given both the fact that Michele raps and the percussive beat is unlike anything else by Michele, but after several solid listens, the cut opens up and proves to be exceptional. A political turn, after further ‘study’ of this cut, one sees it is another memorable gem in Michele’s discography.
“Goodbye Game” is another winner with overt vocals by Michele. Here, Michele sings so convincingly: “I’d rather play alone (Oh, I can’t play the fool anymore)/ No (No I don’t need a game anymore)/ You can you play the fool (I’mma play my hero/you gonna be a zero)/I’m playing the goodbye game.” “So Cool” isn’t bad, but it is eclipsed by better cuts, such as the Rick Ross featuring “So In Love,” a frontrunner for best cut on the album. The production is incredible, Ross is ‘on his game’ and Chrisette Michele steals the show. What else can be said?
“I’m Your Life” is another upstanding listen, finding our muse stating “I’m not your friend, I’m your life.” Powerful words by a strong woman. “Unsaid” highlights the jazzier aspects of Michele’s chops. Even better is “If Nobody Sang Along” which finds Michele questioning if there were no fans, etc. This performance does well to highlight the considerable musicianship of Michele. Closing cut “I Know Nothing” ends the album solidly and exceptionally.
While there will be skeptics of this third effort by Michele, particularly given the fact that “I’m A Star” never achieved the stardom of say “Epiphany” or “If I Have My Way” – or better yet how off-putting the title track may be from an initial listen – I say DON’T SLEEP ON THIS ALBUM. It is a solid as the rest of Michele’s catalogue in my eyes. Better yet, Michele vocally sounds as strong as she ever has. 4 stars.
Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene