Album Commentary: Chrisette Michele’s ‘Let Freedom Reign’

Chrisette Michele has done it again with her latest album, “Let Freedom Reign.” With every song, a message as well asa powerful reminder of what an artist’s voice truly sounds like.

The introduction track, Fairy Tales and Castles sets the fantastic tone. Following this less than a minute message, the lastest single, I’m a Star, shines. This track is easy to dance to, shows off her great voice, and is lyrically amazing. The soprano R&B/jazz feel and catchy chorus is recipe for a hit song.

All jokes aside,Number One, the next song off the album, has the potential to be #1. Featuring very strong lyrics and an uptempo beat, this showcases the sounds of a confident singer, a great chorus and an even better bridge/break. This should be on the radio. “I’m a beautiful queen/I’m gonna be my one and only.”

Fairy Tales and Castles Pt2 is a break piece that sounds like a few seconds worth of a lullaby. It is followed by the track, I Don’t Know Why, But I Do, which is the first ballad off the album. It is a beautifully written and song. The Piano and vocals make the perfect combination for this song. Each note hits with feeling and power.

Let Freedom Reign feat. Talib Kweli & Black Thought is the title track which raises many political messages. With lyrics such as, “Freedom isnt free it’s earned,” the track makes a statement. Michele’s voice shines amongst the raps featured on this one. The chorus speaks volumes regarding social injustice.

Goodbye Game is an awesome R&B ballad. “I’d rather play alone/I can’t play a fool anymore/that’s the good bye game” It is a theme song for the broken-hearted. Michele knows how to sing about moving on, but is not afraid to let the hurt affect the song.

So Cool is a mid-tempo track on the album that has hit potential-if the chorus was not so repetitive. We get it. You’re Cool. Again, about it’s all about heartache, and moving on. Seems like the on-going theme on this album, but this one will make fans want to dance.

So in Love feat. Rick Ross begins with Ross’ rap introducing Michele’s vocals- setting the tone for a romantic hip/hop track. This one’s got a great sound. This has radio play-ability.

So in Love Skit is just a mere eleven second statement that then dives into the track, I’m in Your Life. This one will remind fans of a young Mary J. Blige. The song has a nice beat. And again oozes confidence from our young artist. “I’m the only life you got.” Lyrically cocky, but a fun and smooth track nonetheless.

I’m From NY Skit takes you into Unsaid, a song with a soprano key. Again, this one also contains a great message of actions speaking louder than words. Michele has another hit on her hands with this track.

If Nobody Sang Along: A piano and violin ballad questioning the media and what would happen if there were no audience. “Without it would we hear music? /would I take the time to write it/would I say whats on my mind” It’s a very intriguing piece and quite rare to find a song that philosophically takes on the influence media has on both artist and audience

I Know Nothing: “Who knows all there is to know?” Michele uses her voice to express her humanity: feelings, definition of self, and even her curiosity regarding life and what it all means. This song sums it up. Michele does in fact know something: How to create a hit record. Just saying.

About Maria Sica 52 Articles
Maria Sica teaches Middle School English, tutors college students, and has recently completed her Master’s Degree in English Education at Brooklyn College. She loves keeping busy, yet does not mind the occasional moments when she can catch up with a good book wrapped in a fleece blanket, and drinking a cup of tea (which may sound boring to her friends and boyfriend, but she doesn’t care). She has always loved to read and write at an early age. She will be the first to admit that she is a nerd-and loves anything sci-fi such as the X-files. She is also a fan of Harry Potter and Spongebob Squarepants, and counts them as her favorite Heros next to Wonder Woman and Marty McFly. However, unlike most nerds, she can’t do math if her life, or yours, depended on it.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*