Epiphany (Def Jam)
Some R&B singers introduce themselves with racy lyrics, eye-catching choreography, and skintight attire. But swapping sultry for sweet, Chrisette Michele naturally turned heads with her sturdy, neo-classical, Billie Holiday–inspired voice. Her 2007 debut, I Am (Def Jam), earned the New York native two Grammys. Her ’20s charm spread from soul stations to hip hop feeds via Jay-Z’s Kingdom Come (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam). Now, the songbird reemerges with her sophomore album, Epiphany, and she’s breaking away from her comfort zone—R&B’s sweetest girl has gained some edge
In the video for her first single, “Epiphany,” Michele exudes a little bit of diva as her bold new look complements her new attitude. With a chopped haircut and smoldering eyes, she kicks rapper Drake to the curb proclaiming, “I think I’m just about over being your girlfriend. I’m leaving.” And she’s downright convincing as she tosses his clothes into the dumpster. It’s as though personal experience has caused a light bulb to flicker in her mind, and that wisdom echoes throughout Epiphany. But she’s no woman scorned. Michele spells it out with a degree of clarity on the handclap-filled breakup track, “What You Do” featuring Ne-Yo, who co-wrote several songs here. Her expansive vocal range is still a major part of her sound, particularly on “On My Own,” a rich ballad with a soft piano harmony. But on her debut, she dreamily mused about what she would do if she had her way. Now, on “Fragile” Michele demands, “Don’t you leave me out on a limb. Can’t you see me out on the edge? Boy don’t tell me no.”
Chrisette Michele has delivered a consummate R&B album: controlled, beautiful, thoughtful, with some oomph. The cameos are sparse, the up-tempo tracks are still soulful and the perils of love are dominant. Epiphany winds down with “I’m Okay,” an uplifting song that recalls her earlier days. Michele’s rose-colored glasses have been removed, replaced with dark, flashy shades.
Michele's latest hit stores on 5/5/09
Epiphany’s Track Listing1. “Epiphany”
2. “Notebook”
3. “What You Do” feat. Ne-Yo
4. “Blame It on Me”
5. “All I Ever Think About”
6. “Playin' Our Song”
7. “Another One”
8. “On My Own”
9. “Fragile”
10. “Mr. Right”
11. “Porcelain Doll”
12. “I'm Okay”
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