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I Am (by Chrisette Michele, R&B)

common sense media says

Introspective and souful debut from Grammy nom.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Grammy-nominated Chrisette Michele is a singer with a strong moral compass and she's very selective about the songs she sings and the image she portrays. Michele and her music provide a strong female role model for young girls in a music industry accustomed to promoting female singers via their sex appeal rather than their singing abilities.

Positive messages: Positive messages, especially about women: "I don't need no suga daddy/I can be a suga mommy…If you got your own dough, Yeah, you got your own money/Let a brother know."
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Lyrics for "Mr. Radio" include mentioning breasts, thighs, making love, naked love, but the message of the song cools down any of this hot language. ("Talk about a woman's lips/Talk about a woman's breasts/Talk about a woman's thighs/Those are things so beautiful/But is there more than physical?/Isn't love much deeper?")
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on I Am

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about promotion in the music industry. Her debut album wasn't heavily promoted, yet she has developed a following based on the quality of the album. With the Internet, how is it possible for an independent artist to promote herself today? Do you think the quality of music will increase because of these new opportunities for aspiring artists? Also, one of Michele's songs, "Good Girl," explores society's obsession with material success ("Dough don't make a brother golden/What can really make a man?"). How does society judge success? How do you personally determine someone's worth?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Thanks to her debut album, I AM, many are comparing Chrisette Michele to jazz greats like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
It's been too long since an introspective and talented soul singer has emerged on the music scene, but Michele is much more an original than a protégé. Although she's definitely a throwback to the good ol' days of jazz, her lyrics and vocal stylings are truly modern. Silky, smooth, and rich, listening to Michele's voice is like being wrapped in velvet while eating chocolate fondue. And it's with the little surprise inflections and subtly hit high notes, particularly on tracks such as "Your Joy" and "Love is You," that Michele truly sets herself apart. There's a refreshing depth to the album's lyrics, all co-written by Michele. "Best of Me" explores the emotions surrounding a break-up ("Not realizing the beauty that your eyes once saw in mine/I guess its time to find the best of me"). And the mature "Mr. Radio" dismisses superficial love with lyrics like "But is there more than physical?/Isn't love much deeper?/Write a song that's spiritual/Write about a lover's soul/tough love's much sweeter."

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: June 19, 2007
Label: Def Jam
Genre: R&B
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Karluveva13
teen, 14 years old
11
 
I love Chrisette Michele my favorite song is "epiphany".
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Reanna
teen, 15 years old
 
My Boyfriend Chance!
Day After day I go to school to see my boyfriend Chance.I hope he takes me to the prom one day.I thought he was mad at me for some reason but he wasn't.Just awhile back I had a sleepover with my friend Briana and she told me that he was worried about where I was just then I wanted to kiss him. I hope our relationship will stay great forever!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details | read my mind (3)

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