The first album from Michelle Williams since her split from Columbia, Journey to Freedom marks the singer's return to contemporary gospel. Produced in its entirety by Harmony Samuels with songwriting input from Samuels, Lonny Bereal, and Courtney Harrell, among others, the album also features collaborations with the high-profile likes of Lecrae, Tye Tribbett, and Fantasia. Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland join in on the Igbo-tinged "Say Yes," a celebratory finale. Most of the productions fall within the realm of contemporary R&B, while those that veer into classic soul, mainstream rock, and even contemporary country aren't far behind in quality. Regardless of classification, this is among Williams' best work, highlighted by "Need Your Help," "Fire," and "If We Had Your Eyes."
Track picks:
Fall
Fire
If We Had Your Eyes
Say Yes
EOne Entertainment multi-award winning artist Michelle Williams' new album "Journey to Freedom" is a compilation of tracks expressing her inner evolution of self. Through the process of introspection, Michelle gave birth to joy in abundance in the form of a new album.
Bob Marley's quote, "You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice" is befitting to Michelle Williams' journey. Stuffing down a myriad of emotions and issues until facing the very things that plagued her, Michelle faced her depression.
"I was tired of the anger. I was tired of having to be fake and all of that stuff. So then, it was a period of me talking to somebody and then identifying where it came from... Deal with where it came from, whether it's forgive...let somebody know 'Man, you hurt me a long time ago" and let it go... Literally when people say, "[You] feel a weight lift off your chest"... Literally, that's what happens. I just encourage everybody to do the same thing," shares Michelle.
Musically, Michelle found it possible to move forward creating and preparing her new album. "When I tell you day by day things got better. And that's why everybody involved in this album they're like another extended family of mine because they know my story. They were able to help me write through it. Before you knew it, I was laughing. Before you knew it, I couldn't wait to get to the studio because before I didn't know how I would be able to record,"
Michelle candidly expressed. Having her fellow Destiny Child sisters, Beyonce and Kelly Rowland, collaborated on her hit single "Say Yes" fulfilling the pact they made over 10 years ago to support one another in their musical endeavors.
Their tight bond of support is encouragement to others to create a closely knit sisterhood for much needed "girl talk" and camaraderie to break the chains of isolation which comes with depression.
Tuesday, Sept. 9, "Journey to Freedom" will be released for download on iTunes and other digital music outlets. The eclectic blend of Afro-centric influences, pop, R&B and gospel are sure to please listener's ears.
. Journey To Freedom is an ambitious attempt at extending the scope of faith-based music by conveying the diva’s inspirational message through non-traditional means.
The starting point for most listeners will be “Say Yes” — the wig-whipping internet phenomenon that reunited Michelle with Beyonce and Kelly Rowland. Based on a Nigerian hymn, the turbo-charged floorfiller is equally appropriate for church or the club. The content is distinctly religious but the furious beat and slick production make it accessible to all-comers. It’s a nifty trick that the 34-year-old pulls off with astounding consistency on her best album to date.
I didn’t think it would be possible to top the aforementioned collaboration but the social media star does just that with “Yes”. A pretty mid-tempo ballad that explodes into a demented EDM adventure, the audacious anthem is breathtakingly original and distinctly non-preachy. Your iPod needs this. “In The Morning” is similarly disarming with its unexpected pop/rock production and soaring chorus.
Although still criminally underrated as a vocalist, Michelle Williams takes control of her destiny once again and delivers another solid solo album where she gets to showcase the side of her personality that makes her as genuine and true to her art as her peers.
Vocally she ‘s more assured than ever with confidence pouring through every track. Sharing her truth and honesty of depression gives this body of work even more substance while listening. Officially dubbing this as an open journal in musical formation Williams does not disappoint one bit! Truly a must listen for sure.
London-born hitmaker Harmony Samuels is at the helm of production of the 12-track Journey to Freedom. His Nigerian heritage provides a rich musical backdrop of African-influenced beats and chants, while his proven success in mainstream music (Chris Brown, J Lo, Ne-Yo and more) promises pop and urban styles that are relevant to a broad marketplace of music lovers. Michelle Williams tops it all off with vocals that range from pop to passionate, simple to soaring, all the while staying true to her own voice and vibe.
Beyond the singles that have already been released– the summer single “Say Yes,” featuring Destiny’s Child sisters Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, “If We Had Your Eyes” (featuring Fantasia) and “Fire”– hits abound on the album.
From the club-ready “Yes,” to the waltzing and melodic “Beautiful,” to the musically infectious “Fall,” featuring Tye Tribbett and Lecrae, the project is sonically diverse and rich. On a personal plug– the classic R&B “Free” and the upbeat “Just Like You” feel so good, they became instant favorites.
The first album from Michelle Williams since her split from Columbia, Journey to Freedom marks the singer's return to contemporary gospel. Produced in its entirety by Harmony Samuels with songwriting input from Samuels, Lonny Bereal, and Courtney Harrell, among others, the album also features collaborations with the high-profile likes of Lecrae, Tye Tribbett, and Fantasia. Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland join in on the Igbo-tinged "Say Yes," a celebratory finale. Most of the productions fall within the realm of contemporary R&B, while those that veer into classic soul, mainstream rock, and even contemporary country aren't far behind in quality. Regardless of classification, this is among Williams' best work, highlighted by "Need Your Help," "Fire," and "If We Had Your Eyes."
Track picks:
Fall
Fire
If We Had Your Eyes
Say Yes
