By Odeisel

Chrisette Michele is arguably the most daring, vocally talented female vocalist of her generation. While others have taken their clothes off, taken a basic content approach, or taken the fast boat to Dancelandia, Michele has drawn her line in the sand. Her latest album, Let Freedom Reign, is a declaration of independence from the whims of the music marketplace, the easy win mentality of the music business and the idea that in order to win you have to be like everyone else.

The album opens with “Fairy Tales And Castles” with minimalist fantasy underpinnings that emit a Judy Garland-like feel of wonder. Bedtime charms and cloud-soft background vocals give a real impression of dream land magic. “I’m a Star” features vacillating chimes, a low-boom drum and piano stabs. She’s going to have her piece of the pie for the world to see, the way she wants it.  

Poignant piano keys play the background to aggressive drums and a dirty bassline on “Number One.” Chrisette’s drive to succeed involves the kind of self-love and belief that this world can erode. She returns to the dream world on “Fairy Tales And Castles 2.” The comforting notion that society is fine and its ills are removed powers the brief interlude before bleeding into the ballad “I Don’t Know Why, But I Do.” Piano keys and elegant strings romance each other in the background while Michele’s beautiful voice takes center stage. Her perfect diction and pitch add so much beauty to this story of an against all odds love.  

“Let Freedom Ring” features Black Thought and Talib Kweli. A haunting wail hovers above Michele’s initial vocals, exhorting American citizens to collect their freedom. Her delivery is more rap than sing, but her message comes through just as strong; calling for an end to poverty and war. Michele’s impassioned singing on the hook and the guest performances make for a powerful song.

The slow grind of “Good Bye Game” brings echoes of that Minneapolis Funk that people have missed since Prince won’t perform secular anymore. Chrisette bids adieu to a relationship rife with gamesmanship; preferring playing alone to playing the fool. “So Cool” does take a dip in the up tempo dance world. She’s done with his ass and moving on, and she’s cool with that outcome.

Rick Ross drops by on the boom clap rhythm of “So in Love.” His verse opens the track mentions of Basquiat and kisses in the rain punctuate his romantic but staid words. The digital background refrain, along with the various whispers and her high pitched delivery give a soft innocence to this track. Beautiful strings build to a funky bass and piano on “I’m Your Life,” a track about the reality that life is not designed to work for you; you’re built to take what it gives you.

“Unsaid” speaks to leaving broken relationships. Synth on the breaks and a rolling live drum punctuate Michelle’s good-bye with zero interest in hearing his side of the story.  The height of the album comes with the beautifully rendered, passionately delivered “If Nobody Sang Along.” Chrisette ponders whether she would be sharing her story if there wasn’t anyone to hear it. The morose strings follow her voice through the song like heat seeking missiles. An organ is introduced in the second half with a conversational background vocal perfectly arranged. Between her magnificent vocals and perfectly arranged instruments and lyrics you could be moved to tears.

The album closes with “I Know Nothing,” an uplifting ballad that serves as emotional release. We walk through this life and love amid catharsis unable to tell if our laughter is joy or part of some sick joke. Exactly when we think we’ve got the hang of it, we lose control of it. Is there someone that answers our prayers? Chrisette Michele seeks an answer to that question with the most beautiful desperation she can muster.

Let Freedom Reign is a passionate, emotional romp through the mind of someone who is unwilling to lay down and be what she should. That’s the beauty and the power of this album. He vocals are pristine, the music is immaculate and her talent is undeniable. Which probably means she won’t be promoted and people will be too busy dancing to dumb shit to care. That’s okay. Because Chrisette Michele’s truth has set her free and that freedom reigns on her latest album.

[pro-player width=’425′ height=’344′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my_lMpDCrI0[/pro-player]

4.25 Out of 5

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