Journey To Freedom received highly positive reviews from music critics. Andy Kellman of AllMusic wrote 'this is among Williams' best work, highlighted by "Need Your Help," "Fire," and "If We Had Your Eyes."'[52] Peggy Oliver for Soul Tracks expressed similarly, writing Journey to Freedom 'is by far Williams’ best body of work, a personal cleansing that further amplifies her dexterity with multiple genres. Michelle Williams’ half-dozen year hiatus away from the studio has served its purpose: she has emerged as an artist clearly traveling on her own artistic road to freedom, and delivering an album that was well worth the wait.' Mike Wass of Idolator complimented the production, praising the mix between R&B and Gospel noting 'Journey To Freedom is the perfect bridge between the singer’s gospel and secular output. By focusing on universal themes (love, hope and inner strength) and exploring new genres, Michelle has created something both inclusive and joyously experimental.' Wass also claiming Journey to Freedom is 'her best album to date.'[57]
Timothy Yap of Hallels lent praise to the lyrical themes, writing, 'it's a theological meaty album with doses of spiritual muscle-inducing supplements derived directly from Scripture.' However, he noted 'the record is far too slanted towards having far too many mid-pacers. Songs such as "Free," "Just Like You" and "Everything" basically utilizes the same urban template effortlessly without having much time invested in developing stronger hooks making them more memorable. "Believe in Me," a smooth Diane Warren-styled R&B beat ballad, is redemptive in terms of breaking up the tempo. Nevertheless, despite the quibbles, Journey to Freedom is still one of this year's important releases. Williams could have chosen to journey the safe and money grabbing route by compromising her beliefs and Christian stance. But here she chooses to be true to her faith, her calling and her Lord; and the rewards are eternal.'[56]
The GospelPundit praised Samuels' production and Williams' vocals writing; '[the album] is a catchy collection of upbeat music that promises a party, while inspiring and encouraging listeners. The Samuels 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.'[55] RoJay of Middlechild Promotions lauded the Williams' vocal performance '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.'[58]
Journey to Freedom debuted at number 29 on the US Billboard 200, Williams' highest appearance to date.[1] It became her second debut at number two on the Top Gospel Albums chart — following Do You Know (2004)[62] — peaking behind Lecrae's Anomaly, which was also released September 9, 2014 and became the first full-length album to top both the Billboard 200 and Top Gospel Albums chart simultaneously,[63] selling over 88,000 units in its first week.[64]Journey to Freedom also debuted at number 7 on the US Independent Albums chart[65] and number 6 on the UK Christian & Gospel Albums chart.[66]
Journey to Freedom spent a total of 30 weeks on the US Top Gospel Albums chart, making it her second longest-appearing album on the chart, following her debut album Heart to Yours (2002) which spent a total of 46 weeks on the chart.[62]Billboard ranked the album at number 20 on the 2014 year-end chart, which lists the year's top 50 best-performing albums on the US Top Gospel Albums chart.[67] Furthermore, Billboard ranked Williams as the 13th Top Gospel Artist of 2014[68] and 5th Top Gospel Artist - Female of 2014.[69]
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