Let Freedom Reign

Last updated
Let Freedom Reign
Chrisettemichelle-letfreedomreignofficial.jpg
Studio album by
Chrisette Michele
ReleasedNovember 30, 2010
Recorded2009–2010
Genre R&B [1]
Length44:51
Label Def Jam
Producer Chuck Harmony
Chrisette Michele chronology
Epiphany
(2009)		Let Freedom Reign
(2010)		 Better
(2013)
Singles from Let Freedom Reign
  1. "I'm a Star"
    Released: September 28, 2010
  2. "Goodbye Game"
    Released: November 16, 2010
  3. "I Don't Know Why, But I Do"
    Released: November 22, 2010

Let Freedom Reign is the third studio album by American R&B recording artist Chrisette Michele, released November 30, 2010 on Def Jam Recordings. Production for the album took place at several recording studios and was handled entirely by record producer Chuck Harmony, who also co-wrote most of the album with Michele.

Contents

The album debuted at number 25 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 42,000 copies in its first week. Upon its release, Let Freedom Reign received positive reviews from most music critics, who complimented its production and Michele's singing.

Background

Recording sessions for the album took place at various recording locations, including KMA Studios and The Cutting Room in New York, New York, Vanilla Sky Studios in North Hollywood, California, and Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California. [2] The album was produced entirely by Chuck Harmony. [3] Goodbye Game began impacting US urban adult contemporary radios on January 25, 2011. [4]

Reception

Commercial performance

The album debuted at number 25 on the US Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 42,000 copies in the United States. [5] It also entered at seven on Billboard 's R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 12 on its Digital Albums chart. [6] [7]

Critical response

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [8]
Entertainment Weekly (B+) [1]
New York Daily News Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [9]
The New York Times (favorable) [10]
The Philadelphia Inquirer Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [11]
USA Today Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [12]

Let Freedom Reign received positive reviews from most music critics. Allmusic writer Andy Kellman gave it four out of five stars and complimented its "upbeat disposition", calling it "the most energetic of Chrisette’s three albums". [8] Entertainment Weekly 's Simon Vozick-Levinson noted Michele's "assured performances" and commended her "timelessly sleek voice" and the album's "crisp, understated backdrops". [1] Elysa Gardner of USA Today gave the album three out of four stars and complimented her "tangy singing, a distinctly feminine mix of silvery sensuality and catch-in-the-throat yearning". [12]

Despite writing favorably of its arrangements and Michele's vocals, New York Daily News writer Jim Farber found the album's subject matter clichéd and wrote that it "seems torn between mainstream R&B and something more profound". [9] The Philadelphia Inquirer 's A.D. Amorosi viewed that it "is not as focused as her previous albums", but complimented Michele's "elegant voice" and commented that "little in her catalog stands out as gorgeously as the ferocious ballad 'Goodbye Game'". [11] Nate Chinen of The New York Times responded negatively to Michele's rapping on the album's title track, calling her verses "artless and stiff". [10] However, Chinen commented more favorably of its other songs and wrote that "Michele is at her best redressing infringements more personal than political in nature". [10]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Fairy Tales and Castles (Part 1)"
0:34
2."I’m a Star"
4:13
3."Number One"
  • C. Payne
  • Linette Payne
  • Harmon
3:37
4."Fairy Tales and Castles (Part 2)"
  • C. Payne
  • Harmon
0:28
5."I Don’t Know Why, But I Do"
3:59
6."Let Freedom Reign" (feat. Talib Kweli & Black Thought)
  • C. Payne
  • Harmon
  • Talib Greene
  • Tariq Trotter
4:21
7."Goodbye Game"
  • C. Payne
  • Harmon
3:57
8."So Cool"
  • Smith
  • Harmon
4:00
9."So in Love" (feat. Rick Ross)
  • C. Payne
  • Harmon
  • William Roberts
4:12
10."So in Love (Skit)" 0:11
11."I'm Your Life"
  • C. Payne
  • Harmon
3:14
12."I'm from NY (Skit)" 0:17
13."Unsaid"
  • C. Payne
  • Harmon
4:23
14."If Nobody Sang Along"
  • C. Payne
  • Harmon
3:45
15."I Know Nothing"
  • C. Payne
  • Harmon
3:40
iTunes bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
16."Boys Cry Too"
  • C. Payne
  • Harmon
3:42
17."Boys Cry Too" (MMTS Edit)
  • C. Payne
  • Harmon
3:26
Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
18."What's the Matter"3:28
19."I Want You"3:40

Personnel

Credits for Let Freedom Reign adapted from Allmusic. [13]

Charts

Related Research Articles

<i>Hip Hop Is Dead</i> 2006 studio album by Nas

Hip Hop Is Dead is the eighth studio album by American rapper Nas, released December 19, 2006, on Def Jam Recordings. His first album for the label, it was co-financed by Nas's previous label, Columbia Records, which once distributed for Def Jam. The album's title was inspired by Nas's view of the music industry and the state of hip hop music at the time. The album features appearances from Nas's then-wife Kelis, Def Jam label-mates Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Chrisette Michele, as well as will.i.am, Snoop Dogg, and The Game, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrisette Michele</span> American singer from New York

Chrisette Michele Payne is an American R&B and soul singer. She won a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2009 for her song "Be OK".

<i>I Am</i> (Chrisette Michele album) 2007 studio album by Chrisette Michele

I Am is the debut album by American R&B recording artist Chrisette Michele, released in the United States on June 19, 2007, by Def Jam Recordings.

<i>Rising Down</i> 2008 studio album by the Roots

Rising Down is the eighth studio album by the American hip hop band the Roots, released on April 28, 2008, on Def Jam Recordings. The album's title is adapted from William T. Vollmann's book Rising Up and Rising Down: Some Thoughts on Violence, Freedom and Urgent Means (2004). Expanding on the dark, dense production and political tone of Game Theory (2006), Rising Down features lyrical themes concerning issues of contemporary society, including violence, poverty, social and environmental climate, drugs, police corruption and the music industry.

<i>Epiphany</i> (Chrisette Michele album) 2009 studio album by Chrisette Michele

Epiphany is the second studio album by American R&B and soul singer–songwriter Chrisette Michele, released May 5, 2009 on Def Jam Recordings in the United States. Recording sessions for the album took place during 2008 to 2009. In January 2009, the title track "Epiphany" was released as its lead single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Epiphany (Chrisette Michele song)</span> 2009 single by Chrisette Michele

"Epiphany" (also known as "Epiphany (I'm Leaving)") is the first single from American singer-songwriter Chrisette Michele's second studio album of the same name, released for airplay on January 27, 2009. It was an R&B top 20 hit and is her most successful single to date. It also marked her first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it peaked at No. 89.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blame It on Me (Chrisette Michele song)</span> 2009 single by Chrisette Michele

"Blame It on Me" is the second single from American soul–R&B singer–songwriter Chrisette Michele's second studio album, Epiphany. It was released to radio on May 12, 2009. The second single was originally scheduled to be "What You Do" featuring label-mate Ne-Yo, but was changed at the last minute.

<i>Unexpected</i> (Angie Stone album) 2009 studio album by Angie Stone

Unexpected is the fifth studio album by American singer Angie Stone. It was released by Stax Records on November 23, 2009 in the United States. Conceived following the death of her father, Stone's spiritual anchor and creative mentor, the album marked a breakaway from the neo soul elements on Stone's first four studio efforts, taking her work further into the dance pop, funk, and contemporary R&B genres. As a result, Unexpected incorporates more upbeat material, produced by Jazze Pha, among others.

<i>Intimacy: Album III</i> 2010 studio album by Kem

Intimacy: Album III is the third studio album from R&B artist Kem.

<i>Love Me Back</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Jazmine Sullivan

Love Me Back is the second studio album by American R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan, released on November 29, 2010, by J Records. Sullivan co-wrote the album with producers Missy Elliott, Ne-Yo, No I.D., Los da Mystro, and Salaam Remi, among others.

<i>Lost in Time</i> (Eric Benét album) 2010 studio album by Eric Benét

Lost in Time is the fifth studio album by American R&B recording artist Eric Benét, released November 30, 2010 on Reprise Records. It is the follow-up to Love & Life (2008). Production for the album took place during 2010 at various recording studios and was handled by Benét, George Nash, Jr., and Demonté Posey. Lost in Time contains musical elements of 1970s soul music and features guest appearances by Chrisette Michele, Faith Evans, Eddie Levert, Ledisi, and Benét's daughter, India.

<i>Apollo Kids</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Ghostface Killah

Apollo Kids is the ninth studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan-member Ghostface Killah, released on December 21, 2010, by Def Jam Recordings. Guests on the album include several Wu-Tang members and affiliates, as well as Redman, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, Joell Ortiz, and Game, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aston Martin Music</span> 2010 single by Rick Ross featuring Drake and Chrisette Michele

"Aston Martin Music" is the fourth single from rapper Rick Ross's fourth studio album Teflon Don. The song was released as a single on October 5, 2010. The song, which was produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, it features vocals from Canadian recording artist Drake and R&B singer Chrisette Michele.

<i>I Remember Me</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Jennifer Hudson

I Remember Me is the second studio album by American singer and actress Jennifer Hudson, released on March 22, 2011, by Arista Records. Hudson worked with a variety of producers and writers on the album, including Alicia Keys, Rich Harrison, Ne-Yo, R. Kelly, Harvey Mason Jr., Ryan Tedder, Diane Warren, and among others.

<i>Love After War</i> 2011 studio album by Robin Thicke

Love After War is the fifth studio album by American R&B recording artist Robin Thicke. It was released on December 6, 2011, by Star Trak Entertainment in the United States. Love After War also features guest contributions by American rapper Lil Wayne.

<i>Perfectly Imperfect</i> 2012 studio album by Elle Varner

Perfectly Imperfect is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Elle Varner. It was released on August 7, 2012, under RCA and MBK Entertainment. Recording sessions for the album took place at Jungle City Studios in New York City, Soulstar Studios in Brooklyn, Larrabee Sound Studio in North Hollywood, and Skip Saylor Studios in Northridge, California. For the production of the album Varner enlisted writers and producers including Jermaine Lamar Cole, Pop & Oak, Frankie Storm and Darrhyl Camper.

<i>Better</i> (Chrisette Michele album) 2013 studio album by Chrisette Michele

Better is the fourth studio album by American R&B recording artist Chrisette Michele. The album was released on June 11, 2013. The album features guest appearances from 2 Chainz, Wale, Bilal, Dunson and Nello Luchi.

<i>Teflon Don</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Rick Ross

Teflon Don is the fourth studio album by American rapper Rick Ross, released on July 20, 2010, on Maybach Music Group, Slip-n-Slide Records and Def Jam Recordings. Production for the album took place during 2009 to 2010 and was handled by several record producers, including Clark Kent, No I.D., The Olympicks, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Lex Luger, Danja, The Inkredibles, The Remedy and Kanye West.

<i>Legends Never Die</i> (Chinx album) 2016 studio album by Chinx

Legends Never Die is the second studio album by American hip hop recording artist Chinx. The album was released on September 16, 2016, by Entertainment One Music, Coke Boys Records, Riot Squad and NuSense Music Group.

<i>Milestone</i> (Chrisette Michele album) 2016 studio album by Chrisette Michele

Milestone is the fifth studio album by American R&B recording artist Chrisette Michele. It was released on June 10, 2016, by Caroline Records and Rich Hipster. It was supported by the singles: "Steady", "Unbreakable" and "Equal". It peaked at number seventy-three on US Billboard 200.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Vozick-Levinson, Simon (November 24, 2010). Review: Let Freedom Reign. Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved on 2010-11-28.
  2. ↑ Product Notes – Let Freedom Reign. Muze. Retrieved on 2011-01-02.
  3. 1 2 Track listing and credits as per liner notes for Let Freedom Reign album
  4. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20110125155248/https://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases
  5. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (December 8, 2010). Boyle Back to No. 1 on Billboard 200, Peas Begin At No. 6. Billboard . Retrieved on 2010-12-12.
  6. ↑ R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Week of December 18, 2010. Billboard. Retrieved on 2010-12-12.
  7. ↑ Chrisette Michele Album & Song Chart History – Digital Albums. Billboard. Retrieved on 2010-12-12.
  8. 1 2 Kellman, Andy (November 27, 2010). Review: Let Freedom Reign. AllMusic. Retrieved on 2010-11-28.
  9. 1 2 Farber, Jim (December 7, 2010). Review: Let Freedom Reign. New York Daily News . Retrieved on 2010-12-12.
  10. 1 2 3 Chinen, Nate (December 10, 2010). Review: Let Freedom Reign. The New York Times . Retrieved on 2011-01-02.
  11. 1 2 Amorosi, A.D. (December 19, 2010). Review: Let Freedom Reign. The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved on 2011-01-02.
  12. 1 2 Gardner, Elysa (December 5, 2010). Review: Let Freedom Reign. USA Today . Retrieved on 2010-12-05.
  13. ↑ Credits: Let Freedom Reign. Allmusic. Retrieved on 2010-11-28.
  14. ↑ "Chrisette Michele Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
  15. ↑ "Chrisette Michele Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.
  16. ↑ "2011 Year-End Charts – Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard . Retrieved April 24, 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.