What makes I Am by Chrisette Michele notable?

The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and marked Chrisette Michele's first Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for the single 'Be OK'. Its critical acclaim helped establish her as a significant voice in modern R&B, influencing a new generation of artists blending traditional soul with contemporary sounds. I Am is Chrisette Michele's debut album, released in 2007 after her signing with Island Def Jam. At this point in her career, she was a rising star in the contemporary R&B scene, having gained attention through collaborations with notable artists like Jay-Z and Nas.

I Am works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and heartfelt emotional reflections.

How many songs are on I Am?

I Am has 14 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

I Am

Chrisette Michele · 2007

59 min · 14 tracks · contemporary R&B

A lush blend of R&B and jazz-inflected soul, showcasing rich vocals and introspective lyrics.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Be OK — This track stands out for its uplifting message and catchy hook, capturing the album's overall theme of resilience and self-empowerment.
→
Like a Dream — Opening the album, this track showcases Michele's vocal prowess and sets an ethereal tone that resonates throughout the record.
→
Good Girl — This song highlights Michele's ability to blend playful lyrics with a soulful melody, demonstrating her unique style within the R&B genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal performances and varied arrangements, establishing a solid debut for Michele.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that blend jazz and R&B, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
Vocals are layered with rich harmonies, often featuring call-and-response patterns between Michele and background singers.
Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation, particularly piano and horns, adding depth to the arrangements.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
heartfelt emotional reflections
smooth background ambiance
contemplative late-night vibes

Where this album fits

Career context: I Am is Chrisette Michele's debut album, released in 2007 after her signing with Island Def Jam. At this point in her career, she was a rising star in the contemporary R&B scene, having gained attention through collaborations with notable artists like Jay-Z and Nas.
Stylistic neighbors: Jazmine Sullivan· Lalah Hathaway· Andra Day

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Like a Dream 3:59
2 Work It Out 4:21
3 If I Have My Way 4:02
4 Best of Me 3:53
5 Your Joy 4:32
6 Good Girl 4:04
7 Be OK 3:43
8 Mr. Radio 3:54
9 Golden 4:23
10 Let's Rock 4:44
11 Love Is You 3:17
12 In This for You 3:41
13 Is This the Way Love Feels 6:46
14 I Am One 3:45

What to play next

Listen next

Saints Row 2 - Hits to Drive By

2008

Go back to

Best of Me

2007

Full Chrisette Michele discography Artists like Chrisette Michele

contemporary R&B hip-hop jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata