Publications
Partners
By Siyabonga Dube
The return to the journey after a total of 6 years, Michelle Williams’s former member of Destiny Child’s brings forth a very well-constructed package which is borderline Gospel & R&B.
Having dropped “Unexpected” in 2008, “Journey to Freedom” takes a full detour from that pop dance feel “Unexpected” had. This is her fourth studio album. Here Michelle gives herself fully and voices out her true self and how she stands with her faith in God. “Journey to Freedom” was highly anticipated after the release of the “Say Yes” single featuring both former members of Destiny Childs members Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland. The hit went big and slightly hinted on what to expect on the album.
“Journey to Freedom” is well done and gives a new perspective to what Gospel is, did you ever imagine gospel on an 808 kick and snaps with a super square like bass? Well “Journey to Freedom” comes in and provides to this, the whole record is mixed between new age hip hop, mainstream R&B and Soul, Christian music and some House.
The record opens with “Need Your Help” featuring Eric Dawkins, which has a quite bouncy feeling giving you that this is a full blown pop album once you get a listen to it and actually here Williams start singing you get the feel that this was unexpected. The album producer is Harmony Samuels who is quite known to work with the likes of Ariana Grande, Maroon 5 and Jenifer Hudson, who from an interview with Williams for Houston Chronicle Music said Samuels had never touched the genre before. “Journey to Freedom” is an experiment more than just a record.
Singles like “Fire” which was released 24 September last year did create a very warming feel to what she was working on and what was coming forth. Songs which are also sure to be love struck by people is “Fall (Featuring Lecrae & Tye Tribbett)” the song has a very well touched beat and with the message of quite significant power and feel to it of Gods glory coming down. This single is sure to win the youth. A very funky way to praise and worship. Other beauties like “Free” are built on this dreamy sweet piano and chords and acoustic guitar which are superbly connected with her vocals. Really actually give the album a very lovely residue which sticks in your mind. “If We Had Your Eyes” featuring Fantasia is another stand out which was pre released as a lead single, is the coming together of two greats giving the song so much life and realism enrichment.
The whole album is a stand out as it’s incorporating a very vast amount of genres but still remaining in its theme, not many guests make appearance on the album, Lecrae, Tye Tribbett, Chief Wail, Fantasia, Beyonce and Kelly Rowland.
You don’t need to be over spiritual to actually love “Journey to Freedom” as any good music lover would love this from its production to its vocals. The biggest beauty aspect or element is that Williams has really moving deep lyrical content upon an in depth listen to the album which is just amazing. “Journey to Freedom” really singles out Williams and shows a true gem in the music industry.
And yes when Jesus says yes no one can say no.
