1. “Purpose in Your Storm”

This uptempo kicks off the playlist with “Purpose in Your Storm” from Michelle’s 2004 sophomore album, Do You Know. This bop acknowledges life’s challenges, but motivates the listener to press on and push through it all.

“It’s temporary, it’s gonna get better
Yes it will…
There is a light that’s shinin’
And soon the dawn will come
You’ll find purpose
Purpose in your storm”

2. “If We Had Your Eyes”

Similar to “Purpose,” the lead single from her 2014 album Journey to Freedom, “If We Had Your Eyes” tells about the clarity that would come if we had the foresight to understand the purpose behind our hard times. In these times of panic and confusion, stuck staying at home with no end in sight, patience is key. The duet version with Fantasia also adds a certain strength in numbers to its message.

“God, if I had Your eyes
I could love better and
Have more compassion and
I could understand what I’m going through
While I’m going through
I’d be more patient
God help me to see things the way that you see things
Did I already say help me to be patient?
Say that again…”

3. “Everything” (2002)

This encouraging song from Michelle’s debut solo album, Heart to Yours, delivers a message to reassure the listener that no matter what you are going through, you just need a little faith to remain strong and persevere through it all.

“‘Cause everbody’s done passed you by and,
You’re left alone to thing about it.
Well I just wanted to encourage you,
And let you know that He will bring you through”

4. “Fearless”

Michelle’s most recent single, “Fearless,” is an anthemic celebration of self. The song finds Michelle reaffirming that she herself is “fearless,” and has the strength to overcome her fears. It is a powerful song for a time when many of us feel so helpless.

“Every nation
Standin’ side by side
That don’t mind givin’
Givin’ the best of life
‘Cause I’m fearless”

5. “The Greatest”

While sometimes we feel like we are going through hard times alone, most of us have someone to turn to for comfort and reassurance, whether it’s God or a loved one. “The Greatest,” from her 2008 pop album, Unexpected, is a purposefully ambiguous love song that exudes gratitude.

“Thought everything had changed
Until the day you came
And took away the pain
Baby you’re the greatest
I always wore a frown
I never used to smile
Until you showed me how
Baby you’re the greatest”

6. “Sun Will Shine Again”

Another anthem of encouragement from her debut album, “Sun Will Shine Again” serves as a reminder that the darkness we are facing will not last forever, and we, like the sun, will rise again.

“The situation don’t look good
I know you’d change it if you could
The sun will shine again
The trouble’s all in your mind
Don’t run away, give it time
The sun will shine again…
This is not the way it will end.”

7. “In the Morning”

Echoing the sentiments of the previous song, “In the Morning” is a metaphoric song from 2014’s Journey to Freedom that lets the listener know they are not alone. Michelle makes it personal, letting us know that she’s been through hard times, but knows you’ll make it through, because she has.

“It’s all in your face
I see you think that I’m crazy
There’s no way I could know
But I only talk about what I know about
I’ve been there before
When you know you’re alive
Because it kills inside
And you wish you could go numb
And even my day dreams were a bad scene
Please God wake me up”

8. “Heard a Word”

With her debut solo single “Heard a Word,” Michelle let the world know that her mission was to lift us all up and inspire the world with her words and her voice. “Heard a Word” was the first of many healing hymns that she’s delivered throughout her career.

“I heard a word
Saying, Girl you’ll be fine
I heard a word
That would ease my troubled mind
Took all the hurt away
Warmed me up inside like a summer day
So glad You said You’d never break your promises”

9. “Do You Know” (Live in Atlanta, 2005)

For anyone who was previously unaware, Michelle let it be known with her 2005 performance of “Do You Know” that she could move the masses with her phenomenal voice. On Destiny’s Child’s 2005 tour, Michelle used her solo spot to shine the light on her inspirational anthem, “Do You Know,” from her 2004 album of the same title. Night after night, she tore the house down with her powerful voice and, thankfully, the performance was recorded to be relived again and again by fans.

“I hate to see you cry,
It’s like your world is torn apart
Just know that God is faithful
He’ll heal your wounded heart”

10. “Say Yes,” featuring Kelly Rowland & Beyoncé (Live at the Stellar Awards, 2015)

Reunited with her sisters in song, Kelly and Beyoncé, Michelle took the world by storm with her 2014 hit single, “Say Yes.” This infectious anthem of praise was heard around the world, and the world rejoiced along with their favorite trio, with Michelle at the helm. Their 2015 live performance of the song at the Stellar Awards further elevated its greatness. Watch below.

“I’m not worried ‘bout a thing
Cause I know you are guiding me
Where you lead me, Lord I will go
I have no fear cause I know who’s in control”

11. “It’s Good to Be Here”

Another uplifting uptempo, “It’s Good to Be Here” is perhaps the song that feels most appropriate in these troubled times. A song of gratitude, “It’s Good to Be Here” finds Michelle giving thanks for life, for health, for friends and family. It’s a message we all could use reminding of in the face of a pandemic.

“Just another day’s journey
And I’m glad about it
I got my health and my strenght
I can shout about it
Somebody didn’t make it
They can’t testify the day
That’s why I’m so grateful
And I’m mighty glad to say
It’s good to be here”

12. “We Break the Dawn”

While we all may be confined to our homes right now (hopefully), soon enough we will be able to go out, get together, and dance the night away once more. Whether that be at a club, bar, or your own backyard house party, this dance floor ready groove from Michelle’s 2008 dance pop album, Unexpected, is sure to move you to, well, “break the dawn”.

“Oh there’s somethin’ bout the skylight tonight
Something that makes me know everythin’s gon’ be alright
There’s somethin’ in the way that the stars align
There’s not a single moment I’m a pass by

The hour’s now, the bass is loud
The disco lights, shinin’ through the crowd
We’re holdin’ time in our hands
And it stops when we say, we say
And we ain’t stoppin’ ’til the morning light”

The post 12 Songs by Michelle Williams to Lift Your Spirit appeared first on THE 97.

March 12, 2002.

After announcing that Destiny’s Child would go on a hiatus to pursue solo projects, many assumed it was the beginning of the end for the group. Much to the dismay of naysayers, the ladies of Destiny’s Child and their manager, Beyoncé’s father Mathew Knowles, promised the group would return after each member released one solo album. Mathew spun the decision to go solo as being a way for the group to gain a larger audience from different genres before reuniting for their next album. The plan that each of the ladies would  tackle a different genre: Beyoncé doing an R&B album, Kelly doing a pop-rock album, and Michelle doing an inspirational gospel album.

“Heard a Word” … an Introduction

Michelle was up first, and her first single “Heard a Word” was released via Destiny’s Child’s remix compilation album, This is the Remix (click here for more on that!). The set was released on March 12, 2002, introducing Destiny’s Child fans to their first taste of what these solo projects would sound like, and, more specifically, what Michelle‘s project would sound like. Enter “Heard a Word.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f_2yUKxf3g

Compared sonically to Jill Scott and Erykah Badu by Sal Cinquemani of Slant, “Heard a Word” is a combination of an inspirational message and a jazzy R&B sound, interspersed with trademark, church-ready gospel flourishes. Indeed, the song recalls Jill’s “A Long Walk” musically, and the Badu comparisons are logical as far as vocals go. Understandably, “Heard a Word” presented a more subdued, demure image and sound, being an inspirational song, and Michelle came under fire for “being a hypocrite.” Conservative gospel audiences criticized Williams for singing “Bootylicious” in 2001, only to turn around and sing gospel come 2002. This pesky argument has continued to follow her throughout her solo career, but ultimately Williams has shown where her heart lies.

“Heard a Word” … a Symbol

In fact, Michelle stands as the best and most genuine symbol for Destiny’s Child’s message of being sexy, yet classy and respectable. While she may not be the most vocal of feminists, her strength in fighting through the criticisms she has received deserves more respect. Michelle has always been genuine in her message and her actions. Sex and sexuality are a natural and God-given part of life, and Michelle represents that you can embrace both without being in spiritual or personal conflict. That representation started with her very first single, “Heard a Word,” 15 years ago.

The song is indeed a fitting symbol for that message. It was the perfect song to introduce the world to her as a solo artist, and as a gospel artist. Today, it is the perfect entering point for a new fan looking to explore her solo music, or someone looking to learn more about her in general. On “Heard a Word,” she sings of powering through adversity and life’s struggles, with guidance from God. I would venture to guess that it is a song that Michelle has gone back to during her own hard times since its release, as a source of encouragement. I know, as a longtime fan who is friends with many other fans, that the song has been that for us. In a way, “Heard a Word” is like the older sister to her most recent single, “Believe In Me,” her most personal song to-date.

“Heard a Word” … a Slay

“Heard a Word” has endured through the years as a fan favorite, and, it seems, a favorite of Michelle’s too. Though she has yet to go on a proper solo tour, she has done plenty of shows throughout the year, and of all her solo material, “Heard a Word” has been the one song she has performed most consistently. Most recently, at a Christmas concert in December 2016, she dusted off “Heard a Word” and proceeded to slay it. In the name of Jesus and all that is Holy, she had me running in circles around my bedroom like I was in somebody’s church pew slain by the Holy Spirit. Get. Your. Life:

Now, let’s rewind way back to 2003, when Michelle slayed “Heard a Word” at Beyoncé’s Pay-Per-View (gosh, remember that? #old) Beyoncé & Friends special:

You might expect that the 2003 performance would be better than 2016, but, no, Michelle only got better with time. Still, she slayed then, regardless. Here she is below, effortlessly slaying the song some more in 2015. In this performance, I appreciate that she even does a bit where she caters to the men in the crowd (no pun intended) by singing “boy, you’ll be fine!” – it’s an adorable sing-a-long moment, showing how much she loves her fans.

“Heard a Word” … a Request

In short, “Heard a Word” may not be Michelle’s most popular song (that title belongs undoubtedly to “Say Yes”) but it is perhaps her most enduring so far, thanks in part to her own efforts to revive it in live performances. Fifteen years later, the song stands strong as a symbol of Michelle’s strength and as an inspirational message for all. Like any great song, it has gotten better in time – with a little help from Michelle’s updated live arrangements and vocal performances. I can only hope for two things: a tour where she performs it some more, and an official upload of the video on YouTube, because this low quality rip ain’t cutting it.

The post Michelle Williams released first solo single “Heard a Word” 15 years ago appeared first on THE 97.

Week two’s word in Michelle William’s Journey to Freedom journal contest is “honesty.”  Once again, when prompted with the word “honesty” the first thought that came to my head was again in the form of lyrics: “honesty, is such a lonely word, every one is so untrue, honesty is hardly ever heard, but mostly what I need from you” from Billy Joel’s “Honesty.”  And, well, honestly, that about sums it up.

Thinking about my own “journey to freedom,” this holds true for my most defining life experiences.  As Michelle says in her video, being honest with yourself and with others is crucial.  I know Michelle and I are not alone, because everyone experiences this, and some of music’s biggest stars have all released songs that deal with this issue quite poignantly.

On the songs I’ve selected, the artists delve into their personal life experiences and very vulnerably share these private emotions with their listeners.  These cathartic expressions are no doubt therapeutic for the artists, but also for the listeners.

1.  “Honesty,” by Billy Joel is the quintessential song dealing with the theme of honesty.  Joel does a wonderful job of encapsulating this theme in the lyrics to this piano ballad.  The quote I included above does a wonderful job of summarizing the song’s message: “honesty, is such a lonely word, every one is so untrue, honesty is hardly ever heard, but mostly what I need from you.”  The song was released in 1978, but no one’s said it better since.  (However, Beyoncé did cover it.)

2.  “Honestly” by Kelly Clarkson is an emotional ballad from her 2011 album, Stronger.  On this track, though not written by Kelly, she deals with the frustrating feeling of wanting someone to be honest with you about their feelings.  She sings pleadingly, “if you’re hating me, do it honestly.”  We probably all know the feeling of being in a relationship where you can tell your significant other is unhappy but won’t admit it.  On this song, Kelly is expressing those feelings, demandingly singing, “Face me, make me listen to the truth even if it breaks me… you can tell me.”  

3.  “Losing You” by Solange is from her 2012 EP entitled True.   Like Clarkson on “Honestly,” Solange is seeking honesty:  “Tell me the truth, boy am I losing you for good?  We used to kiss all night but now there’s just no use.  I don’t know why I fight it, clearly we are through.”   She too shows her vulnerable side on this track, grappling with the same frustrating uncertainty as Clarkson on “Honestly.”  While the vibe of the production harkens back to 80’s R&B, the vocal arrangements and vulnerable nature of the lyrics are both a bit more in line with one of Solange’s inspirations, Mariah Carey, who appears later on this list.

4.  “Can’t Handle the Truth” by JoJo is brutally honest, but not in the way you’d expect.  On this track lifted from her 2012 mix tape, Agápē, JoJo tells her man, “I hate lying to you, but you can’t handle the truth.”  This song explores the reason why people opt to lie instead of being honest: because the truth hurts.  Here, JoJo is confessing to infidelity, but blames it on his mistakes.  It is not the kind of track typically heard from a woman (though, Destiny’s Child did something very similar, more on that here), but her honesty is commendable, despite her actions being a bit questionable.

5.  “Confessions Part II” by Usher is very similar to JoJo’s “Can’t Handle the Truth,” and also preceded it.  This song was huge in 2004, and is the title track of the diamond selling album.  While it actually is not a true story (for Usher; apparently it’s cowriter Jermaine Dupri’s story) the messy honesty of “Confessions” turned the catchy song into a huge hit for Usher, and made Confessions his most successful album to date.  The public loves a good, dramatic confession, it seems…

6.  “Truth” by Janet Jackson is a mid tempo from her 2001 album, All For You.  The song, a kiss off to her ex-husband Rene Elizondo, finds Janet reflecting on her career and defunct marriage.  She urges him to accept the truth in this very honest, diary-like track.  The song seems sweet but there are several rather shady lines laced within, such as, “It’s sad to think we couldn’t work it out, but how much is enough to pay for this mistake?”  The song ends with the repetition of a question: “Do you know the truth?”  as Janet commands him to: “Feel it.  Live it.  Trust it.  Believe it.  Embrace it.  You want it.  And need it. Find it. Embrace it and never let it go.  The truth will set you free.”  Here, Janet flat out says that on a journey to freedom, honesty and truth are essential elements.

7.  “Resentment” by Beyoncé has been a controversial track as of late with her performing it on tour as divorce rumors swirl around her marriage to Jay-Z.  The song, recorded for 2006’s B’Day album, was actually first recorded by the Spice Girls’ Victoria Beckham, and perhaps written about an affair by David Beckham.  Beyoncé did however change some of the lyrics, perhaps to suit her own life experiences.  Her rendition of the song drips with soul and intricate harmonies.  Her vocal performance is gritty and raw, filled with intense emotion.  Victoria’s is… well… quite understated.  One of the most hard hitting lyrics to the song strikes at the very end, when Beyoncé quite vulnerably sings, “I can’t stop crying… You could’ve told me, you weren’t happy.  I know you didn’t wanna hurt me, but look what you’ve done done to me now.  I’ve gotta look at her in her eyes, and see she’s had half of me… how could you lie?”  This bit also illustrates why this song is a perfect addition to this list.

8.  “Languishing” by Mariah Carey falls in line with a number of her other introspective ballads (such as “Petals,” “Looking In,” and “Sunflowers”) however, it’s theme is a bit different.  On “Languishing,” Carey is seemingly speaking to the public.  She is essentially asking the listener whether or not they’d care if she was in pain.  She opens the song by stating, “I was not put here for you to judge me and dispute my innermost truths.”  The song is from her 2009 album Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, which was released only months after the passing of Michael Jackson, and Mariah dedicates the album to him in its booklet.  It is curious that Carey chooses to dedicate the album to him, and also this song about fame, questioning the public’s response if perhaps she too were suffering like Michael.  The media and public love to ridicule celebrities for their struggles and hardships while they’re alive, but the tune changes with their death as evidenced by the reaction to Michael Jackson’s death compared to his public perception when he was alive.  Even now, with recent rumors and seeming confirmation of a separation and looming divorce between Mariah and Nick (as well as Beyoncé and Jay-z), the media and the public already are saying negative and defamatory things, blaming Mariah, when no one knows the true story.  It’s truly a shame, and Mariah poignantly handles the issue on “Languishing.”

9.  “Dope” by Lady Gaga is a heartbreaking piano ballad from her latest album, ARTPOP.  Here, Gaga sings about her struggles with substance abuse, which includes alcohol and other drugs.  She asserts her desire to be clean and pleads for the love of someone – perhaps a significant other, or her fans.  The audience is unclear, however, Gaga is being gut-wrenchingly honest with herself on this track and it is a truly moving listen.  Her vocals are emotive and imperfect, yet beautiful, as she sings lines like, “Each day I feel so low from living high.”  “Dope” is one of the highlights from ARTPOP.  

10.  “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt was a colossal hit in 1996, written by Gwen Stefani about fellow No Doubt member, Tony Kanal.  The pair dated for seven years, but it ended, causing Stefani to write this emotional ballad of heartbreak.  Again, we find the public gravitated towards a song with a confessional style lyric, dripping with honesty.  “Don’t Speak” is filled with fear, as Gwen begs, “don’t speak, don’t tell me cause it hurts.”  She knows the truth, but doesn’t want to know it.  It would pain her to hear him say it because it would make it true.  Honesty has an intense power and the truth really can be painful at times.  Her emotional, pleading vocal is impassioned and moving which makes the song irresistible and moving.

11.  “Dear Lie” by TLC is a song with an interesting concept.  It’s essentially a letter from lead singer T-Boz, to a “lie.”  She explores the problems with lying and ultimately realizes that the truth will set you free.  The lyrics acknowledge how lies can have power over people, and that it takes a certain amount of strength to be honest and truthful: “Won’t let you control me, the truth will only free me and your lies won’t hurt no more.”

12.  “No More Drama” by Mary J. Blige marked a pivotal moment in her career.  The album, of the same title, brought Mary crossover success like never before thanks to its lead single, “Family Affair,” but “No More Drama” became her signature song.  With this album’s release, Mary was honest with herself and admitted to dealing with substance abuse and, with this song, found a way to break free from those demons.  The song is liberating, as Mary declares her freedom from the pain that suppressed her for so many years.

13.  “My Vietnam” by P!nk is a metaphorical song comparing her childhood, to the Vietnam.  This has a particular significance for P!nk, since her father actually served in the war.  The song lives on P!nk’s breakthrough album, M!ssundaztood, on which P!nk opened up with several confessional like songs, under the guidance of Linda Perry.  This is a lesser known song, hence why I chose it for this list.  A companion to the better known “Family Portrait,” “My Vietnam” talks more specifically about her parents and life’s challenges with unrestrained honesty.  On “Vietnam,” P!nk creates an honest dialogue with the listener and the people in her life.

14.  “Beyond Imagination” by Kelly Rowland is one of several very personal songs in Rowland’s catalogue.  Of course, the more obvious choice for this list might have been “Dirty Laundry,” but I think most are quite familiar with that song (and I plan to do a more in-depth article on it at a later date).  However, “Beyond Imagination” was Kelly’s first introspective song, from her solo debut, Simply Deep, and was written by Solange Knowles.  The song is a metaphorical pop/rock ballad that discusses Kelly’s childhood, more specifically, how her father abandoned her.  It is written in a more relatable fashion (similar to the way Mariah Carey often writers her introspective tracks) so that the listener can apply it to their own situation.  Kelly uses the pronoun “you” as if she’s saying that she knows what you’re feeling, and even sings “I hear your tone, and you’re so not alone.”  However, the most telling line of the song is “father’s vacation tonight, is somewhat permanent…”

15.  “Childhood” by Michael Jackson is one of his most moving songs, and perhaps even more so following his passing.  Throughout the later years of his life, Michael was ridiculed for his “immature,” childlike personality.  On 1995’s “Childhood,” the theme song to the film Free Willy,  Michael is open and honest about this – he knows he is different.  Asking the listener, “before you judge me, try hard to love me, look within your heart, then ask… have you seen my childhood?”  He attributes his “strange eccentricities” to his lack of a childhood growing up as child star in the Jackson 5.  While this song is well-known and was undoubtedly heard by many in 1995… I am not sure anyone really listened until it was too late.

16.  “15 Minutes” by Michelle Williams is an epic, almost theatrical ballad from her 2004 solo album, Do You Know.  In “15 Minutes,” Michelle vulnerably sings about the gratitude she feels for finding success as a musician.  She attributes this good fortune to God, and thanks Him for the blessing.  On the most telling lyric of the song, she sings, “I should’ve been a one hit wonder, 15 minutes of fame, with nothing gained and nothing left to lose… my only chance was you, and here you come again, I just don’t understand.”  She struggles to understand God’s blessings, reveling in the miraculous nature of it all, in this very honest and humbling ballad.

The post Journey to Freedom, Week 2: Honesty appeared first on THE 97.

In preparation of the release of her fourth solo album, Journey to Freedom, Michelle Williams is hosting a contest via her official website in which fans must write journal entries about their own personal journey to freedom.  The prize is an all expense paid trip to spend the day with Michelle, discussing each other’s journey to freedom.  Over the next six weeks, Michelle will be posting the “word of the week” that should be the theme of each of the six different journal entries.  The contest ends on September 9th with the release of the album.

This week, the word is freedom and I wrote my own personal entry detailing how the theme has been present in my own life experiences.  However, for the purposes of EST. 1997, I will highlight and discuss some songs that I feel best represent the theme of freedom.  This is a common theme throughout music, and there are many songs and even albums that are centered around it.

Freedom is a heavy word.  It can have so many meanings; it is connected and intertwined with so many parts of life.  It is something we all strive for – personal freedom, professional freedom, civil freedom, sexual freedom – there are many incarnations of the word.  It is ancient, historic, current and intrinsic.  It has shaped the world; created and resolved conflicts in history.  World wars occurred as a direct result of humanity’s desire to protect, or limit, the freedom of others.  However, it also can be very personal.  Specifically, musicians tend to delve into the theme through a very personal lens.  These next six songs do an excellent job of embodying the word “freedom.”

1.  “Free” by P!nk was a b-side to the “Trouble” single, and didn’t make the final cut for the Try This album.  However, in my opinion, it most definitely should have.  The song is a raw, honest rock ballad that soars through emotions with powerful and emotive vocals dripping with soul and a yearning for freedom.  The song is unorthodox in structure, with the only “hook” to be found being the line, “why’s it so hard to be free?”  The introspective nature of this song’s lyrics, combined with P!nk’s impassioned vocals make for a truly emotional experience.  It is close to 7 minutes long, but never feels drawn out.  She leaves vocal imperfections as they are, adding a genuine character to the song.  It is a highlight in P!nk’s catalogue, with some of her best vocals and lyrics.

“I’ve gotta get away, oh

From these conditions

Why can’t I just love myself enough?

Instead of looking outside

For what I should have inside…

…All these shackles that I’ve tied myself down with

They’re weighing me down

I wanna fly away, fly away from here, so far

Just give me wings

Oh, God, why’s it so hard, to be free?”

 

2.  “Free Xone” by Janet Jackson appears on her 1997 opus, The Velvet Rope, which will be discussed in greater detail come its anniversary in October.  On this particular song, Janet asserts that there is “one rule: no rules; one love, free zone,” essentially stating that all love is equal, and people should be free to love no matter what their sexual orientation is.  The song denounces homophobia, while celebrating the freedom to love.  Its lyrics are simple, but poignant, and it’s the overall vibe of the song lends itself to creating this sense of celebration and cathartic embodiment of freedom.

“He was on a airplane

Sittin’ next to this guy

Said he wasn’t too shy

And he seemed real nice

Until he found out he was gay

That’s so not mellow

Let’s get free…”

 

3.  “Free” by Jill Scott is yet another song titled “Free,” and it is more like a poem than a song.  Constructed of a series of similes that Jill utilizes to symbolize the feeling of free, the song is effective in creating imagery to evoke its theme.  Jill compares freedom to a host of different things, mostly related to nature, in this short but concisely crafty and insightful song.  It’s best if you just listen to it for yourself.

“Free like a willow tree

Free like a summer’s eve

Free like the waves are crashing

On the side on a solitary beach”

4.  “Freedom” by Brandy is also a song that, like P!nk’s “Free,” was left off an album.  It was recorded for her 2008 album, Human, but didn’t make the cut.  However, it is a great track that tackles this theme of freedom quite well.  While its lyrics are a bit vague and open to interpretation, it is a moving, full song with an epic sound.  There’s many possibilities as to what Brandy might be talking about.  It could be a personal, political or even love-related statement.  She refers to an “us” that doesn’t seem like simply a “me and you” kind of thing.  It almost feels like the song could be referencing civil rights and possibly even racism, at some points. Take a listen and decide for yourself.

“I see the cloaks on the judges

Flaws in the judgements

Beasts in the dungeon

That don’t scare me

And I’ll say it on a mountain

Say it all in public

Hold a press conference

To speak about my freedom, my freedom”

5.  “I Am Free” by Mariah Carey is a gospel-tinged song from one of her defining albums, 1995’s Daydream.  The song talks about how Mariah had once felt trapped, but it seems she is thanking God for helping to find a certain sense of freedom.  On this same album lies the song “Looking In,” in which she more vulnerably discusses how she felt trapped, as well.  Interestingly enough, the album to follow, 1997’s Butterfly (which, like The Velvet Rope, will be discussed on its anniversary in September) is considered to be Mariah’s first emancipation.  “I Am Free” is kind of a statement of her intentions before actually going for it with Butterfly in 1997.  She even references flight, a metaphor later continued on the song “Butterfly.”   See and hear the breakthrough below:

“Free to live

Free to laugh

Free to soar

Free to shine

Free to give

Free to love

Free enough to fly”

6.  “Free” by Destiny’s Child completes the list, of course… Michelle can’t be left out of an article she inspired!  “Free” is a song that Michelle always referenced as being her favorite song from Destiny’s Child’s final release, 2004’s Destiny Fulfilled.  On this track, the ladies revel in their freedom from a no good man.  It is a therapeutic song, that soulfully celebrates a newfound freedom after dealing with an oppressive relationship.  During the live performance, Beyoncé goes into a tangent, preaching “Ladies! Do you know what this song is about? This song is about truly feeling free.  You know you’re free when you finally find enough strength to tell that trifling, good for nothing man, you don’t want him, you don’t want him no more!”  It’s quite the hilarious little monologue, but it’s oh so empowering.  In July, Michelle performed the song during her set at the Essence Music Festival.  Check out both performances referenced below, as well as the lyrics to Michelle’s verse on the track.

“I gave you everything you wanted 

I gave you everything you needed

But you just didn’t do right

So baby I’m leaving

It feels good to be free”

Bonus:

Check out a clip of “Free,” from Michelle’s Journey to Freedom album in stores September 9th.

Other notable mentions:

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