Journey to Freedom (album)

Journey to Freedom is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Michelle Williams, released on September 9, 2014 by E1 Music and Light Records. It marked her first release under the label after severing professional ties with longtime record company Columbia Records and manager Mathew Knowles in 2009. Following a hiatus from her recording career, Williams' album, a collaboration with main producer Harmony Samuels, was a fusion of both urban contemporary gospel and R&B sounds.

Journey to Freedom
Studio album by
Michelle Williams
ReleasedSeptember 9, 2014 (2014-09-09)
Recorded2012–14,
London Bridge Studios, L.A.
Genre
Length49:26
Label
Producer
Michelle Williams chronology
Unexpected
(2008)		 Journey to Freedom
(2014)
Singles from Journey to Freedom
  1. "If We Had Your Eyes"
    Released: June 24, 2013 (2013-06-24)
  2. "Fire"
    Released: September 24, 2013 (2013-09-24)
  3. "If We Had Your Eyes"
    Released: November 4, 2013 (2013-11-04)
  4. "Say Yes"
    Released: June 2, 2014 (2014-06-02)
  5. "Believe in Me"
    Released: February 27, 2015 (2015-02-27)

The album was also preceded by the release of the lead single, "If We Had Your Eyes" which peaked in the top-twenty of the US Adult R&B Songs chart. A third single, "Say Yes", reunited Williams with her former Destiny's Child bandmates Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart. To further promote the album, Williams went on a tour in the United States. The album was nominated for Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) at the 46th NAACP Image Awards and earned Williams four nominations at the 30th annual Stellar Awards.[1]

Background

In October 2008, Williams released her third studio album Unexpected, her first release since the disbanding of Destiny's Child. A breakaway from her previous solo efforts, gospel albums Heart to Yours (2002) and Do You Know (2004), the dance-pop-R&B album gained generally favorable reviews from critics, but became a moderate seller.[2][3] Meanwhile, lead single "We Break the Dawn" and follow-up "The Greatest" became top ten hits on the dance charts,[4][5] though plans for a reissue of the album failed to materialize.[6] In July 2009, Williams began a limited six-week engagement at the Cambridge Theatre in Chicago, making her the first African-American to be cast in the West End production of the musical.[7] Her run was extended and Williams continued appearing for three additional weeks for an extended engagement through September 2009.[8]

In January 2010, Michelle announced that she had parted ways with manager Mathew Knowles and Music World Entertainment.[9] The following months, Williams made a return to Broadway by commencing a seven-week limited engagement in Chicago at the New York Ambassador Theatre, and in August, she joined the eighth series of British television show Strictly Come Dancing.[10] Journey to Freedom, her fourth album, marks a return to Williams' gospel roots after taking a secular detour on 2008's Unexpected. It features the singles "If We Had Your Eyes", "Fire", and "Say Yes", the latter of which features Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland.

Release and promotion

Singles

"If We Had Your Eyes" was digitally released worldwide as the lead single from Journey to Freedom on June 24, 2013. Fantasia Barrino features on the official remix which was released November 4, 2013. The song peaked on the US Adult R&B Songs at no. 19[11] and the US Hot Gospel Songs at no.22.[12] On September 3, 2013 a Derek Blanks-directed music video was premiered via YouTube and features appearances from the song's producer, Harmony Samuels and also former Destiny's Child member, LeToya Luckett.[13][14][15]

"Fire", produced by Harmony Samuels, was digitally released worldwide as the second single on September 24, 2013.[16] The music video directed by Derek Blanks who also shot the video for the lead single "If We Had Your Eyes" premiered via YouTube on May 10, 2014.[17] "Say Yes" featuring former Destiny's Child bandmates Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland was released as the third single on June 2, 2014.

Although not a Destiny's Child song, "Say Yes" is the first song released as a single including all three former members since the group's disbandment in 2005. An accompanying music video was released on 18 June 2014 lead by Michelle Williams featuring Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé.[18] The music video for "Say Yes" was directed by Matthew A. Cherry and was filmed on May 20, 2014.[19]

Reception

Critical response
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[20]
CCM Magazine[21]
Cross Rhythms[22]
GospelPundit[23]
Hallels(Positive)[24]
Idolator[25]
Middlechild Promotions[26]
Soul Tracks('Recommended')[27]
Yada Mag[28]

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."'[20] 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.'[25]

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.'[24]

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.'[23] 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.'[26]

Track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Need Your Help" (featuring Eric Dawkins)
4:25
2."Yes"
  • Samuels
  • Al Sherrod Lambert
  • David Brown
3:37
3."Everything"
  • Samuels
  • Lambert
  • Brown
  • Williams
4:01
4."Fall" (featuring Lecrae and Tye Tribbett)
4:41
5."Fire"
  • Samuels
  • Courtney Harrell
4:31
6."Free"
  • Samuels
  • Lambert
  • Bereal
  • Williams
  • Brown
4:08
7."Just Like You" (featuring Chief Wakil)
  • Samuels
  • Harrell
3:58
8."Beautiful"
  • Samuels
  • Harrell
4:17
9."Believe in Me"
3:07
10."In the Morning"
  • Samuels
  • Harrell
3:45
11."If We Had Your Eyes" (featuring Fantasia)
  • Samuels
  • Lambert
  • Harrell
4:34
12."Say Yes" (featuring Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland)
  • Samuels
  • Lambert
  • Williams
  • Reece
4:12
Total length:49:26
Japanese edition[29]
No.TitleLength
13."Say Yes" (Jochen Simms radio edit) (featuring Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland)3:26
14."Say Yes" (John J-C Carr remix) (featuring Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland)5:56
Total length:58:48
Walmart exclusive edition (bonus DVD)
No.TitleDirector(s)Length
1."Say Yes" (behind the scenes) 1:33
2."Say Yes" (music video)Matthew A. Cherry4:22
3."Say Yes" (lyric video) 4:13
4."Fire" (behind the scenes) 2:07
5."Fire" (music video)Harmony Samuels3:50
6."If We Had Your Eyes" (behind the scenes) 2:22
7."If We Had Your Eyes" (music video)Harmony Samuels4:42
8."behind the scenes" (In the studio)  

Personnel

Charts

Awards and nominations
Year Category Nominated Result
BET Awards[35]
2015 Best Gospel Artist Michelle Williams Nominated
Gospel Touch Music Awards[36]
2014 Song of the Year "Say Yes" Won
NAACP Image Awards[1]
2014 Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) Journey to Freedom Nominated
Soul Train Music Awards[37]
2014 Best Gospel/Inspirational Song "Say Yes" Nominated
Stellar Awards[38][39]
2015 Female Vocalist of the Year Michelle Williams Nominated
Song of the Year "Say Yes" Nominated
Urban/Inspirational/Instrumental Single/Performance of the Year Nominated
Music Video of the Year Won

References
  1. "The 46th NAACP Image Awards – Nominees". NAACP Image Awards. NAACP. Archived from the original on March 19, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
  2. "Unexpected – Michelle Williams". Billboard. Retrieved January 8, 2011.
  3. "SEISMIC DISASTER!!! MICHELLE WILLIAMS SELLS ONLY 14,000 UNITS IN HER FIRST WEEK!!!". Media Take Out. October 16, 2008. Archived from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  4. Joszor, Njai (July 11, 2008). "Michelle Williams Dances Straight To #1 With 'We Break The Dawn'". Singersroom.com. Archived from the original on January 5, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
  5. "Dance Hit Heralds Michelle Williams Album". Billboard.com.
  6. Levine, Nick (June 29, 2009). "Music – Interview – Michelle Williams – Digital Spy". Digital Spy. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  7. Lewis, Pete (2009). "Michelle Williams: Heart to Hart". Blues & Soul. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
  8. "Michelle Williams' Run As 'Roxie Hart' in "Chicago: The Musical" Extended". michellewilliamsonline.com. August 21, 2009. Archived from the original on 2010-12-28. Retrieved 11 December 2010.
  9. "Exclusive: Michelle Williams Parts Ways With Music World". That Grape Juice. January 12, 2010. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  10. Daniels, Colin (August 21, 2010). "Michelle Williams tipped for 'Strictly'". Digital Spy. Retrieved August 23, 2010.
  11. "Michelle Williams – Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard.com. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
  12. "Michelle Williams – Chart History (Hot Gospel Songs)". Billboard.com. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
  13. "Michelle Williams Releases Video For 'If We Had Your Eyes'". RTT News. September 9, 2013. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  14. Williams, Michelle (September 3, 2013). ""If We Had Your Eyes" – Michelle Williams [Official Music Video]". YouTube. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  15. Imarenezor, Christine (September 3, 2013). "MUSIC VIDEO: MICHELLE WILLIAMS – "IF WE HAD YOUR EYES"". Concrete Loop. Archived from the original on 2013-09-04. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  16. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fire-single/id714071750
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXbqMMoflDA
  18. "The Destiny's Child reunion". vox.com. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  19. http://www.videostatic.com/watch-it/2014/06/18/michelle-williams-say-yes-matthew-cherry-dir
  20. Kellman, Andy. "Journey to Freedom – Michelle Williams". AllMusic. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  21. Greer, Andrew (October 15, 2014). "Michelle Williams: Journey To Freedom". CCM Magazine. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  22. Cummings, Tony (28 January 2015). "Review: Journey To Freedom - Michelle Williams". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  23. "Michelle Williams inspires with rich musicality in Journey To Freedom". GospelPundit. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  24. "Michelle Williams "Journey to Freedom" Album Review". Hallels.
  25. Wass, Mike. "Michelle Williams – 'Journey To Freedom'". Idolator. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  26. "Review: Michelle Williams – Journey To Freedom". "Middlechild Promotions". September 9, 2014. Archived from the original on September 11, 2014. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  27. Oliver, Peggy. "Michelle Williams – Journey to Freedom". Soul Tracks. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  28. Iti, Harry (September 24, 2014). "Album Review: Michelle Williams- Journey To Freedom". Yada Mag. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  29. "Amazon.co.jp: ジャーニー・トゥ・フリーダム". Amazon.co.jp.
  30. "Michelle Williams Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
  31. "Michelle Williams Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard.
  32. "Michelle Williams Chart History (Top Gospel Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  33. "2014 Top 40 Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart Archive". Official Charts Company. September 20, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  34. "Gospel Albums Year End 2014". Billboard.com. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  35. "Michelle Williams, Erica Campbell & Deitrick Haddon Nominated for BET Awards". eurweb.com. May 27, 2015. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
  36. "Gospel Touch Music Awards Winners". Gospel Touch Music Awards. Archived from the original on 2015-08-15. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  37. Strecker, Erin (October 13, 2014). "Chris Brown & Beyonce Lead Soul Train Award Nominations". Billboard.com. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  38. "ASCAP Members Dominate 2015 Stellar Award Nominations". ASCAP. January 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
  39. Caslin, Yvette (April 5, 2015). "Destiny's Child, Tamela Mann, Deitrick Haddon and more on the 30th annual Stellar Awards". Rolling Out. Retrieved April 15, 2015.
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