Review Written by Victoria Scott & Staff
The ethereal acoustic guitar and hush-toned vocals will touch your soul in “I Am” from the album Where Do We Go from Here? by award-winning artist Natalie Jean. Accompanied by a beautiful, fingerstyle folk guitar arrangement, Natalie's vocals lead you into the first powerful verse.
"Look at me,
Really look at me,
You don't know me. Yet, you judge me.
You look at the color of my skin,
and assume all the wrong things."
A booming beat, violin, and acoustic guitar slowly build in the break, taking over, as Natalie's gorgeous lead vocals sing out the chorus. The performance and lyrics are moving, uplifting and empowering. "I am" is breathtakingly poignant.
Racial tensions have flared, and it's not the time to be silent. “I Am” is about not accepting someone’s fear of racism. Right now, the world has finally seen what black people have been going through, and it’s time to end the injustice. From the first verse, she declares her value and strength.
“I Am a Black woman Born Free, and you can’t take, you can’t take that away from me. I won’t be told what and who I am supposed to be. I won’t give in to your fears, Nor will I give you any of my tears. I Am, I Am, I Am I Am Love. I Am Truth, I am everything that I am meant to be.”
“I Am” is a bold anthem and a reminder for black women to stand up and speak their truth. Natalie Jean's raspy, calm, firm and fierce voice tells us her truth and brings us to tears. As an award-winning and multi-nominated versatile and erudite singer-songwriter, Natalie Jean is paving the way for many other independent female artists of color who deserve to have their voices heard. This song is a testimony about fear; fear is a destructive force. In declaring her worth and truth, Natalie Jean sheds a light and illumination that can't be ignored or denied. Or as she says it, "I am." And that's enough.
About Natalie Jean
Natalie Jean is an award winning, multi-nominated singer-songwriter and performer. She is also a Voting Member in the Recording Academy (GRAMMYS). A versatile performer and singer, she sings and writes many genres ( Jazz Pop, R&B, Blues, and Dance) and can also sing in French, Spanish, English, and Creole. Natalie Jean has been nominated over 90 times for her music and has won many awards. She has released five albums and five music videos to date.
For more information about Natalie Jean, please visit her website.
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