Individuality (Can I Be Me?)

1	Individuality (Can I Be Me?) 4:53
2	Sista 3:59
3	Will You Remember Me? 6:17
4	I Forgive You 5:30
5	I Gotta Go 5:06
6	Why You Wanna Mess It All Up? 5:30
7	Gaia 5:44
8	Run to Me 4:04
9	Reflections of My Heart 5:10
10	Satisfied 5:32
11	I Can Explain 8:02

Barnes & Noble

In the tradition of timeless vocalists such as Anita Baker and the late Phyllis Hyman, Rachelle Ferrell is a contemporary jazz and R&B vocalist with an explosive range and an awe-inspiring delivery. On the strength of endearing ballads such as "Waiting" and "Open Arms," Ferrell's self-titled, U.S. debut made her a word-of-mouth singing sensation among "Quiet Storm" urban radio-format enthusiasts. But since the 1995 release of the sophisticated standards package First Instrument (which was initially released in Japan in 1990), Ferrell has been missing in action. Five years later, however, the six-octave wonder returns with Individuality (Can I Be Me?), a mature record coproduced by the legendary George Duke that reflects the personal and artistic growth Ferrell experienced during her absence from the spotlight. Highlights include the spunky, female-solidarity anthem "Sista" and the bass-anchored breakup song "I Gotta Go." But the best showcase of Ferrell's mind-boggling vocals and painfully honest songwriting is the cathartic, piano-driven "I Forgive You," which alternately finds the skilled songbird gracefully cooing and deeply bellowing lyrics such as "What a feeling just releasing from my heart/From my mind and soul." As neo-soulster Erykah Badu once said, "This is grown folks music, y'all." Tracy E. Hopkins

All Music Guide

Ferrell's rich, textured voice strokes these often-formulaic songs along. Dipping into modern pop, R&B, gospel, and jazz, Ferrell paints some splendid portraits here (even if she does tend to over-sing her lines occasionally). Best is the funky "Satisfied," an amalgam of everything Individuality (Can I Be Me?) sets out to be. A breakthrough album from a behind-the-scenes artist deserving more. Michael Gallucci