Individuality (Can I Be Me?)
Individuality is the third studio album by American vocalist Rachelle Ferrell, released on August 15, 2000, through Capitol Records.
The album peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard Jazz Albums chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Background
Produced by Ferrell, George Duke and Jef Lee Johnson, this album was recorded at Le Gonks West and Andora Recording Studio in Los Angeles. Along with The Blue Room in Philadelphia, and O'Henry Sound Studios in Burbank. Artists such as Jonathan Butler made guest appearances.Promotion
Ferrell appeared in an episode of Emeril Live, performing songs from the album.Critical reception
Steve Jones of USA Today declared, "During the eight years Ferrell has been away from recording, the earthy pianist/singer has continued to electrify audiences with stunning performances. Instead of stagnating, she has grown as an artist while maintaining her creative integrity and remaining as hard to pigeonhole as ever. The title track speaks not only to her contractual liberation, but to her determination to explore every emotional nook and cranny of her material. Using her remarkable vocal range, she embarks on a deeply personal journey."Michael Gallucci of Allmusic favourably found, "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. A breakthrough album from a behind-the-scenes artist deserving more."
Sonia Murray of the Atlanta Journal Constitution gave a B− rating saying, "Eight years have passed since the woman with one of R&B's most amazingly acrobatic voices released a new album. So it's especially disappointing that this one isn't a solid "10."
Singles
Two songs off the album "Satisfied" and "I Forgive You" were released as singles. Both tunes got to the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart, peaking at No. 11 and No. 13 respectively.Personnel
- Rachelle Ferrell – vocals, lyrics, producer, executive producer
- Jonathan Butler – vocals, guitar
- Russ Barnes – vocals, backing vocals
- Kenny Lattimore – backing vocals
- Jef Lee Johnson – lyrics, guitar, bass & keyboards, producer, recording
- George Duke – keyboards, keyboard bass & guitar, producer
- Tony Maiden – guitar
- Byron Lee Miller – bass
- John "Lil' John" Roberts – drums
- Ricardo Jordan – drums
- Lenny Castro – percussion
- Erik Zobler – recording, mixing
- Wayne Holmes – assistant engineering
- Rob Brill – assistant engineering
- Bryan Jackson – assistant engineering
- James Stone – assistant engineering
- Tommy Steele – art direction
- Norman Moore – design
- Ann Smalley – design
- Beth Herzhaft – photography
- Corine Duke – production coordinator
- Kent Blackwelder Management – management