It seems like she just hit the scene yesterday, but believe it or not Chrisette Michele has already released her sophomore album entitled “Epiphany” during the last week. Although sales were low (only 83,000 sales), she’s still at the top of the charts-reaching a personal first week high, and beating out Ciara who set a personal low. And despite this great accomplishment, Michele also set a less glowing accomplishment-the least number of copies sold by a new record to reach number one. While this has set many abuzz concerning the state of the music industry, it’s still a notable mark for Michele whose traditional, gospel, and soul influences have allowed her to create a niche of her own in today’s music landscape.

Back before their big releases, both Michele and fellow songstress Janelle Monae seemed destined to occupy the same planet in the music universe. Thankfully both ladies have diversified themselves enough to bring us two unique styles. Michele wins points on being fresh yet familiar. We know her-she’s been on tracks with rap titans Jay-Z and Nas, and received video time. We can identify with her music’s themes and arrangements but her style and video production hearken to a lost cool in a time past, ultimately producing a new millennial image that excites. Her love interests in videos range from white school boys (see “Love is You” video below) to newcomer Drake (see Epiphany Video below). Her wavy long black hairstyle has since been replaced with a short colored ducktail resembling style. She’s been featured both as an ITunes Single of the Week and guest starred on Girlfriends. She appears to have matured since we first heard her, but in the normal way that most people do, without having a crazy superstar image change. She’s the Long Island, church bred artist who is different enough to pique our interests but regular enough to vibe with. I’m also slightly convinced she buys into the black as chic and slimming myth, since she almost always performs in black. And while she’s all these things, her image comes across as real- not constructed or forced- endearing us not just to the entertainer, but to the person as well. While this has not translated to high record sales, she is obviously on top of the charts and a star that people recognize. Her first album garnished two Grammy nominations, winning her one for “Be Ok” featuring will.i.am. And her narrow margin over Ciara, who came in third, has signified to some a return to a love of music over buying into an image (of course ignoring the popularity of artists like Soulja Boy).

The first single released off her new album is a song of the same name. In “Epiphany” she utilizes a catchy chorus that does not betray her soul standing. Other songs like “Blame It On Me” allow her to really expose her “soul” voice. Its that gutteral sound that seems like someone caught the spirit on a gospel song. This will definitely serve her well as she’s already expressed interest in releasing a worship album in the future. And with her talent, I’m sure we’ll all be saying Amen.

Want to check out more Chrisette Michele? Her album’s only $2.99 on Amazon.
Can’t Forget About You

Be Ok

Love Is You

Epiphany