The Examiner: Michelle Williams’ cathartic ‘Journey to Freedom’
EOne Entertainment multi-award winning artist Michelle Williams’ new album “Journey to Freedom” is a compilation of tracks expressing her inner evolution of self. Through the process of introspection, Michelle gave birth to joy in abundance in the form of a new album. Thursday, Sept. 4, after her Chicago Listening Party at the Hard Rock Hotel, Michelle Williams shares her ability to recognize and overcome depression, working with her Destiny Child sisters Beyonce and Kelly Rowland and her brand new music.
Bob Marley’s quote, “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice” is befitting to Michelle Williams’ journey. Stuffing down a myriad of emotions and issues until facing the very things that plagued her, Michelle faced her depression. “I was tired of the anger. I was tired of having to be fake and all of that stuff. So then, it was a period of me talking to somebody and then identifying where it came from… Deal with where it came from, whether it’s forgive…let somebody know ‘Man, you hurt me a long time ago” and let it go… Literally when people say, “[You] feel a weight lift off your chest”… Literally, that’s what happens. I just encourage everybody to do the same thing,” shares Michelle.
Depression can cripple and disconnect a person from their purpose. What is most crucial is that a person seek help and be ready to divulge your inner feelings in order to find healing. Music has a way of aiding in the process. Music gives wings to emotions that mere words are unable to articulate.
Musically, Michelle found it possible to move forward creating and preparing her new album. “When I tell you day by day things got better. And that’s why everybody involved in this album they’re like another extended family of mine because they know my story. They were able to help me write through it. Before you knew it, I was laughing. Before you knew it, I couldn’t wait to get to the studio because before I didn’t know how I would be able to record,” Michelle candidly expressed. Having her fellow Destiny Child sisters, Beyonce and Kelly Rowland, collaborated on her hit single “Say Yes” fulfilling the pact they made over 10 years ago to support one another in their musical endeavors. Their tight bond of support is encouragement to others to create a closely knit sisterhood for much needed “girl talk” and camaraderie to break the chains of isolation which comes with depression.
Loyal followers of Michelle’s music career don’t have to wait too much longer. Tuesday, Sept. 9, “Journey to Freedom” will be released for download on iTunes and other digital music outlets. The eclectic blend of Afro-centric influences, pop, R&B and gospel are sure to please listener’s ears.
Source: The Examiner; Latrea Morrow
