‘H’ stands for ‘hot’

this is who I am.

Heather Headley

RCA Records

R’B…

this is who I am.

Heather Headley

RCA Records

R’B music isn’t what it used to be. The true R’B sound faded when Boyz II Men actually became men a number of years back. Fortunately for some, a number of female artists have done their part to bring this part of the music industry back up from the hole that it fell into, including India.Arie, Erykah Badu and Alicia Keys.

It’s time for the music industry to clear the path for something fresh, something hip and something new. Ladies and gentlemen, here’s a contender for the best R’B record of the year: this is who I am., by Heather Headley. This hasn’t been said yet, but do not be surprised when all of the big award shows come around in a few months, and you see this beautiful young woman gracing the stage multiple times collecting hardware for this incredible new R’B album.

Born in Trinidad, Headley and her family left the islands when she was 15, and she later studied at Northwestern University to study communications and musical theater. Headley portrayed the role of Nala onstage in the Broadway version of Disney’s “The Lion King.” While playing Nala, Simba’s girlfriend, Disney asked her to audition for “Aida,” the classic story of a Nubian princess. She won the title role, and with it, a Tony award.

With her solo debut, this is who I am., presents itself as a statement from Headley, who she is and what she is looking for. With tracks like “Nature of a Man,” “I Wish I Wasn’t,” “Always Been Your Girl” and her first single, “He Is,” Headley sings smooth and sultry songs about love and relationships, with her beautiful voice resonating through every song with every beat, you can’t help but bob your head to the beat and sing along to the choruses.

This album is definitely a pick-me-up for the R’B world and a great album to put into your radio and just let it play over and over.