Sony
2005
As I Am
About This Album
Kristin Chenoweth's 2001 album was a collection of standards that showcased her winning soprano and remarkable ability to shift from Broadway brassy to "My Funny Valentine"-sultry at the turn of a note. Let Yourself Go was a great follow-up to her 1999 Tony win for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. But since then Chenoweth has branched out from Broadway, particularly into acting (She joined the cast of West Wing in 2004), and As I Am reflects her higher profile. It's a personal album that mixes country and adult contemporary instrumentation in a set featuring hymnal book standards and contemporary Christian favorites. Chenoweth herself is pictured in relaxed cotton separates -- every bit the attractive, approachable celebrity -- and there isn't a Broadway tune in the bunch. As I Am begins with "It Will Be Me." A pedal steel helps the 1999 Faith Hill tune retain its country-pop feel, but there's also a slickness suitable to Chenoweth's flawless vocal. "Because He Lives" has a similar modern country sheen, while "Joyful, Joyful"'s rich arrangement for strings and piano gives the vocalist a stage for a little of that Broadway expression.
Track List (try tracks 2,3,4,10 and 13)

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