I Can Only Be Me Explained

I Can Only Be Me
Type:studio
Artist:Eva Cassidy
Cover:I Can Only Be Me.jpg
Released:March 3, 2023
Recorded:Vocals 1994-1996
Orchestration 2021
Label:Blix Street Records
Producer:Chris Biondo, Eva Cassidy
Prev Title:Acoustic
Prev Year:2017

I Can Only Be Me is the ninth posthumous album by Eva Cassidy, released on March 3, 2023, and is a collaboration between Blix Street Records and the London Symphony Orchestra.[1]

Background

In an interview with The Independent, Cassidy's former bandmate and arranger Chris Biondo shared, "Eva had a fantasy of one day having a full orchestra back her up ... to her, that was the greatest place you could be musically."[2]

Recording

Audio restoration technology developed by filmmaker Peter Jackson was used to strip Cassidy's voice from her original recordings, with the orchestrations being produced in 2021.[3]

William Ross, who created the album's "Autumn Leaves" track, said: "I can't possibly find the words to adequately express my thoughts and feelings about Eva, one of the most unique, hypnotic, and powerful singers of all time. Her voice resonates through my whole being. I don't understand what she does to me ... but I'm stunned by the experience. Those familiar with her have been changed forever."[4]

Chart performance

The album debuted at number 9 on the UK Official Albums Chart.[5] [6]

Critical reception

I Can Only Be Me received generally favorable reviews from music critics. The Music said that Cassidy was "one of the great singers of our generation" and, rating the album 4/5 stars, added that the release was filled with "beautiful, larger-than-life compositions, deeply rich in texture".[7]

Track listing

  1. "Songbird" (Christine McVie)
  2. "Autumn Leaves" (Jacques Prévert, Johnny Mercer, Joseph Kosma)
  3. "People Get Ready" (Curtis Mayfield)
  4. "Waly Waly" (Traditional; arranged by Eva Cassidy)
  5. "Time After Time" (Cyndi Lauper, Rob Hyman)
  6. "Tall Trees in Georgia" (Buffy St. Marie)
  7. Ain't No Sunshine" (Bill Withers)
  8. "You've Changed" (Bill Carey, Carl Fischer)
  9. "I Can Only Be Me" (Stevie Wonder)

Notes and References

  1. News: Strings attached: A new Eva Cassidy album features an orchestra. Washington Post. Kelly. John. 6 March 2023. 11 March 2023.
  2. Web site: 'A séance in song': How a new album fulfils one of Eva Cassidy's musical dreams. The Independent. Farber. Jim. 1 March 2023. 11 March 2023.
  3. Web site: The Never-Ending Resurrection Of Eva Cassidy. Defector. McKenna. Dave. 15 February 2023. 11 March 2023.
  4. Web site: EVA CASSIDY'S IMPECCABLE VOICE PAIRED WITH LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FOR "I CAN ONLY BE ME" ALBUM COMING IN FEBRUARY, 2023. Rocknload Magazine. 23 November 2022 . 11 March 2023.
  5. Web site: The Lathums land second Number One album with 'From Nothing To A Little Bit More'. NME. Qureshi. Arusa. 10 March 2023. 11 March 2023.
  6. Web site: Official Albums Chart Top 100 10 March 2023 - 16 March 2023. Official Charts. 10 March 2023. 11 March 2023.
  7. Web site: Album Review: Eva Cassidy & The London Symphony Orchestra - 'I Can Only Be Me'. The Music. 3 March 2023. 11 March 2023.