As I Am

Kristin Chenoweth | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 5, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0007TFHES
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,092 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Television viewers know her as The West Wing's opinionated deputy press secretary Annabeth Schott, while Broadway aficionados are familiar with her Tony-winning work in Wicked and the revival of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, as well as the successful 2001 American Songbook anthology, Let Yourself Go. But on this eclectic collection of traditional and contemporary gospel anthems and related songs, songstress Kristen Chenoweth claims a bold return to her spiritual roots. Her chameleonic, crystalline soprano lights up the beloved title track standard and the Gaither's modern inspirationals "Because He Lives" and "Upon This Rock" with a deft, Broadway-bred sense of drama. Yet her voice remains supple enough to impart country charms to "It Will Be Me," "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" and Amy Lee Grant's "There Will Never Be Another." One-woman pop songwriting empire Diane Warren offer Chenoweth a typically melodramatic showcase on the spiritually generic "Borrowed Angels," while the unfortunate "Joyful, Joyful" once again proves Ludwig van still doesn't need any lyrical help with "Ode to Joy," thank you. The album's bonus cut, "Taylor, the Latte Boy," closes out the album on an upbeat note of playful, romantic innocence. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic album by a Broadway Diva!, April 8, 2005

By 

Lou "L.S" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: As I Am (Audio CD)

Tony Winning Kristin Chenoweth returned to the music world with her sophomore album "As I Am." This album is totally different from her debut album. "As I Am" is a collection of inspirational covors, and an original song written by Diane Warren. Kristin even includes one of her fan favorites "Taylor, The Latte Boy", which shows off her Musical Theater talents.

For those posting reviews saying they are disapointed in this album being inspirtional themed with a country feel - there is absolutely no exuse. Kristin made it very clear for a while now she would be doing an inspirational album with a country feel.

Kristin shows off her versatile talents on this wonderful album. The mood of the album is very uplifting. Kristin even gets to show off her opera talents on "Joyful, Joyful", and "Upon this Rock", which are incredible songs.

Overall, this is an incredible album. Kristin shows off her amazing voice on many tracks. I reccomend this album to everyone, even if you're not a fan of Christian music.

56 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great CD, April 16, 2005

By 

Mark Baker (Santa Clarita, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: As I Am (Audio CD)

I first heard of Kristin Chenoweth when she won the Tony for her roll as Sally in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." I quickly became a fan, so when I found out about this CD, I had to get it.

Taking a different path from her Broadway first CD, this CD focuses on songs of faith, reflecting Kristin's Christian beliefs. While some of her Broadway fans might not like that, I loved it.

The CD includes some classics, like "Because He Lives," "Joyful, Joyful," "Power" and "Just As I Am." Yes, these songs and hymns are familiar, but they're wonderfully handled here.

I was especially pleased to see covers of some of my favorite lesser known songs. "There Will Never be Another" is originally from Amy Grant's second CD. "Upon This Rock" first appeared on a Sandi Patty live CD. Both are wonderfully covered here. Of a more recent and popular note, she also covers Mercy Me's "Word of God Speak."

There were several songs I wasn't familiar with here. "It will be Me" is a great song on friendship. "Poor, Wayfaring Stranger" is an old spiritual, and I really liked it. "Abide in Me" appears to be a completely new song, and it's a great reminder of where our power really comes from, God.

The final track on here is "Taylor, the Latte Boy," another original song. It's a fun song about love at a coffee shop that fits Kristin's personality perfectly.

Some of her fans won't like the emphasis on her faith; I love it. This CD has already gotten lots of airplay since I got it, and I can see it getting lots more for a long time to come.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She's done it HER way!, April 26, 2005

By 

stlcardinalfan1 (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: As I Am (Audio CD)

It saddens me to read some of these reviews. Some of you feel that Kristin has "let you down" because she has done a CD of inspirational songs and that she is becoming a conformist. God forbid anyone proclaim that they're a Christian these days! You feel this CD is not the "real" Kristin and she needs to go back to jazzy Broadway standards. It doesn't showcase her talent properly...blah, blah, blah...

On the contrary, I think this IS the real Kristin and this CD shows just how versatile she and her magnificent voice can be. If you've ever heard Sandi Patti sing "Upon This Rock," you know she has an incredible range. I, for one, didn't think there was anyone else who could sing that song, but not only does Kristin pay wonderful homage to Patti, she one-ups her by taking the song even higher at the end.

Yes, musicians make albums for their fans, but their albums are ultimately a reflection of themselves. I think this album is an incredible reflection of the beautiful person that Kristin is, both inside and out. And for those of you who won't buy this album because of the "Jesus" songs, it's your choice, but you'll be missing out on a terrific album.