Six albums into her career – Five full-length albums and one extended play – we examine the best song from each project of R&B artist Chrisette Michele.

I Am, Epiphany, Let Freedom Ring, Better, The Lyricists’ Opus, and Milestone.  Those are the six albums – five full-length LPs and one EP – released by adult contemporary R&B artist, Chrisette Michele.  Michele is blessed with a distinct voice, characterized by equal parts soul and jazz.  Prior to her own career taking off, she collaborated with the likes of Jay-Z (“Lost One”) and Nas (“Can’t Forget About You”).  This playlist picks the BEST song from each of this talented musician’s album.

1.“If I Have My Way”

I Am • Def Jam • 2007

Michele’s debut album, I Am, is chocked-full of hits.  Choosing just one as the best is an arduous task.  Perhaps the Grammy-winning “Be Ok,” featuring will.i.am should be a strong contender for the honor.  Perhaps, but Chrisette nails it on emotional, soulful ballad, “If I Had My Way,” the third track on I Am.

Other Contenders: “Like a Dream”, “Work It Out,” “Good Girl,” “Be Ok” & “Let’s Rock”

2. “Epiphany (I’m Leaving)”

Epiphany • Def Jam • 2009

Chrisette Michele went for a slightly more commercial sound on her sophomore album, Epiphany.  Not a problem, as she continued to wow with her distinct, jazzy, soulful pipes.  Notably, Epiphany debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard 200. While it’s a close call against the likes of a big ballad (“Blame It on Me”), the lighter, hip “Epiphany (I’m Leaving)” gets a slight edge.

Other Contenders: “What You Do” (Ft. Ne-Yo), “Blame It on Me” & “All I Ever Think About”

3.“So in Love”

Ft. Rick Ross

Let Freedom Ring • Def Jam • 2009

After breaking through with Epiphany, Let Freedom Ring took a step back commercially.  Nonetheless, the album itself adds some more goodness to the Chrisette Michele collection.  Here, two songs truly come to mind as the best.  The first is the uncharacteristic, rap-spoken word title track, featuring Talib Kweli and Black Thought.  The more characteristic performance by Michele comes on “So in Love,” where she’s assisted by Rick Ross.  Here, the listener gets to experience more of her world-class, distinct vocals – jazzy nuances and all.

Other Contenders: “I’m a Star”, “Number One”, “Let Freedom Reign” & “Goodbye Game”

4. “A Couple of Forevers”

Better • Def Jam • 2013

Better was another well-rounded Chrisette Michele album.  While it’s filled with a number of excellent songs, none compare to soulful gem “A Couple of Forevers.”  Despite the fact that “A Couple of Forevers” arrived in 2013, it sounds like a lush, soulful throwback to the 1970s.  Personally, my favorite song by Michele.

Other Contenders: “Let Me Win,” “Love Won’t Leave Me Out”, “Visual Love” & “Charades”

5. “Super Chris”

The Lyricists’ Opus • Chrisette Michele • 2014

By 2014, Chrisette Michele had clearly transitioned to the indie-R&B route.  She released a six-song EP, The Lyricists’ Opus. The results are still respectable, without being game changing.  Fans got more fantastic, lush, jazzy soul on “Super Chris,” the surefire, undisputable winner.  Michele introspects, ultimately questioning, “Am I a superstar / Is that who I are?” She goes on to answer, “Not really, not at all / I’m fierce / A super Chris.”

Other Contenders: “Art” & “Together”

6.“Unbreakable”

Milestone • Chrisette Michele / Rich Hipster • 2016

Ugh. Milestone is by far Michele’s weakest album.  There’s simply no way around it.  Despite guest appearances from Rick Ross (“Equal”) and Mali Music (“Reinvent the Wheel”), this project lacks the oomph of the ones preceding it.  Still, the brief “Unbreakable” finds Chrisette sounding top-notch, singing about how in love she is with her man.  We’ll take it.

Other Contenders: “Diamond Letter,” “Steady” & “Soulmate”

Photo Credits: Def Jam, Chrisette Michele, Rich Hipster