I Can Only Be Me

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]

I Can Only Be Me
Studio album by
Eva Cassidy
ReleasedMarch 3, 2023
RecordedVocals 1994-1996
Orchestration 2021
LabelBlix Street Records
ProducerChris Biondo, Eva Cassidy
Eva Cassidy chronology
Acoustic
(2017)		 I Can Only Be Me
(2023)

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 favourable reviews from music critics. The Music claimed 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

Credits adapted from Spotify.[8]

  1. "Songbird"
  2. "Autumn Leaves"
  3. "People Get Ready"
  4. "Waly Waly"
  5. "Time After Time"
  6. "Tall Trees in Georgia"
  7. "Ain't No Sunshine"
  8. "You've Changed"
  9. "I Can Only Be Me"

Charts
Chart (2023) Peak
position
UK Albums (OCC)[9] 9

References
  1. Kelly, John (6 March 2023). "Strings attached: A new Eva Cassidy album features an orchestra". Washington Post. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  2. Farber, Jim (1 March 2023). "'A séance in song': How a new album fulfils one of Eva Cassidy's musical dreams". The Independent. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  3. McKenna, Dave (15 February 2023). "The Never-Ending Resurrection Of Eva Cassidy". Defector. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  4. "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. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  5. Qureshi, Arusa (10 March 2023). "The Lathums land second Number One album with 'From Nothing To A Little Bit More'". NME. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  6. "Official Albums Chart Top 100 10 March 2023 - 16 March 2023". Official Charts. 10 March 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  7. "Album Review: Eva Cassidy & The London Symphony Orchestra - 'I Can Only Be Me'". The Music. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  8. "I Can Only Be Me (Orchestral)". Spotify. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  9. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
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