Who I Am (Jessica Andrews song)

"Who I Am"
Single by Jessica Andrews
from the album Who I Am
B-side"Helplessly, Hopelessly"
ReleasedOctober 30, 2000 (2000-10-30)
Recorded2000
GenreCountry
Length4:15
LabelDreamWorks Nashville
Songwriter(s)
, Julian Williams
Producer(s)Byron Gallimore
Jessica Andrews singles chronology
"I Do Now"
(2000) 		"Who I Am"
(2000) 		"Helplessly, Hopelessly"
(2001)

"Who I Am" is a song by American country music artist Jessica Andrews that was released on October 30, 2000, as the lead single to her second studio album of the same name (2001). It was written by Brett James and [Julian Williams, [Troy Verges]].

Background

In a 2001 interview, Andrews explained that she recorded the song (which was written by Brett James and Troy Verges[1]) because she felt that its lyrics were especially fitting to her own life: "Everything is so true in that song, except that my grandmother's name is not Rosemary. It's about believing in yourself and being supported by those around you. No matter how many mistakes you make, your friends and family will be there for you."[2] Andrews performed the track at the 2001 CMA Awards.[3]

Content

The song is a mid tempo country song in which the narrator tells of how, no matter what her future, she will be satisfied with her life, because she is confident about herself, and she knows that her peers will still support her.

Use in media

Sections of this song are featured in the opening theme of TV police drama Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye.[4] It also appeared on an episode of Lizzie McGuire.

Critical reception

Rick Cohoon of Allmusic described the song favorably, saying that it "seems to echo Andrews’ self-confidence in moving forward to face the challenges of the music industry".[5]

Music video

The song's video, directed by filmmaker Jon Ragel, focuses mainly on Andrews singing in a flower field, on a swing, and beside a brick wall. Actual home footage of her childhood is interspersed throughout the video, and it ends with her waking up in bed and smiling, having dreamt the whole thing.

Cover versions

Country music artist Danielle Bradbery featured a cover of "Who I Am" on the deluxe version of her debut album Danielle Bradbery, having sung this song as a tribute to her family during the semi-finals of Season 4 of The Voice, which she eventually won.

Charts

The song had sold 361,000 copies in the US as of June 2013.[6]

Weekly charts

Weekly chart performance for "Who I Am"
Chart (2000–2001) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[7] 28
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[8] 1
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[9] 24
US Latin Pop Airplay (Billboard)[10] 20

Year-end charts

2001 year-end chart performance for "Who I Am"
Chart (2001) Position
Canada Radio (Nielsen BDS)[11] 88
US Country Songs (Billboard)[12] 8

Release history

Release dates and format(s) for "Who I Am"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States October 30, 2000 Country radio DreamWorks Nashville [13]
July 9, 2001 Contemporary hit radio [14]
July 16, 2001 Adult contemporary radio [15]

References

  1. ^ Morris, Edward (2001-04-20). "She's No. 1 — That's Who Jessica Andrews Is". CMT. Archived from the original on February 8, 2009. Retrieved 2008-04-13.
  2. ^ Gray, Michael (26 February 2001). "Jessica Andrews: Who She Is Teen Singer Prepares for Stardom With Second Album, Billy Gilman Tour". CMT. Archived from the original on February 8, 2009. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  3. ^ Gilbert, Calvin (October 26, 2001). "On With The Show". Radio & Records. No. 1425. p. 60.
  4. ^ "Exclusive Interview with Sue Thomas creator Dave Johnson". Parents Television Council. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  5. ^ Cohoon, Rick. "Jessica Andrews — "Who I Am"". allmusic. Retrieved 2009-02-10.
  6. ^ Bjorke, Matt (2013-06-19). "Country Chart News - The Top 30 Digital Singles - June 19, 2013: Three Gold Singles, The Swon Brothers, Florida Georgia Line Dominate". Roughstock. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  7. ^ "Jessica Andrews Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 2010-09-05.
  8. ^ "Jessica Andrews Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2010-09-05.
  9. ^ "Jessica Andrews Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 2010-09-05.
  10. ^ "Jessica Andrews Chart History (Latin Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 2010-09-05.
  11. ^ "BDS CHART : Top 100 of 2001". Jam!. Archived from the original on July 26, 2002. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  12. ^ "Best of 2001: Country Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2001. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
  13. ^ "Going for Adds: Country". Radio & Records. No. 1374. October 27, 2000. p. 79.
  14. ^ "Music Meetings: New Releases". Radio & Records. No. 1409. July 6, 2001. p. 30.
  15. ^ "Music Meetings: New Releases". Radio & Records. No. 1410. July 13, 2001. p. 33.