Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

If you count her independent releases, 'The Way I Am' is Jennifer's fifth album and the third for Gotee. After the success of 'Kansas' I have to admit to being a bit disappointed by 'Lay It Down' so approached this album with a little hesitation. I needn't have worried! Producer Tony McAnany whisked her into New York's famous Power Station studios, took her gritty, gorgeous songs, guitars and vocals and sometimes left them beautifully bare and then at other times chose to wrap them in full-on production including some wonderful strings. The result? Jennifer's finest album to date. No doubt about that! Be warned though, this is definitely a grower not a grabber and it took a number of listens before its intricate wonders revealed themselves to me! Standouts? The groove, energy and catchiness of "Breathe On Me" and the tip-your-head-back-and-sing-at-the-top-of-your-voice chorus of "Sing Mary Sing". Strangely enough, it's one of the most laid back moments on this album that has wormed its way into my heart the most. Just check out the 3am sound of "Around Me" which features understated jazzy guitar and Jennifer's vocals and plenty of vibe. Just fabulous! But then so is the whole album.

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