Album: To Make Me Who I Am

Introduction
"To Make Me Who I Am" is the fifth solo studio album by American singer Aaron Neville, launched on October 21, 1997, by A&M Records. The album includes a collection of blues, gospel, and soul-inspired tracks that display Neville's powerful and emotive vocals. With a stellar lineup of musicians contributing to the album and a variety of tunes that highlight the depths of the human experience, "To Make Me Who I Am" stays a timeless traditional and an essential listen for fans of Aaron Neville and soulful music.

Background and Production
Following the success of his previous album, "The Grand Tour" (1993), Aaron Neville began dealing with "To Make Me Who I Am" in collaboration with different well-known musicians, songwriters, and producers. The album was primarily produced by Steve Lindsey, known for his deal with other distinguished artists, such as Elton John and Leonard Cohen. Lindsey co-wrote a lot of the songs with Neville, leading to a deeply personal expression of the singer's soul and life experiences.

Additional songwriting credits consist of Gordon Kennedy, Wayne Kirkpatrick, and Gary Nicholson, whose work collectively added to the album's rich tapestry of sound. The record likewise features impressive musical contributions from several widely known artists, such as Benmont Tench of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers on keyboards, famous bass guitar player Pino Palladino, and prominent session drummer Jim Keltner.

Musical Style and Themes
The music on "To Make Me Who I Am" is characterized by its emotional and emotive arrangements, fixating Aaron Neville's distinct vocal design. Blending elements of blues, gospel, and soul, the tracks explore styles of love, loss, and redemption, providing a deeply intimate portrait of the artist's feelings and life experiences.

Songs like "Don't Fall Apart on Me Tonight" and "I Can't Change the Way You Don't Feel" reflect on love and heartbreak, while tracks such as "Use Me", initially written and performed by Bill Withers, convey a sense of vulnerability and desire. Other standout tracks on the album consist of the gospel-infused "My Brother, My Brother", which pays tribute to Neville's late sibling, and "To Make Me Who I Am", an effective statement of self-identity and personal growth.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "To Make Me Who I Am" got favorable evaluations from critics. While some felt that the album's production was sometimes over-polished, Neville's raw and emotive vocals were extensively applauded for their ability to get in touch with listeners on a deeply personal level. The album reached No. 77 on the United States Billboard 200 and No. 14 on the Top R&B Albums chart, solidifying Neville's status as a well-respected solo artist.

Although "To Make Me Who I Am" might not have actually achieved the commercial success of Neville's earlier albums, it continues to be valued by fans and critics alike for its genuine expression of the human experience. The album remains a testament to Aaron Neville's unequaled vocal talents and his capability to convey deep emotions through his music.

Conclusion
"To Make Me Who I Am" is a powerful and moving album that provides a glimpse into Aaron Neville's soul and life experiences. With its emotive themes, emotional plans, and outstanding production, the album continues to mesmerize listeners more than 20 years after its initial release. Neville's vocals, combined with the work of fantastic musicians and songwriters, make this album a classic that resonates deeply with those who appreciate the moving power of music.