Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Renée Elise Goldsberry is making her mark on music with her debut solo album Who I Really Am, set to release on June 6, 2025. Seamlessly blending various genres, Goldsberry uses this album to tell the story of a star who has shone on stage for years, embarking on a journey to discover her own identity and voice. With a mix of blues, funk, soul, pop, and gospel, this album offers more than just a music record.
Staring – The Moment Where Love and Light Meet
The first single from Who I Really Am, “Staring,” reflects Goldsberry’s deep love and admiration for her partner. She describes the song as “a meal I’m making for my man,” saying, “His beauty stops me, but it’s the light inside him that dazzles me.” This track captures the grace and depth of a relationship, translating it into music. Goldsberry’s voice doesn’t just narrate the song; it adds an emotional depth to it.
A Production Woven with Vulnerability
The album's production is handled by Caleb Wright and Jake Luppen, creating a collaboration that gives the songs a delicate yet worn texture. Every synth wave and every space feels like an uncertainty hidden within the tracks—much like an experience where we don’t know exactly what will happen, but it still presents a compelling journey. The album becomes not just a piece of music but an exploration of life itself.
Satisfied – A Fresh Take on Hamilton
Another standout track on the album is a new arrangement of the iconic Broadway song “Satisfied.” This guitar-driven solo version was approved by Lin-Manuel Miranda and performed as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of Hamilton. Goldsberry’s reimagined interpretation brings out the song’s emotional depth, transporting the listener to both the past and the present.
What’s Inside the Album?
Who I Really Am consists of 13 tracks, with 11 of them written by Goldsberry herself. It also includes tracks like “Don’t Want to Love You” and “Smiling,” written by her Girls5Eva co-star Sara Bareilles. Each song invites the listener into a musically rich world while showcasing Goldsberry’s artistic identity in the studio.
Renée Elise Goldsberry: From the Spotlight to Her Own Voice
Who I Really Am is not just an album; it’s Renée Elise Goldsberry’s way of expressing her artistry and identity as a star who has shone on stage. Offering a musically deep and emotionally intense experience, this album not only introduces listeners to her songs but also to the inner world of the artist. Goldsberry voices both the effects of the stage lights and the personal transformation that takes place, taking the listener along on this journey.
