On Michelle's solo effort, Heart To Yours, she had her first try in the spotlight away from Destiny's Child. the album was the largest selling gospel record of that year, and was in heavy rotation on gospel stations and music networks. Michelle's second album, Do You Know, peaked at #2 on the Top Gospel Albums Chart. For Michelle William's third release, she shakes off the gospel artist label with Unexpected, an album that can almost play from beginning to end at a club. The pop/dance/techno/house beats will keep you dancing all night long, with only a few allotted pit stops serious contemplation.
"Hello Heartbreak" is surprisingly upbeat, considering the lyrics ("Hello Heartbreak/It's nice to see you") and subject matter ("Who dances about being heartbroken?"). At the end of this song, you're left wondering, should you dance or sit one out. Also, the T-Pain voicebox effect on the track doesn't help much either. "Til The End," asks if her man's love is forever, or would he be her baby if she had no money. Yet, the up-tempo track goes directly against the single "Stop This Car," which tells a guy to "slow down, down." the album's title track, "Unexpected," written by Wayne Wilkins & Solange Knowles, has a unique sound. It centers on Michelle having the last laugh at the end of a relationship, and it's pretty melodramatic. Though the verses sound a bit like a Liz Phair joint (google her), the power is really in the chorus.
Michelle's music is easy listening, and despite hearing trickles of recycled ideas, it's for the most part, anoriginal effort. The bad news is if you're searching for Michelle to boast her vocal capabilities, she doesn't, and if you're looking for the next Deborah Cox, or Donna Summer even, you may just have to wait.