Renée Elise Goldsberry Releases Debut Solo Album ‘Who I Really Am’
Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Renée Elise Goldsberry has unveiled her much-anticipated debut solo album, Who I Really Am, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Released on June 6, 2025, the 13-track album showcases Goldsberry’s versatility, blending genres such as soul, funk, blues, pop, and gospel. This project offers listeners an intimate glimpse into her personal journey, with themes of love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and creative independence woven throughout.
A Personal and Musical Evolution
Goldsberry, renowned for her performances in Broadway hits like Hamilton, Rent, and The Color Purple, as well as her role in the television series Girls5Eva, describes Who I Really Am as a deeply personal endeavor. “These songs are drawn from the full range of my experiences, from joy to heartbreak, and everything in between,” she shared. “They represent a new beginning—one I’ve been quietly building toward for a long time.”
The album’s lead single, “Staring,” released on April 25, 2025, exemplifies this personal touch. Goldsberry describes it as “a modern proclamation of a belty blues song, brimming with passion, humor, and the thrill of instant connection.” The track sets the tone for the album, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotion through her music.
Revisiting ‘Satisfied’
A standout track on the album is the reimagined version of “Satisfied,” originally penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda for Hamilton. Initially hesitant to revisit the song, Goldsberry found inspiration during a studio session in Nashville. “We started playing, and our minds exploded. It was so good. Then I started singing it. I said to us, ‘This belongs.'” This new, guitar-led rendition brings a fresh perspective to the iconic song, bridging her past with her present as a solo artist.
Collaborations and Inspirations
Among the album’s tracks is “Don’t Want to Love You,” an emotionally rich ballad written by Goldsberry’s Girls5Eva co-star Sara Bareilles. Another highlight, “Smiling,” is described by Goldsberry as “sunshine on a bad-ass bass line.” These collaborations underscore the album’s exploration of diverse musical styles and themes.
Goldsberry cites influences from artists like Sarah Vaughan, Roberta Flack, Tina Turner, and the late ’90s Lilith Fair movement. “I gave myself license to express myself in all the ways it naturally comes out,” she said, emphasizing the album’s genre-blending nature.
Tracklist for Who I Really Am:
- Who I Really Am
- Twinkle
- Staring
- Met Someone
- Love Returned
- Normal
- Enough (Moving Target)
- Don’t Want to Love You
- Satisfied
- Smiling
- You’re So Close
- Skate Song
- You Can Do Anything
Looking Ahead
In addition to her musical endeavors, Goldsberry recently co-hosted the Tony Awards pre-show, The Tony Awards: Act One, alongside Darren Criss. She also stars in the documentary Satisfied, which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, offering insights into her life during the original run of Hamilton and her journey as a mother and artist.
With Who I Really Am, Renée Elise Goldsberry invites listeners into her world, offering a soundtrack that reflects her authentic self—a blend of past triumphs, personal growth, and artistic exploration.
Musicians Today Contributor
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