Christine Holmes’ “I Am” – A Pop Gem That Still Kicks Ass
Let’s cut to the chase. Christine Holmes’ I Am, dropped back in '73, wasn’t some overhyped studio experiment—it was raw, real, and straight-up unforgettable. Released on Decca with David MacKay pulling strings as producer, this album hit shelves in the UK and Belgium like a pop grenade ready to explode. And guess what? It still holds up today.
Now, let me tell ya about two tracks that’ll stick in your brain like gum under a table: “I Am” (the title track) and “Ain’t It Funny.” These aren’t just songs—they’re punches to the gut wrapped in velvet gloves.
First off, “I Am.” Holy crap, this tune doesn’t mess around. From the opening notes, it grabs you by the collar and says, “Listen up!” The groove is tight, almost hypnotic, while Holmes’ voice floats above it all like smoke curling outta a cigarette. You can feel every word she sings—no cheap theatrics here. It’s bold, brash, and dripping with attitude. This ain’t no shy little love song; it's more like a declaration of existence, screaming into the void and daring the world to ignore her. Damn right I remember this one—it slaps hard enough to wake the neighbors.
Then there’s “Ain’t It Funny,” which flips the vibe but keeps the energy alive. This track sneaks up on you with its bouncy rhythm and cheeky lyrics. It’s playful yet sharp, kinda like when someone tells you they’re joking but really means every damn word. The melody worms its way into your head so deep you’ll catch yourself humming it hours later. What makes it stand out? Maybe it’s how Holmes sounds both sweet and sly at the same time, like she knows something you don’t. Either way, it sticks.
So yeah, I Am might’ve been born in the '70s, but it refuses to stay buried in the past. Listening now feels like finding an old vinyl record in your grandpa’s attic and realizing it bangs harder than half the stuff on Spotify. Sure, the production has that vintage crackle, but who cares? Sometimes imperfections make things better, y’know?
Here’s the kicker though—why did an album this good slip through the cracks? Was it bad timing? Label drama? Or maybe people just weren’t ready for Christine Holmes’ unapologetic swagger. Whatever the reason, screw fairness—it deserves another shot. So if you’re hunting for something fresh yet retro, give I Am a spin. Just don’t blame me if it takes over your life.
