"Free to Be Me"

January 2009

3:28

Francesca Battistelli

Background[edit]

"Free to Be Me" was released in January 2009, although there has not been a specified date. The song has been compared to the works of fellow Christian music artist Sarah Kelly.[2] It features a background of "thick" drums, bass, piano and electronic organ. Along with being featured on My Paper Heart, it has been featured on WOW Hits 2010, Now That's What I Call Faith, WOW Number 1s: Yellow, and Wow: Six Decades of Hits.[3][4][5]

Music Video[edit]

The official music video for "Free to Be Me" was released on December 16, 2009.[6]

Critical reception[edit]

John Fisher of Cross Rhythms said, "This young lady is not afraid to look at life's highs and lows from a very personal angle."[2] Katie R. of Teen Ink stated that it was "easy to listen to and extremely uplifting".[7] Rich Smith of Louder Than The Music called it a "stand out track".[8]

Awards[edit]

The song was nominated for three Dove Awards: "Song of the Year", "Short Form Music Video of the Year", and "Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year" at the 41st GMA Dove Awards, and won an award under the "Short Form Music Video of the Year" category.

Francesca Battistelli – vocals

Tim Lauer – keyboards

Aaron Shannon – additional programming

Mike Payne – guitars

Tony Lucido – bass

Scott Williamson – drums