Audience of One is the third studio album by the Trinidadian-American singer Heather Headley. It was released by the EMI Christian Music Group on January 13, 2009 in the United States, following Headley's transition from RCA Records. It is a collection of cover versions of popular gospel hymns as well as original songs, chiefly produced by Keith Thomas. It won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. In addition, Audience of One was nominated for a Dove Award for Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year at the 41st GMA Dove Awards.

Critical reception

Upon its release, Audience of One received generally positive reviews from most music critics. The Boston Globe writer Ken Capobianco saw it as an improvement from Headley's previous work and praised her singing, calling her vocal performances "commanding" and her voice "the purest and boldest voice in pop". The Washington Post's Sarah Godfrey wrote favorably of Headley's performance on the album and stated, "Audience of One lifts its voice to the heavens." However, Metro Spirit writer Frazia Lee viewed it as "redundant with slow-paced songs", but commended Headley for her intent with gospel themes. Elysa Gardner of USA Today commended Headley for her vocals and wrote that the album's pop-oriented songs are "saved by Headley's discipline and grace, which not only pleases the ear but also reinforces the sense of humility so central to these songs".

Chart performance

The album debuted at number 27 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart in January 2009. It marked Headley's lowest opening for a studio album up to then and was a considerable decline from her previous effort In My Mind (2006). It also reached number one on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums and at number six on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Track listing

All tracks are produced by Keith Thomas.

Personnel

Credits for Audience of One adapted from Allmusic. Instruments and performances Technical and production

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts