Take Me as I Am is the debut studio album by American country music singer Faith Hill, released on October 12, 1993, by Warner Bros. Nashville. The album has been certified 3× platinum in the United States for shipments of three million copies.
Four singles were released from the album. The first two—"Wild One" and "Piece of My Heart"—reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in 1994. "Wild One," the tale of a rebellious teen-aged girl in conflict with her parents' more conservative ways, was the lead-off single, spending four weeks at No. 1 that January. "Piece of My Heart", a cover of the 1967 song by Erma Franklin, was issued as the follow-up. The third single, "But I Will", also charted, and the title track reached No. 2 in 1994.
Critical reception
Larry Flick from Billboard stated that on "But I Will", "the power of her pliable, pure country voice has never been better showcased than on this heartfelt ballad about a woman who's had just about enough." Ian Nicolson from Music Week wrote, "Pushing Trisha Yearwood in the glamour and multi-format merchandise stakes, the debut release from this rich-voiced singer shows she has the pipes to back up the hype. The rock and roll-tinged US country number one single, 'Wild One', sets the tone, but the 'I've Got This Friend' duet with Larry Stewart will please traditionalists."
Track listing All tracks produced by Scott Hendricks; except "Just Around the Eyes" produced by Michael Clute and Gary Burr.
Personnel As listed in liner notes.
All tracks except "Just Around the Eyes" Gary Burr – background vocals John Catchings – cello Bill Cuomo – synthesizer Stuart Duncan – mandolin, fiddle Paul Franklin – steel guitar, Dobro Dann Huff – electric guitar John Barlow Jarvis – piano Mary Ann Kennedy – background vocals Mark Luna – background vocals Brent Mason – electric guitar Terry McMillan – congas, cymbals, tambourine Don Potter – acoustic guitar Michael Rhodes – bass guitar Pam Rose – background vocals Victoria Shaw – background vocals Karen Staley – background vocals Larry Stewart – background vocals Cindy Richardson Walker – background vocals Ron Wallace – background vocals Lari White – background vocals Lonnie Wilson – drums
On "Just Around the Eyes" Gary Burr – background vocals Jerry Douglas – dobro Rob Hajacos – fiddle Terry McMillan – percussion Edgar Meyer – acoustic bass guitar Harry Stinson – drums Biff Watson – acoustic guitar Glenn Worf – electric bass guitar
Production Producers: Scott Hendricks (all tracks except "Just Around the Eyes"); Mike Clute and Gary Burr ("Just Around the Eyes" only) Assistant producer: John Kunz Engineers: Mike Clute, John Kelton Assistant engineers: Jon "JD" Dickson, Amy Hughes, John Kunz, Shawn McLean, Wayne Morgan, Herb Tassin Mixing: Scott Hendricks Mastering: Denny Purcell Overdubs: Scott Hendricks, John Kunz Art direction: Laura LiPuma Design: Garrett Rittenberry Photography: Aaron Rapoport Make-up: Eric Bernard, Beth Katz
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1993–1994) Peakposition Canadian Albums (RPM) 51 Canadian Country Albums (RPM) 2US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)
Year-end charts Chart (1994) Position US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 23 Chart (1995) Position US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 40
Certifications
References
it:Take Me as I Am