Michelle Williams - Heard A Word

About "Heard A Word"

Heart to Yours is the debut solo studio album by American singer and songwriter Michelle Williams. Released on April 16, 2002, by Sanctuary and Columbia Records, it became the first solo release of any Destiny's Child member. Production of the album began in 2001, with Williams working with an array of producers, including her brother Erron Williams (who produced the title track), HR Crump and Warryn Campbell. Heart to Yours is primarily a contemporary gospel album, which incorporates elements of other styles and genres such as neo-soul, inspirational, R&B and rock music. The album includes a tribute, dedicated to the victims and families affected by the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. Writing on her vocal performances, critics drew comparisons to Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott.

Receiving generally positive reviews from critics, Heart to Yours peaked at number one on the US Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart, after debuting at number two with 17,000 copies sold in its first week. It has since sold over 220,000 copies in the US alone and 500,000 worldwide; eventually becoming 2002's biggest selling gospel album. The album was ranked number six on the 2002 year-end chart and Billboard ranked Williams as the fifth Top Gospel Artist of 2002. The album was also a success on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, where it peaked within the top 20 at number 17. It also reached a moderate 57 on the US Billboard 200. The album won Williams an award for "Best Gospel Act" at the 2002 MOBO Awards and its lead single "Heard a Word" was featured on the RIAA platinum-certified WOW Gospel 2003 compilation album.