I Like Me: Piano Vocal

Franklin writes songs that stick with singers and audiences alike. 'I Like Me' brings his signature blend of uplifting messaging and groovy contemporary production to a piano-vocal setting, giving students a chance to perform current gospel repertoire that feels relevant and energizing rather than dated.

Affirming and modern. The piece radiates positivity without sentimentality, grounded in a groovy, R&B-informed harmonic language that feels more like a conversation with the listener than a sermon. There's both spiritual substance and pop sensibility in the music.

Singers and pianists looking for recent gospel repertoire that reflects current musical tastes. This works well for students exploring R&B and pop-influenced gospel styles, or for programs aiming to include contemporary Christian music alongside traditional or classical standards.

• Lean into the rhythmic pocket rather than playing it metronomically. Franklin's style thrives on a relaxed swing feel, so let the accompaniment breathe slightly behind the beat in the verses.
• Commit to the emotional narrative of self-acceptance. The lyrics reward singers who invest in communicating the message, not just hitting the notes cleanly.
• Balance the vocal melody's contemporary phrasing with clear diction. Gospel inflections can obscure text, so shape each phrase to honor both the style and intelligibility.

Feature this in a contemporary music concert or a program exploring gospel traditions in the 21st century. It pairs naturally with other recent gospel and contemporary Christian pieces, or stands effectively as a solo feature that demonstrates what current musical expression in faith communities sounds like.

• Phrasing in contemporary gospel and R&B styles
• Reading and executing syncopated rhythms across vocal and piano parts
• Diction and text communication in pop-influenced vocal music
• Accompanying singers with contemporary harmonic language and groove