I Am What I Am

Released in 1984 on the Towerbell label, this recording of 'I Am What I Am' was part of Shirley Bassey’s wider effort to bridge her traditional cabaret roots with a more contemporary, symphonic sound. The track was arranged and conducted by Carl Davis, whose work with the London Symphony Orchestra sought to add a cinematic, sweeping grandeur to the composition, which originated from the Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles. It served as a definitive statement of Bassey’s persona during this decade, grounding the theatrical anthem in her signature vocal intensity.

The recording is noted for its dramatic orchestration, which emphasizes the song’s status as an anthem of self-affirmation. At the time of its release, the song was widely embraced by audiences who appreciated Bassey’s ability to imbue the material with personal gravitas. Critics of the era viewed the collaboration as a successful marriage of light musical theater and high-production orchestral pop, securing the single a lasting place in the canon of Bassey’s performance repertoire.