I Am What I Am

Released in 1984 under the Seven Seas label, this recording features Shirley Bassey interpreting the iconic anthem from the musical La Cage aux Folles. The project was produced to showcase Bassey’s dramatic vocal capabilities, supported by the lush, expansive arrangements of the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Carl Davis. It arrived during a period when Bassey was firmly cementing her reputation as an interpreter of definitive show tunes, balancing her classic pop sensibilities with the grandeur of orchestral accompaniment.

The recording is notable for its deliberate shift toward a more theatrical, orchestral sound compared to her earlier pop-chart material. Carl Davis, known for his prolific work in film and television composition, sought to heighten the emotional resonance of Jerry Herman’s lyrics through sophisticated string and brass layering. While Bassey had long been associated with high-drama performances, this collaboration was specifically crafted to suit her stature as a vocal powerhouse, and it was received as a respectful and ambitious take on the then-contemporary Broadway hit.