I Am What I Am (Milan album)

I Am What I Am is a studio album that includes the first recordings by Milan (real name: Rick Rodell). The front cover copy also includes "presenting a bright new star". The album was produced by Budd Granoff. Unlike most pop singers of the period — who typically recorded material written by others — Milan is the songwriter on all tracks (under the name M. Rodell, which presumably stands for "Milan Rodell"), although there are three publishing companies listed: Jonathan Glenn Music, Nom Music and Pine Knob Music.

Release Data

The album was released in the LP format on 20th Century Fox Records in 1964 (catalogue numbers TFM 3149/TFS 4149). The first and last songs on Side 1 were released as a single on the same record label, also in 1964.

Nature of the Music

The style on the album is very much in the early 1960's pop music tradition, and most of the songs are ballads; thus, the music is not typical of the garage rock classics for which Milan is better known. Probably "Runnin' Wild" is the song that most foreshadows the directions where Milan would head with his music later in the decade. However, end to end, the album is highly enjoyable; the songwriting in particular is first rate, as are the arrangements (though they are definitely of the period). Milan has a beautiful voice, and the singing on this album enchances the enjoyment of that aspect of his later recordings.

Track listing

All songs written by Milan (M. Rodell)

Side 1:

1. I Am What I Am, 2:22
2. Two of a Kind, 2:24
3. Angel's Lullaby, 2:45
4. There's Nothing without You, 2:32
5. Dream Girl, 2:25
6. Over and Over Again, 2:15

Side 2:

1. Runnin' Wild, 2:20
2. Going My Way, 1:56
3. Spellbound, 2:15
4. Today Is My Day, 2:20
5. This Little Girl, 2:25
6. The Big Lie, 2:09