Earlier that week, Cole made an appearance on BET's 106 and Park being interviewed and introducing the video to lead single "Playa Cardz Right" featuring Tupac Shakur.

The song was released on October 21, 2008 and originally appeared on Tupac's album Pac's Life, but was rearranged by Cole and producers Ron Fair and Carvin & Ivan.

Third single "Trust" was originally recorded as a solo by Cole and released as an iTunes bonus track to her previous project, Just like You.

"[9] Jim Farber of Daily News noted that "Cole's assertions of sweetness and light hardly prove as seamless, or simple, as her songs declare".

He declared that "her makeover feels less like a day at the spa than a night at the shrink," going on to say that "instead of seeming harrowing or dark", the album's result is "soulful and fulfilling".

[11] Ken Capobiano from The Boston Globe said, "On her first two records, good grooves and great singing were matched by her healthy arrogance and fire.

Here she's reining in some of the 'tude, and, along with her star producers, showing a sweeter and supremely sexy side [...] Cole emphatically dares to be different—and pretty great.

"[19] Entertainment Weekly's Mikael Wood wrote that "on A Different Me, this Oakland-born belter turns her focus from heartbreak to happiness only a few years after Blige promised she was done with drama.

Fortunately, Cole still sounds plenty intense singing about finding a guy who completes her; in her experience-ravaged vocals you can hear relief, but also the knowledge that stability has a way of attracting trouble.

"[17] Similarly, Barry Walters from Spin remarked that "despite her third full-length's title, Cole doesn't mess with the formula established on her previous platinum albums, and that's a blessing.

Matching street beats to stringed-up balladry, she narrows the gap between classic and contemporary soul with lived-in love songs that sidestep filler [...] Cole maintains an assured autobiographical voice.

Accentuating joy over pain to reflect her ascent from troubled beginnings, this is the rare upbeat R&B disc that still feels real.