Following a hiatus from her recording career, Williams' album, a collaboration with main producer Harmony Samuels, was a fusion of both urban contemporary gospel and R&B sounds.

A third single, "Say Yes", reunited Williams with her former Destiny's Child bandmates Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart for seven weeks.

[8][5] In July 2009, Williams began a limited six-week engagement at the Cambridge Theatre in Chicago, making her the first African-American to be cast in the West End production of the musical.

[11] The following months, Williams made a return to Broadway by commencing a seven-week limited engagement in Chicago at the New York Ambassador Theatre, and in August, she joined the eighth series of British television show Strictly Come Dancing.

[18] "Fire" contains a biblical reference to Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego, 'over a booming, midtempo track' which 'offers a great message of overcoming trials'.

[21] On September 3, 2013, a Derek Blanks-directed music video was premiered via YouTube and features appearances from the song's producer, Harmony Samuels and also former Destiny's Child member, LeToya Luckett.

[26] Billy Johnson Jr. of Rolling Stone described the video as 'scorching in the vein of the Ohio Players's “Fire” album cover, except that Williams is, ahem, clothed.

Williams looks flawless against the flame inducing red, orange, and yellow filters, backdrops, and lighting, leaving computer screens smoking.

"'[52] Peggy Oliver for Soul Tracks expressed similarly, writing Journey to Freedom 'is by far Williams’ best body of work, a personal cleansing that further amplifies her dexterity with multiple genres.

By focusing on universal themes (love, hope and inner strength) and exploring new genres, Michelle has created something both inclusive and joyously experimental.'

'[57] Timothy Yap of Hallels lent praise to the lyrical themes, writing, 'it's a theological meaty album with doses of spiritual muscle-inducing supplements derived directly from Scripture.'

Songs such as "Free," "Just Like You" and "Everything" basically utilizes the same urban template effortlessly without having much time invested in developing stronger hooks making them more memorable.

'[56] The GospelPundit praised Samuels' production and Williams' vocals writing; '[the album] is a catchy collection of upbeat music that promises a party, while inspiring and encouraging listeners.

Michelle Williams tops it all off with vocals that range from pop to passionate, simple to soaring, all the while staying true to her own voice and vibe.