Here I Am (Barbara McNair album)

Here I Am is the fifth studio album by singer Barbara McNair released on the Motown label.

History
This album was McNair's first album on the Motown label, released in 1966. McNair recorded several singles before this album was released. The album featured songwriters Clarence Paul, Smokey Robinson, Eddie Holland, and Ron Miller. However, the album failed to chart. The only single, "Here I Am Baby", peaked at No. 125 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album appeared on the New Album Releases on Billboard magazine, the only album on the Motown category. "Here I Am Baby" was later covered by the Marvelettes for their Sophisticated Soul album.

Reception
Rob Theakston from AllMusic stated "Here I Am is a far cry from the sexy Motown sessions and takes a turn into vocal standards and sultry jazz numbers, but McNair is equally up to the task to deliver a fine session of performances. It was also a precursor for many of the outstanding vocal spotlights she would perform on her critically acclaimed variety show five years later." Billboard wrote that "Miss McNair tackles recent pop hits, adds her own stylings with emphasis on the blues feel, and the result is a programming delight with much sales potential."