The cover, an intense photograph, reflects Mimi's "serious but positive" approach in creating her music. Her songs illustrate a deep understanding of life and a hope for a better tomorrow. Lyrics reflect a positive but realistic outlook on the world communicating the importance of positive self concept and the importance of "respect for all peoples" and for our planet.

Vocal and instrumental arrangements add an alternative and refreshing new edge to the music. Vocal harmonies are written a fourth apart complementing the intenseness of Mimi's soulful vocal style. One of a kind instrumental arrangements feature American Indian flute harmonized with or echoed by electric guitar - an ongoing theme throughout the album. The traditional rock instruments presented in every song include: rhythm (acoustic) guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, and rock drums. American Indian instrumentation includes: American Indian drum, flute and rattle.

Although lyrics are written in an easy to understand, straightforward manner, the messages contain much depth reflecting traditional spiritual beliefs of the Lakota Sioux people.

The first track, Determination, rock/blues style, reflects the goal of American Indian communities to be self-sufficient nations within a nation. The American Indian drum, a traditional instrument which is the "heartbeat of American Indian nations", is featured throughout the song to emphasize the main lyrics "Determination". The focus of this song is self-determination from Indian Nation's viewpoints. This song is also written for the ears of all people as they work to improve their lives.

It Doesn't Matter is the second track on this unique album. This contemporary rock song reflects the traditional Lakota Sioux belief that "all" living things on mother earth should be respected. The song speaks about the importance of RESPECT and living in harmony. The rap section of the song (included in the sound sample below) shares the message in a nutshell. The high energy of the electric guitar accentuates the contemporary nature of this song.
Listen to a sample!
It Doesn't Matter - 338kb, .wav file

Not Takin(g) No For An Answer, a song written by Tom Tucker, and arranged and produced by Mimi, is written in a more abstract manner. As arranged by Mimi, the song is written from an American Indian leader's viewpoint and reflects the importance of American Indian nations retaining their cultures as is reflective in the lyrics: "Make our communities right, dance in the moonlight." The vocals feature the traditional Lakota Sioux IronWood singers from Rosebud, South Dakota performing the Victory Song. The contemporary, mixed with the traditional is extremely representative of Mimi's life. The rattle, an instrument traditionally used by various American Indian nations, is featured at the end of this song.

The title song, You Are You is a love song pointed at the "self" in every person. It is brought to life by American Indian flute lines flowing in harmony with electric jazz guitar, reflective of American Indian beliefs of living in harmony with all living creatures on mother earth. The title song maintains broad appeal from all types and ages of listeners.

Seasons In The Night, an intense rock style love song features the American Indian flute communicating back and forth with the electric lead guitar. An analogy looking at the musical instruments as people, is present in this song: the rock lead guitar being traditional mainstream peoples, and the American Indian flute representing American Indian peoples. The point of the analogy of course being positive i.e. both instruments are working in harmony and communicating successfully with eachother. Though the overall theme of the song is positive because she has now finally found true love, her previous love experiences were not easy: This concept being communicated utilizing "dark" nature statements such as in the lyrics "Seasons In The Night". From the artist's viewpoint, the distorted rock guitar and intense keyboard organ sounds contribute to the intenseness found in this creative endeavor.

The album also includes instrumental versions of You Are You and It Doesn't Matter. These instrumentals could be successfully synchronized with action movies or videos.

Listeners who do not yet know Mimi McBride as a new artist in the realm of the recording industry can still appreciate her creative musical arrangements, compositions, and vocal mastery.