RCA singer/songwriter Heather Headley jokes that instead of "In My Mind," her sophomore album should have been called "Caught Up." That is because during the three years after the 2002 release of her critically acclaimed first album, "This Is Who I Am," RCA was embroiled in a series of pre- and post-Sony-BMG merger executive shake-ups.

"It was almost like 'Waiting for Godot,'" Headley says with a laugh. "There were so many changes." But in the end, she is glad it happened as it did. In addition to reteaming with the label's senior VP of A&R Stephen Ferrera and producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Headley found herself for the first time under the watchful eyes of BMG North America chairman/CEO Clive Davis. "His overseeing my project was quite the honor-and scary," Headley says.

It also gave her time to pursue her most important goal: finding the right songs. "I don't like the phrase 'sophomore jinx,'" Headley declares. "But it was there in my head: This album had to be much better than the first one."

Among the songs she says would not have happened if the original 2004 time schedule had been followed is the album's title track. The ballad -- co-produced by Shannon Sanders (India.Arie) -- is the first single from the release.

Elsewhere, Lil Jon contributes the infectious "Back When It Was," Shaggy lends his skills on the reggae-flavored "Rain" and Warryn Campbell chimes in with joyous gospel track "Change." Also sharing his expertise is Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds on the humorous, introspective "Me Time."