ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Emeline Michel, the Haitian singer who has been called "the queen of Haitian song," is trying to send a message with her new album, "Rasin Kreyol."

"Everybody knows that Haiti is in trouble," she says in a press release of her homeland. In recent years, Haiti has been beset by political troubles; moreover, the country was slammed by Hurricane Jeanne in September. "Sometimes I feel like I should be there helping. This album is my way to be there. It's my chance to show a side of Haitian culture that is positive."

"Rasin Kreyol" celebrates Haiti through its use of native musical styles, including compas and twoubadou, and inspirational lyrics.

Michel admits she misses her native country. The singer left Haiti to study music in Detroit after winning a song contest at 18, and has since lived in France, Canada and New York.

"I feel like I am half-nomad," says the singer in a statement, who is in Atlanta to serve as a judge for an in-house CNN talent show, "CNN Idol." "I feel sad that there is this distance between me and my country. But in making this CD, I have this urgency to live to the max. ... It's about simply being real. Feeling connected."