“Brand New Day”
Sherry V. Graham
(Unction Function)
With the 2014 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards now history, it isn’t playing favorites or giving anyone an unfair advantage to review an album that was released last year but not provided for review until after the preliminary ballot went out. "Brand New Day" by Oahu resident Sherry V. Graham is worth looking for.
It took Graham seven years to write and record the eight songs she shares here, but the time spent on this dream-come-true debut album was well invested. Every song is a frank and catchy testament of religious faith. There are many subgenres of religious music on the market these days. Graham’s strong voice and stirring arrangements are reminders that the African-American gospel music of the old South is the foundation other genres build on.
And, unlike some of the recently created types of Christian music, Graham’s lyrics speak frankly of her faith in God and her love for Jesus. None of her songs could be mistaken as being for or about a mortal lover or friend.
Graham sets forth her themes of faith and love in convincing style with the opening song, "God Is Here and God Deserves the Praise." It can’t be much clearer than that.
"You can say what you want, but I won’t deny Him," is Graham’s response to doubters who challenge her beliefs. Graham rocks it on vocals, and the title of the song becomes a powerful lyric hook.
The next song, "I Am the Child of the Most High King," delivers a message of hope: God is there for us even in times of stress, turmoil and despair because we are his children. Such faith can move mountains, or at the least make the prospect of getting up over the mountains less daunting.
The album is something of a patchwork quilt musically, with songs recorded by several different arrangers working in different locations. The "many hands" approach turns out to be for the best. The arrangements are diverse but Graham’s voice unites them.
A standout in terms of diversity comes when spoken-word artist Isaac Eatmon adds a hip-hop edge as Graham’s guest on a song titled "Did You Know." A second memorable tune is "When I’m in You." It’s an expansive and soothing statement of complete commitment to God and acceptance of his love.
Graham writes in her bio that the bad times she’s survived inspired her as a singer and lyricist. Her songs will certainly comfort others who are facing bad times of their own.
To purchase "Brand New Day," visit www.cdbaby.com or www.mele.com.
"God is Here and God Deserves the Praise"
