Day 26: Ushering THE RETURN of great R&B

When it was announced that Day 26 was returning to the music scene the response from their fans (including myself) was immediate. I had interviewed members of the group over the years, and was always struck not just by their talent but their ability to bring the best of themselves to the work they were doing.

In 2014 they have done it again.

With THE RETURN the group's oringinal members Brian, Willie, Michael, Qwanell and Robert reunite to create not just great music but a great vibe that is sure to thrill music lovers beginning in the summer and continuing throughout the rest of the year.

"Just to see that the fans are still rockin' with us and to see new faces is amazing," Robert told me. He also says that the chemistry of the group is back. "We've grown alot, and it feels good to be back together."

Willie agrees: "It's like reliving a dream," he says. "We made this group back in 2007, and for us to be back with all the members in 1 album is great."

Reference the response to the first single "Bulls#!t", Mike says "It's great to see people still love our music and have anticipatee our return."

Taking advantage of new media and the power of their online presence the group released the project on June 26, 2014, making it available for free to their fans. Whether it's singles like R&B SINGER, YOU'RE WORTH IT or RUSSIAN ROULETTE you hear the traditional Day 26 harmony and soulfulness--and it takes you back to when you were first introduced to the group. You also get something else from this album: the group's maturity. They bring with them their life experiences and the lessons they have learned, and it all comes together to create something you won't soon forget. Day 26's RETURN also pay homage to those who came before them (like the group Silk) with their amazing rendition of LOSE CONTROL which closes out the project.

As they have been hitting the stage throughout the summer in a variety of venues and preparing for their tour to support the album I think that both those who have been with the group since the beginning and those who are just being introduced to them are in for a treat. Yes the ladies will surely appreciate the return of Day 26 for their own reasons, but the guys should be just as glad to have them back because THE RETURN has just the right words for them to say that might just help them out in the relationship department.

Here are some of the notable messages:

In BULLS#!T the group discusses what happens when that special lady has been listening to what others have to say about him and their faithfulness: "I could have who I want to," Day 26 sings, "but girl I chose you...If you only knew that I was telling the truth. I lied before but so have you..." It also addresses the ulterior motives that can come from such accusations. "If you're looking for a way out just say it..." the single says, acknowledging that sometimes the pointing of the finger at the other person is a way of distracting from what the accuser really wants.

In YOU'RE WORTH IT Day 26 slows it down and get's to the heart. "Girl you're hotter than a Summer, and my love is burning up for you," they sing. "Your smile is colder than the winter. Time is frozen from the thought of you. I find myself all into you. Something I never thought that I would do..." This is the perfect single for that guy who is trying to find the words to let that special girl know how he makes him feel.

Probably one of my favorite tracks on the project is RUSSIAN ROULETTE. Day 26 sings that in love all days are not going to be good, and you have to make a decision if the chance of hurt is worth the pursuing of love. "Someone has to smile, someone has to cry. Someone has to live, someone has to die. Someone has to lose, someone has to win. Someone has to start, someone has to end." The question becomes Is it worth it?

Along with the album THE RETURN there's a book that allows you to go through a story of a singer who is inspired by the guys of Day 26 in not just following his dreams of being in the business but getting his relationship situation under control. Each chapter is a song title, giving you a chance to go deeper into each song on the project---once again giving you something new from the group.

From beginning to end this is a tightly constructed musical adventure that listeners will be able to return to time and again. Without a doubt THE RETURN is everything you could ask for in an album and more.

Stay connected with the group on Twitter at www.twitter.com/day26official and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/day26. Get Day 26's THE RETURN for free on Soundcloud at www.tinyurl.com/day26thereturn.

Artist Jermaine Paul Speaks to the Ladies for the Fellas with NEXT TO YOU

It takes a real talent to be able to sing a song that both men and women will both be able to enjoy for their own reasons, and yet with NEXT TO YOU recording artist Jermaine Paul has been able to do just that.

Known to many from the hit NBC show The Voice, Paul's skills shine in a big way as he makes the lady in your life feel special while at the same time giving guys words they can take and mold to their own personalities.

"We kiss in public places, in front of wandering faces," Paul sings. "They want to know just how we do. Like a child on Christmas Eve. Anticipation killing me. I can't wait to have you to myself." Now what lady wouldn't wouldn't to be told that by that guy in their lives that they are truly feeling? That's the marriage Paul creates with this single. It has something for everyone.

"I drop you off at work," he continues. "You're looking mighty fine. It kills to see you walk the other way. I take one final glimpse just so I won't forget..." This type of communication is what is missing so much in relationships, and this single brings it back in a big way. The message to guys is this: if you really want that woman in your life make sure she knows it.

"There are no boundaries" that Paul recognizes when it comes to that special someone. And that is exactly the way it should be.

You can stay connected with Jermaine Paul on social media at www.twitter.com/jermainepaul and www.facebook.com/MusicByJermainePaul. His website is www.cjasmusic.com.

Get the single NEXT TO YOU on Amazon and your favorite online retails.

Molly Sanden's FREAK is a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of how some fail to see the gift that they are

by Cyrus Webb

I heard about this song by Molly Sanden on Facebook, and as soon as I listened to the first verse I had to head over to Amazon to purchase it.

FREAK is a song that sums up what so many see when they look at themselves, and Molly Sanden delivers a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of their thoughts and feelings. "Am I alone with the thoughts that I have," she asks. "I'm afraid that I'm scared of myself. Am I the only one who doubts who I am? Wish I was someone else..."

How many of us have been there or know someone who has found themselves in that place? Sanden goes out to describe it as "everytime I try to fly it holds me to the ground." She realizes that "the enemy is inside of me," but she in the song she fails to realize that it doesn't have to be that way.

"Would be easier to fight someone else," she concludes. "It's impossible to hide from yourself."

Definitely a song that is a conversation piece in so many ways, FREAK by Molly Sanden reminds us of the importance of seeing the gift within yourself.

Stay connected with Molly at www.mollysanden.com and on Twitter at @MollySanden.

[REVIEW] Joe's IF YOU LOSE HER gives that advice that guys sometime need

by Cyrus Webb

For years Joe has been one of the go-to guys for music that is sure to not just please the ears of that special lady but give guys something to enjoy as well. With IF YOU LOSE HER from his new project BRIDGES we are able to see almost a pep talk taking place with guys that are not treating that lady in life the way she should be treated. Joe uses the song to speak to the guys and say if you don't change what you are doing you are going to lose her forever.

Comparing the behavior of the gusy to that of a reckless gambler Joe sings "You're risking everything." "The stakes are high" because you're "playing with her heart" and you "don't realize how much it's gonna cost."

If you lose her Joe says "there will be a hole in your soul... There will be no grave deep enough to bury the pain. You might not see it now but you will see how much she's worth."

It can all begin so simply. You know you are mistreating her when she's "always last on your list" and "starving for affection." We as men sometimes ignore the signs and "turn a blind eye because you hear her say 'It's ok.'"

So Joe's advice before it gets that far? "If I was you I woulnd't take that chance," he says. Treat her right now because "when the tides of change roll in you'll be gone like footprints in the sand."

Definitely a song that fans of Joe will love and appreciate, IF YOU LOSE HER gives that reminder that guys sometimes need.

Get THE BRIDGE on Amazon and itunes now. You can stay in touch with Joe at www.officialjoethomas.com and on Twitter at @joethomas4real

[Review] GIVE IT TO YOU by Vedo

Since many of us were introduced to Vedo on the hit show The Voice we have known that he was going to be someone to watch.

Though tens of thousands have tuned in to Youtube to watch the covers of other songs, with his original single GET IT TO YOU Vedo has shown why his talent and success can't be denied. "I don't want to love nobody else," he sings. "I'm stuck on you. You can let your guard down. You've been waiting for some time... Leave your problems at the door. Forget your 9 to 5. I'll be all you need. Come and talk with me."

The single is perfect for the ladies, and is sure to get you up and dancing whether you're out on the town or just relaxing at your home. You need that time to leave your troubles and the cares of the day behind and just enjoy the moment with that special someone.

The chorus brings it home with this: "Let me touch you, tease you (Give it to You). Let me love you, please you (Give it to You). Whenever you need me..."

A message for now with a throwback feel, GIVE IT TO YOU is sure to be one for the summer and beyond.

Get GIVE IT TO YOU on Amazon and other online retailers. Stay connected with Vedo at www.facebook.com/vedothesinger and www.twitter.com/vedothesinger.