(April 3, 2026) When a songwriter’s creative spirit is moved to title a song “Brighter Day,” it is safe to assume the subject matter will be directed towards the promise of hope through the dire times. And the power of the pen feeding listeners positive storylines – relationships or otherwise – can shower some needed mental health medicine. Though I have not counted all the songs deemed “Brighter Day,” one of the more recognizable versions in this decade comes from Kirk Franklin with its catchy vocals, Franklin’s encouraging coaching and the scriptural answers.
On our latest First Listen installment, we turn to another “Brighter Day,” courtesy of U.K. producer/musician/composer Tom Funk as a sneak preview from his upcoming CD, What’s It Gonna Be in his SoulTracks debut. And the concept for this song written during the COVID lockdown illustrates patience and perseverance will evolve into romantic benefits:
Baby’s just talk to me/
The Sun it shines for you and me/
You’re the ocean let me dive in/
Like the day our love will brighten/
Hold on just wait for that brighter day…
Funk soothes the mind with a laid back groove, meshing guitar and keyboard splashes with brass and strings sprinkles. As the messenger of hope, vocalist Andre Espeut’s baritone floats over this calming atmosphere. Though there are subtle modern edgings that could be a distraction, Funk wisely centers on his one man band reeling an organic soulful jazz experience. For alternate listening choices of “Brighter Day” (Lazy Robot Records), remixes from Ziggy Funk and Yooks offer different flavors of house music. We welcome Funk to the SoulTracks pages. Listen up!
By Peggy Oliver
