The Day is Brave
Encyclopedia
The Day Is Brave is the debut studio album
by American singer-songwriter
Brendan James
. It was released on June 3, 2008. The album is an extension of his previous four-song EP The Ballroom Break In which released in 2007.
The Album has received rave reviews from the media and had some of its songs featured on various television shows. With the success of his debut, Entertainment Weekly
named Brendan James "Guys on the Rise: 8 rising singer-songwriters" and American singer-songwriter Carly Simon
described Brendan James as "A voice that can change the world".
In 2007, when paralyzed Iraq War veteran Tomas Young happened across Brendan's music on iTunes. Tomas handpicked Brendan's ballad “Hero's Song” —a piano-driven anthem about war from a soldier’s perspective—to appear, alongside tracks by Neil Young
and Bruce Springsteen
, on the Eddie Vedder
's soundtrack Body of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War Veteran
, a documentary about Tomas's experience.
His process starts at the piano where he tries to find melodic ideas that inspire him, which slowly develop to how the song sounds to him and what the tone makes him feel until the topic follows, lyrics coming last. As many people have been, Tomas Young, the former soldier behind the original Body of War
soundtrack was drawn to the song and its emotional message.
, it was a music teacher from his home town in Derry, New Hampshire
that started him on his path.
"Influenced by the understated simplicity of the Carly Simon
, James Taylor, and Carole King
records he grew up with, James knew he wanted his debut to sound natural and unaffected" -Monsters and Critics
"...he was also in good musical company in The Big Apple. It is the famed locale for singer songwriters, from Neil Diamond
, Paul Simon
and Carly Simon herself, all emerged from that city." -She Knows Entertainment
"With his songs based more around the lyrics and the atmosphere they create rather than reading sheet music or studying classical musicians it’s easy to draw comparisons between Brendan and other piano-playing crooners that he idolizes like Elton John
and Billy Joel
. Brendan’s style steers further from pop than these two legends in his debut album, The Day is Brave. -Static Multimedia
"He sings with a British lilt, a curious choice that draws parallels to David Gray
but fails to replicate that songwriter's power...." -Allmusic
"A little more diversity would have been nice to hear, and even when he tries to mix it up, such as in what I would consider his Elton Johnish "The Other Side," it still does not go to any extremes.... His songwriting is more attuned to a Billy Joel
or Elton, but his voice would meld more nicely with the chords of an acoustic guitar." -Popstars Plus
"To compare him with some other isn't that hard. I would say that is really fair to compare him to heroes like James Taylor, Five For Fighting
and even Carole King." -Melodic
Andrew Leahey from Allmusic: "James' debut would find a welcome home in a sorority girl's dorm room or a Starbucks coffee shop, where those wishing to sip a venti Frappuccino while absentmindedly tapping their feet might find this to be perfect background music. Shine a light on Brendan James' songcraft, though, and you'll see that it's too gauzy to hold up much weight on its own, regardless of the singer's good intentions."
"...a grounded, insightful and deeply talented individual the world is about to discover." -She Knows Entertainment
"There is something very "nice" and reassuring about his voice. It has that special quality you hear in some of the big name stars, although I do wish he would try to hit that high note - or even the low note, especially when the song or background instruments call for it." -Popstars Plus
“His compelling lyrics, soothing tenor and piano virtuosity make this debut album a stunning listen.” -Newsweek
"For fans of confessional acoustics, a la James Taylor
, Grant Lee Phillips, or even an XY-chromosomed Colbie Caillat
, topped with nougaty piano flourishes." -Entertainment Weekly
"As you listen to The Day is Brave you’re relaxed as James’ voice shifts you into a tranquil mood, accompanied by masterful piano work, you drift off and take in the sound. Its almost as though you’re being smoothly hypnotized, but the album never breaks out with that sudden hit, that energy you are looking for to change your mood, change your feelings, make you feel something else besides being in a perpetual state and completely static." -Entertainmentopia
"With his warm, rich tenor and emotionally powerful songs, Brendan James announces himself as an artist-to-watch on his dazzling debut album The Day Is Brave. Rooted in the classic singer/songwriter tradition, with its introspective lyrics and unforgettable melodies, the album is 11 tracks of stunning songcraft: elegant, earthy, and displaying a total lack of artifice that is rare in the pop world these days." -Monstersand Critics
"This debut album from singer songwriter Brendan James is not exception with a very well written and beautiful album. Actually it feels like the perfect record to play on a warm night with the one you like with a nice sophisticated and passionate sound" -Melodic
"With his songs based more around the lyrics and the atmosphere they create rather than reading sheet music or studying classical musicians it’s easy to draw comparisons between Brendan and other piano-playing crooners that he idolizes like Elton John and Billy Joel. Brendan’s style steers further from pop than these two legends in his debut album, The Day is Brave. -Static Multimedia
Technical credits
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by American singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
Brendan James
Brendan James
Brendan James is an American singer-songwriter originally from Derry, New Hampshire, who started in New York City but is currently residing in California...
. It was released on June 3, 2008. The album is an extension of his previous four-song EP The Ballroom Break In which released in 2007.
The Album has received rave reviews from the media and had some of its songs featured on various television shows. With the success of his debut, Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
named Brendan James "Guys on the Rise: 8 rising singer-songwriters" and American singer-songwriter Carly Simon
Carly Simon
Carly Elisabeth Simon is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and children's author. She rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of hit records, and has since been the recipient of two Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award for her work...
described Brendan James as "A voice that can change the world".
Background
"It's just been a journey for me since I was 19, and just practicing for hours and hours. And to really decide that I want to do this has taken a lot of work. The title really speaks about the journey, because it wasn’t easy." -Brendan JamesIn 2007, when paralyzed Iraq War veteran Tomas Young happened across Brendan's music on iTunes. Tomas handpicked Brendan's ballad “Hero's Song” —a piano-driven anthem about war from a soldier’s perspective—to appear, alongside tracks by Neil Young
Neil Young
Neil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
and Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen , nicknamed "The Boss," is an American singer-songwriter who records and tours with the E Street Band...
, on the Eddie Vedder
Eddie Vedder
Eddie Vedder is an American musician and singer-songwriter who is best known for being the lead singer and one of three guitarists of the alternative rock band Pearl Jam. He is widely considered a cultural icon of alternative rock.He is also involved in soundtrack work and contributes to albums...
's soundtrack Body of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War Veteran
Body of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War Veteran
"Body of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War Veteran" is an album produced for the documentary Body of War. It was created to help make profits towards Young's organization, aside from complementing the film...
, a documentary about Tomas's experience.
His process starts at the piano where he tries to find melodic ideas that inspire him, which slowly develop to how the song sounds to him and what the tone makes him feel until the topic follows, lyrics coming last. As many people have been, Tomas Young, the former soldier behind the original Body of War
Body of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War Veteran
"Body of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War Veteran" is an album produced for the documentary Body of War. It was created to help make profits towards Young's organization, aside from complementing the film...
soundtrack was drawn to the song and its emotional message.
Influence and comparison
Brendan started songwriting the summer between his Freshman and Sophomore year at University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, but rather than the same mountains that surrounded one of his greatest influences, James TaylorJames Taylor
James Vernon Taylor is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Taylor was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000....
, it was a music teacher from his home town in Derry, New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
that started him on his path.
"Influenced by the understated simplicity of the Carly Simon
Carly Simon
Carly Elisabeth Simon is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and children's author. She rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of hit records, and has since been the recipient of two Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award for her work...
, James Taylor, and Carole King
Carole King
Carole King is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. King and her former husband Gerry Goffin wrote more than two dozen chart hits for numerous artists during the 1960s, many of which have become standards. As a singer, King had an album, Tapestry, top the U.S...
records he grew up with, James knew he wanted his debut to sound natural and unaffected" -Monsters and Critics
"...he was also in good musical company in The Big Apple. It is the famed locale for singer songwriters, from Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond
Neil Leslie Diamond is an American singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades from the 1960s until the present....
, Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Paul Frederic Simon is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist.Simon is best known for his success, beginning in 1965, as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, with musical partner Art Garfunkel. Simon wrote most of the pair's songs, including three that reached number one on the US singles...
and Carly Simon herself, all emerged from that city." -She Knows Entertainment
"With his songs based more around the lyrics and the atmosphere they create rather than reading sheet music or studying classical musicians it’s easy to draw comparisons between Brendan and other piano-playing crooners that he idolizes like Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
and Billy Joel
Billy Joel
William Martin "Billy" Joel is an American musician and pianist, singer-songwriter, and classical composer. Since releasing his first hit song, "Piano Man", in 1973, Joel has become the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States, according to...
. Brendan’s style steers further from pop than these two legends in his debut album, The Day is Brave. -Static Multimedia
"He sings with a British lilt, a curious choice that draws parallels to David Gray
David Gray (musician)
David Gray is an English singer-songwriter. He released his first studio album in 1993 and received worldwide attention after the release of White Ladder six years later...
but fails to replicate that songwriter's power...." -Allmusic
"A little more diversity would have been nice to hear, and even when he tries to mix it up, such as in what I would consider his Elton Johnish "The Other Side," it still does not go to any extremes.... His songwriting is more attuned to a Billy Joel
Billy Joel
William Martin "Billy" Joel is an American musician and pianist, singer-songwriter, and classical composer. Since releasing his first hit song, "Piano Man", in 1973, Joel has become the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States, according to...
or Elton, but his voice would meld more nicely with the chords of an acoustic guitar." -Popstars Plus
"To compare him with some other isn't that hard. I would say that is really fair to compare him to heroes like James Taylor, Five For Fighting
Five for Fighting
Five for Fighting is the stage name of American singer-songwriter John Ondrasik. He is best known for his piano-based rock, such as the Top 40 songs "Superman " , "100 Years" , and "The Riddle" .-Early years:...
and even Carole King." -Melodic
Track listing
The Day Is Brave| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1. | "Green Green (Brendan James song) Green is the lead single by american singer/songwriter Brendan James from his first studio album The Day Is Brave. The song has been featured in the Lifetime's hit show, Army Wives.-Background:... " 3:50 |
| 2. | "All I Can See " 3:59 |
| 3. | "Hero's Song" 4:12 |
| 4. | "Early April Morning" 3:52 |
| 5. | "The Other Side" 5:02 |
| 6. | "Run Away" 4:30 |
| 7. | "Begin" 1:52 |
| 8. | "The Sun Will Rise" 3:47 |
| 9. | "Manchester" 4:17 |
| 10. | "Let Your Beat Go On" 4:19 |
| 11. | "Take the Fall" 3:15 |
| 12. | "Dirty Living" (iTunes Bonus Track) 3:13 |
Uses in media
- "GreenGreen (Brendan James song)Green is the lead single by american singer/songwriter Brendan James from his first studio album The Day Is Brave. The song has been featured in the Lifetime's hit show, Army Wives.-Background:...
" has been featured in the Lifetime's hit show, Army WivesArmy WivesArmy Wives is an American drama series that follows the lives of four army wives, their families, and an army husband whose wife is in the army. The series, shot at ABC Studios, premiered on Lifetime on June 3, 2007...
, in the episode "Loyalties" - "The Sun Will Rise" has been featured in the hit ABC show Private Practice season one's final episode "In Which Dell Finds His Fight" of 2007 and the episode "The Bone That Blew" in the Fox series BonesBones (TV series)Bones is an American crime drama television series that premiered on the Fox Network on September 13, 2005. The show is based on forensic anthropology and forensic archaeology, with each episode focusing on an FBI case file concerning the mystery behind human remains brought by FBI Special Agent...
. - "All I Can See" appeared on So You Think You Can DanceSo You Think You Can Dance (U.S. TV series)So You Think You Can Dance is an American dance competition and reality show that airs on Fox in the United States.The series first premiered on July 20, 2005, and was created by American Idol producers Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe and is produced by 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions...
, aired on July 31, 2008. - "Hero's Song" featured on the soundtrack album Body of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War VeteranBody of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War Veteran"Body of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War Veteran" is an album produced for the documentary Body of War. It was created to help make profits towards Young's organization, aside from complementing the film...
.
Critical response
The Day Is Brave has received generally positive reviews from most music critics.Andrew Leahey from Allmusic: "James' debut would find a welcome home in a sorority girl's dorm room or a Starbucks coffee shop, where those wishing to sip a venti Frappuccino while absentmindedly tapping their feet might find this to be perfect background music. Shine a light on Brendan James' songcraft, though, and you'll see that it's too gauzy to hold up much weight on its own, regardless of the singer's good intentions."
"...a grounded, insightful and deeply talented individual the world is about to discover." -She Knows Entertainment
"There is something very "nice" and reassuring about his voice. It has that special quality you hear in some of the big name stars, although I do wish he would try to hit that high note - or even the low note, especially when the song or background instruments call for it." -Popstars Plus
“His compelling lyrics, soothing tenor and piano virtuosity make this debut album a stunning listen.” -Newsweek
"For fans of confessional acoustics, a la James Taylor
James Taylor
James Vernon Taylor is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Taylor was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000....
, Grant Lee Phillips, or even an XY-chromosomed Colbie Caillat
Colbie Caillat
Colbie Marie Caillat is an American pop singer-songwriter and guitarist from Malibu, California. She debuted in 2007 with Coco, which included hit singles "Bubbly", "Realize", and "The Little Things". In 2008, she recorded a duet with Jason Mraz, "Lucky", which won a Grammy. Caillat released her...
, topped with nougaty piano flourishes." -Entertainment Weekly
"As you listen to The Day is Brave you’re relaxed as James’ voice shifts you into a tranquil mood, accompanied by masterful piano work, you drift off and take in the sound. Its almost as though you’re being smoothly hypnotized, but the album never breaks out with that sudden hit, that energy you are looking for to change your mood, change your feelings, make you feel something else besides being in a perpetual state and completely static." -Entertainmentopia
"With his warm, rich tenor and emotionally powerful songs, Brendan James announces himself as an artist-to-watch on his dazzling debut album The Day Is Brave. Rooted in the classic singer/songwriter tradition, with its introspective lyrics and unforgettable melodies, the album is 11 tracks of stunning songcraft: elegant, earthy, and displaying a total lack of artifice that is rare in the pop world these days." -Monstersand Critics
"This debut album from singer songwriter Brendan James is not exception with a very well written and beautiful album. Actually it feels like the perfect record to play on a warm night with the one you like with a nice sophisticated and passionate sound" -Melodic
"With his songs based more around the lyrics and the atmosphere they create rather than reading sheet music or studying classical musicians it’s easy to draw comparisons between Brendan and other piano-playing crooners that he idolizes like Elton John and Billy Joel. Brendan’s style steers further from pop than these two legends in his debut album, The Day is Brave. -Static Multimedia
Chart performance
The Day Is Brave debuted at #9 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart.| Chart (2008–2009) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Heatseekers chart Top Heatseekers Top Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical... |
9 |
Album credits
Performance credits- Brendan James – VocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, GuitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, PianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
Organ, Percussion, StringsString instrumentA string instrument is a musical instrument that produces sound by means of vibrating strings. In the Hornbostel-Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification, used in organology, they are called chordophones...
, drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, KeyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, Mellotron - Victor Indrizzo – Percussion, drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
- Brian MacLeod – Percussion, drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
- Curt Schneider – Bass, Percussion, StringsString instrumentA string instrument is a musical instrument that produces sound by means of vibrating strings. In the Hornbostel-Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification, used in organology, they are called chordophones...
, drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, KeyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments... - Corky James – GuitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
- David Levita – GuitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
- Blair Sinta – Percussion, drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
- Mikal Blue – Organ, Bass, GuitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, StringsString instrumentA string instrument is a musical instrument that produces sound by means of vibrating strings. In the Hornbostel-Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification, used in organology, they are called chordophones...
, KeyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments... - Chris Higginbottom – Percussion, drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
- Brian Macleod – Percussion, drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
Technical credits
- Billy Mann – ComposerComposerA composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
- Tony Bruno – ComposerComposerA composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
- Curt Schneider – ProducerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
- Mikal Blue – ProducerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, EngineerEngineerAn engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,... - Brendan James – ComposerComposerA composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, ArrangerArrangerIn investment banking, an arranger is a provider of funds in the syndication of a debt. They are entitled to syndicate the loan or bond issue, and may be referred to as the "lead underwriter". This is because this entity bears the risk of being able to sell the underlying securities/debt or the... - Benjamin Singer – Executive Producer
Release history
| Country | Date | UPC |
|---|---|---|
| United States United States The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district... |
June 3, 2008 | 602517627185 |