Day26-Forever In A Day
4
By btaznpride
Following a solid debut that proved the boys to be no fluke, Diddy gets them back with their new album, Forever In A Day. With a fight heavy and emotional Making The Band series, do the boys pull it together for a quality product?
Just Getting Started: Decent intro that builds nicely, mainly due to the hook. At times a bit overly repetitive, but it sets the tone for the album. Signifies the difference for this album compared to last, as heavy bass knocks and synths dance over. 3/5
Imma Put It On Her: The lead single, I was a bit skeptical but the track grows well on listeners. While it doesn’t show their vocals, it fits as a fun summer club banger. Diddy & Joc are unnecessary, but the production from Blaze The Champ is absolutely banging, the highlight of the track. 4/5
Shawty Wats Up: It’s obvious the boys wanted more of a mainstream and commercial sound, as they team up with master hook man, T-Pain. Buzzing synth and bass production is predictable, as Pain plays a more reserved role. Decent track, but a bit of a stretch for commercial appeal and seems they are trying too hard, also the autotune isn’t that great. 2.5/5
Think Of Me: What really damages the track is the production. Tim & Bob create a solid drum pattern, however the descending synths become annoyingly repetitive. This distracts from the harmonizing of the guys. 3/5
Stadium Music: The jamming guitars are nicely done and the atmosphere definitely what its title indicates, however something misses. Vocally it isn’t bad, but the vocals do tend to get lost in the production and it doesn’t quite connect as well as it should. 3.5/5
Bipolar: Piano laden production, its a pretty busy track. Harmonizing, runs, production, it all seems pretty busy, but the track works because of the melodies that each sing. The hook seems a bit overpowering, but works. 3/5
Perfectly Blind: Written by MTB couple, Dawn & Que, the track would seem better for a duet between the two, but nonetheless it’s a real sexy ballad. Soft pillowy falsettos croon softly over the light tapping of drums, as Mike steals the show with his verse. 3/5
So Good: Bryan Michael Cox delivers as usual and the guys sound nice on this. The hook is catchy and blends smoothly with the production of synths and piano. 3.5/5
Girlfriend: Synth heavy, the track features an echo driven hook that is merely mediocre. The over dramatic production takes away from the track, but its decent. 2.5/5
Babymaker: Smooth track, but lacks something. Sounds nice, as the boys create a bedroom number, but the track falters at a dull hook. 3/5
Then There’s You: Seems most likely for crossover success, Mario Winans does it again. The last album he had two productions that were both memorable (Got Me Going & Co-Star), now he delivers his only production and it ends up being one of the best tracks. The songwriting isn’t the best, but the melodies and vocals are on point. 4/5
Need That: While it’s a nice change in the album and a distinct track on the album, it seems a bit out of place. Also, the editing on JD’s vocals is irritating, he should have just come up with some cleaner lyrics. 3.5/5
Reminds Me Of You: Reflective track about a relationship, the boys sing about their special someone, comparing them to various things that remind them of their girl. Smooth track, the hook can be a little over repetitive, but the track is fitting. 3/5
Your Heels: Jazze Pha incorporates twinkling bells and strings for this uptempo feel good number. Each of the guys let the vocals go on this fun fast paced track that the ladies should enjoy. 3.5/5
Truth Is A Lie: Robotic keys circulate, as Robert knocks out the second to last verse with some beautiful singing, while Q croons smoothly and even adds some attitude filled vocals. 3.5/5
One Night Only: Decent bonus that is a bit cliche, but likeable. 3/5
Honest: Robert’s run is a little over the top, but Stargate deliver another solid production. Not quite the radio smash intended, but it works and the hook is perfect for radio. 3.5/5
Forever In A Day showcases a newer Day26 that is more modern and commercial in sound. This leads to bittersweet results, as at times it seems they are stretching for commercial appeal (“Shawty Wats Up”), but for the most part they keep things Day26. The lead club banger “Imma Put It On Her” shines from Blaze’s production, while the energized jamming of “Stadium Music” serves its purpose and soulfully smooth “Then There’s You” work well. Stylistically things have changed a bit, where the debut became slightly dull in the latter half, the albums seems focused on not having the listener fall off. Throughout the album, there are uptempo tracks and only a few ballads. B. Cox’s work on “So Good” is just as hypnotic and acts like a slowed up “Come With Me”, while Q shines on the stylish 808 knock of “Need That”. Some tracks falter, such as the tepid “Think Of Me” and over busy “Bipolar”. Overall the product is slight improvement from their past, but they need to back from the commercialism and focus more on their own smooth R&B sound.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
