Omar Lyefook MBE, singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, solidifies his legendary status with his latest album, Brighter The Days. Over three decades, he has been a defining force in modern Black music, crafting a sound that seamlessly blends soul, funk, jazz, salsa, dub, and hip-hop, with roots in classical music. As he puts it, “Each album is an evolution, if you will. But I’d like to think this is my magnum opus.”
A dynamic collection, Brighter The Days builds upon Omar’s distinctive style with fresh inspiration. His warm, unmistakable voice—tinged with the richness of his Caribbean heritage —is complemented by lush arrangements. Organic drums, bass, brass, keys, and guitars meet the mechanical edge of samples and beats, creating a soundscape that is both timeless and innovative. Sweeping strings, inspired by his early training in orchestral music, add grandeur. “There’s nothing quite like that feeling of hearing all those strings play together,” he says, explaining their recurring presence in his work.
As always, Omar has gathered a stellar line up of collaborators. British legends like Paul Weller, arranger Chris Cameron, rapper Giggs and guitarist Tony Remy join forces with American icons including singers India Arie, Ledisi, Eric Roberson and Raheem DeVaughn, organist Ronnie Foster, and rapper Jeru The Damaja. The result is music that is ambitious in conception and flawless in execution.
The electric styles and highlights include There’s Much Love In The World, a hopeful anthem celebrating unity, Research featuring Honey Larochelle, a sexy and funky dance floor heater, and This Thing Called Life, which captures the album’s essence of optimism amidst challenges. Omar explains, “It’s a specific amount of time we have on this earth, so why waste it arguing and fighting? There are so many more things that connect us as opposed to driving us apart.”
In Brighter The Days, Omar reminds us that music and life are about finding light in the darkness. “Music is what I live for, but so too are my children. Brighter The Days just means something better is coming for all of us.”
Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. This Thing Called Life
3. Won't Let You Down (feat. K.ZIA & The Swag)
4. I've Been Waiting
5. Brighter The Days
6. There's Much Love In The World
7. Lovey Dovey (feat. Eric Roberson & Raheem DeVaughn)
8. Research (feat. Honey Larochelle)
9. On My Own (feat. Paul Weller)
10. Out of Sight (Interlude) (Omar with Don-e)
11. Can We Go Out?
12. It's Gonna Be Alright (feat. Scratch Professer)
13. We Can Go Anywhere (feat. Giggs)
14. Latin Salsa
15. Holding On To Life (feat. Ledisi)
16. Much 2 Much
17. 1234 (feat. Jeru The Damaja)
18. Love Is Like (feat. India Arie)
