Omar - Brighter The Days (Album)
Picture Credit: Adrienne Waheed
Omar's career is a testament to his enduring talent and influence. First gaining international attention his signature hit, ‘There's Nothing Like This’, which launched a series of standout solo albums, collaborations with both legendary artists like Stevie Wonder, Lamont Dozier, the late Angie Stone, Leon Ware, Robert Glasper and Erykah Badu through to the current crop of cutting-edge music makers, and a catalogue of side projects spanning decades, Omar has consistently evolved his sound while staying true to his roots. That approach continues in 2025, as he celebrates his 40th anniversary as a recording artist with the release of his 9th studio album, ‘Brighter The Days’, which has been lauded to be his most self-assured, well rounded, eclectic, and continues to highlight his trademark vocals and songwriting. His unique, instantly identifiable touches always result in nothing but memorable music and further augments his multi-generational, worldwide appeal as new generations of fans continue to discover Omar’s timeless sound. Often tagged ‘neo soul’ or even ‘acid jazz’- the truth is Omar is his own one-man genre, as this latest album attests.
This new album continues Omar's long-standing collaboration with Impressive Collective’s Greg Boraman, which began in 2013 on Freestyle Records with the critically acclaimed 'The Man' album and continued with 'Love In Beats' and 'The Omar Anthology'. 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”.