Better Days is ostensibly a salute to 80s R&B, but really comes off as a timeless disc of quality pop/soul music, superbly performed. Chris Rizik, SoulTracks.Com

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URBAN/R&B: Soul, URBAN/R&B: Quiet Storm

Show all album songs: Better Days 'A Tribute to 80's R&B' (Deluxe Digital Edition) Songs


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JAMES DAY featuring Audrey Wheeler-Downing & Guests "BETTER DAYS" (A Tribute to 80's R&B ) Deluxe Digital Edition

Featuring the previously unreleased bonus track 'HOPES UP' with Jeff Ramsey, the DIGITAL EDITION of the former #1 SoulTrack's Album selects the most popular material, mixes and masters from Day's US & UK releases, his breakthrough 'Remember When' EP, and the UK 'Luxury Soul' & 'In The Groove' Compilations (which showcased Day's material alongside such artists as Stephanie Mills, Maysa of Incongnito, Frank Mccomb, Unam with Rahsaan Patterson, and many more of his musical heros.)

"When an extremely talented songwriter comes along, they should be cherished. Thats what makes James Day's first full-length Independent release, Better Days, one of the best albums of th year. He is, flat out, a great songwriter. Day knocked many folks out with last years Remember When, and here he shows it was no fluke. The best two tracks of that disc (Dont Waste the Pretty and the irresistible Brick By Brick) return on Better Days and the title cut from the EP is redefined here as a brilliant ballad breathtakingly performed by Catherine Russell. Day also adds a half dozen new compositions that are uniformly strong. The new disc also has far richer and more compelling arrangements, with nice touches like the sax solo on the title cut, a forlorn harmonica on Remember When and Jim Gatelys fine guitar work. Better Days is ostensibly a salute to 80s R&B, but really comes off as a timeless disc of quality pop/soul music, superbly performed. Musical world, please meet James Day. Hell be around awhile. Very highly recommended." Chris Rizik Publisher, SoulTracks

"The classy concept album evoking memories of the great producers like Norman Connors who were able to spot and bring out the best in those they worked with...The title says it all, and this set from James is right up there with the best of them." Richard Searling, Smooth FM

"For those seeking an antidote to contemporary R&B's fractured rhythms and dumb nursery rhyme melodies, this quality collection will seem like a welcome oasis of cool blue water in a desert of over-hyped mediocrity." Blues & Soul Magazine

"All of the songs above reveal James Day's talent as a writer of first-class soul melodies. A strong contender for the album of the year." Soul Express Magazine

BETTER DAYS Guest Vocalist Mini Bios:

AUDREY WHEELER (solo albums with Capital & Nile Rogers, performances & recordings with Chaka Kahn, Freddie Jackson, Jeff Lorber, Najee, Patti Austin, Linda Ronstadt, C&C Music Factory, & husband Will Downing...)

JEFF RAMSEY (performances & recordings with Lalah Hathaway, Al Jarreau, Maxwell, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand...)

CATHERINE RUSSELL (daughter of Louis Armtrong's bandleader with solo album on World Villiage, performances & recordings with David Bowie, Steely Dan, Paul Simon, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Phoebe Snow, Boz Scaggs...)

TIM OWENS (former Atlantic recording artist, productions & recordings with K-Ci & JoJo of Jodeci for motion picture Deliver Us from Eva ft. LL Cool J, currently touring with the Earth, Wind & Fire Allstars...)

JILL ZADEH (performances & recordings with Oleta Adams, Patti LaBelle, Natalie Cole, Jonathan Butler, Sting...)

IAN MARTIN (solo album with Sy Smith, Gavin Christopher, performances & recordings with Amel Larrieu, Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Angie Bofill, Norman Connors, Jean Carne...)

Composed & Produced by James Day
with Underground Productions (Dow Brain & Brad Young.)
Additional Production, Co-writers, Musicians & Vocalists: Darren Polite,
Jim Gately, Amy Powers, Lorenda Robinson, Anthony Dixon, Jon Albrink,
Mark Mallory, Joe Cunningham (Sax) & Gary Schreiner (Keys & Harmonica.)