Jonathan Nelson- “Better Days” Album Review
Jonathan Nelson feat. Purpose- Better Days- Integrity Music
By Khare Hawkins
Well… all I can say is he’s done it again! Coming back stronger than ever with his sophomore release on Integrity Music, “Better Days” by Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose, proves to be another album of chart topping hits. The follow up album to the three time Stellar award winning, Dove nominated album “My Name Is Victory”, can easily be deemed a soundtrack for the soul. Over the past few years, Jonathan Nelson has been credited with being one of the most influential artists to change the sound of Praise and Worship to a more Urban Contemporary feel. Recorded Live from Jonathan’s new home with Bishop Henry Fernandez and the Faith Center Church, this album proves that there is no such thing as a sophomore jinx, at least not in his case! The tittle cut “Better Days” (written by new comers Jimmy Johnson and Marvin McCoy) is a high energy praise track that truly sets the tone of the entire album and prepares you as every song on the ten song set takes you higher and higher. The hit single “Expect the Great” has been flooding the airways around the country as the song encourages listeners to know that the “Blessing Is On You”! The song’s catchy hook will have you singing it all day without you even knowing it. This project also features excellent collaborations with two of this generations premier voices. First up, Kierra Sheard lends her captivating vocals on the praise chant “Performance”. Her mesmerizing runs mixed with the famous “Clark” growl and a touch of her mothers( Karen Clark-Sheard) soprano range leaves you in awe .Next, the song on this project that I can’t seem to get off repeat is the churchy tune “Another Way” featuring Jonathan’s twin brother, Jason Nelson. This song manages to rest so effortlessly against Jason’s one of kind,warm yet powerful voice, as he delivers both a personal testimony and statement of gratefulness to the listener that he would not be where he is today if it had not been for the grace of God. There are not many projects that are able to convey the authenticity and sincerity of worship, however, Nelson has mastered this art with track number four entitled “I Am Your Song”. The aforementioned is a heavenly ballad with a beautiful tone and melodic strings that will usher you right into a place of worship. With co-writing billing and production from musical genius Aaron Lindsey, “Better Days” is guaranteed to remain on the charts and on the airwaves in the weeks and months to come. I can assure you that it is an ear pleasing record that is mixed with hard hitting musical beats and encouraging messages that will make your not so great day a much better one.
