There is optimism within the title of
Ruthie Foster's
Promise of a Brand New Day, an optimism that's reflected in the music itself. Some of this brightness may be due to
Foster's decision to have
Meshell Ndegeocello produce this 2014 album, giving the neo-soul singer free rein to hire musicians and choose final takes, but
Ndegeocello is hardly imposing her own attitude on
Foster. Instead, she focuses on the soulful, kind vibe emanating from
Foster, a feeling that infuses the message tunes and songs of love that comprise
Promise. Often, the record veers ever so slightly to soul over gospel or blues -- something that's perhaps inevitable when
William Bell collaborates on "It Might Not Be Right," a song that harks back to the classic Memphis sound. A few other songs on
Promise of a Brand New Day touch upon that groove, including the opening "Singing the Blues," while other cuts get a little bit harder and grittier ("Let Me Know," "Believe"), and
Foster also has a bit of fun twisting old
Dylan lyrics on "Outlaw." That playfulness is subtle, as are the stylistic hybrids, and that might be the best thing about this thoroughly winning record:
Foster is wearing her open heart on her sleeve but she's never pushing too hard, never overselling her message; she's charming with her warmth and sly skill. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine