After a notable 13-year hiatus, gospel music legend Yolanda Adams has made a triumphant return with her highly anticipated album, Sunny Days. This new project, which dropped on September 13, 2024, marks Adams' first solo release since her 2011 album, Becoming.
In an exclusive interview with the US magazine, Adams reflected on the journey behind Sunny Days, describing it as both a challenging and rewarding experience. "It was a journey, and just like life, things happen, but we recovered," Adams shared, emphasizing the album's long and winding path to completion. The project, which features 15 tracks, was crafted over a six-year period, significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and Adams' involvement in the BET+ drama, Kingdom Business in 2022.
The album's lead single, "Church Doors," has already made an impressive debut, landing at No. 9 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart within its first week. The record boasts contributions from gospel powerhouse Donald Lawrence and iconic producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, whose collaboration with Babyface also contributed to the album's delay.
Adams’ Sunny Days continues her tradition of using music as a source of encouragement and inspiration. Tracks like the title song, "Blessings," and "Powerful" showcase her signature blend of uplifting lyrics and soulful melodies. The album’s message revolves around resilience and positivity, encapsulated in the powerful spoken word intro of "Powerful," which encourages listeners to harness their inner strength.
A notable highlight of Sunny Days is "When We Pray," a collaboration with Jam and Lewis, which emphasizes the importance of putting faith into action. Adams speaks highly of her long-standing relationship with the duo, stating, “We write together. We laugh, we cry… I hope people take away from ‘Kingdom Business’ this thought: If you were the person that you’re trying to judge … how would you feel?”
Adams’ return is not just about music; she is also actively participating in the 33-date Kirk Franklin Reunion Tour alongside gospel greats like Fred Hammond and The Clark Sisters. While she remains deeply committed to gospel, Adams has expressed openness to exploring other genres, including a potential collaboration with Stevie Wonder on a gospel project.
Despite the long gap between albums, Adams assures that her passion for music and her desire to impact lives remain undiminished. She views the success of Sunny Days not in terms of sales but through the positive influence it has on her listeners. “When I hear your testimony and I hear how the music has been a part of your life, it just makes me more responsible,” Adams says. “I got to keep doing this music! I got to keep doing good music!”
With Sunny Days, Yolanda Adams reaffirms her place as a beacon of hope and encouragement in the gospel music industry, continuing to uplift and inspire with her remarkable voice and heartfelt message.
Listen to Sunny Days here
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