He started his production career working in his own studio, Grant Avenue Studios in Hamilton, Ontario. He worked with a number of local bands, most notably Martha and the Muffins, for whom his sister Jocelyne played bass, Ray Materick, as well as the Canadian children's singer Raffi.
After being discovered by Brian Eno and working collaboratively with him on some of Eno's own projects, his career was given a huge boost when Eno invited him to co-produce U2's album The Unforgettable Fire. Along with Eno, he went on to produce U2's The Joshua Tree, the 1987 Grammy Winner for Album of the Year. Bono of U2 recommended Lanois to Bob Dylan in the late 1980s; in 1989 Lanois produced Dylan's Oh Mercy, widely considered one of Dylan's greatest later albums. Eight years later Dylan and Lanois worked together on Time Out of Mind, Dylan's first studio album of original material since 1990, which won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1997.
Wrecking Ball, his 1995 collaboration with Emmylou Harris, received almost unanimous critical praise (many critics placed the album on their year-end "best albums of the year" lists), and revived the aging country artist's career, bringing her to the attention of much younger rock audiences.
As well as being a producer, singer and songwriter, Daniel Lanois plays the guitar, pedal steel and drums. His desire is to bring out the best in the artists he works with and produces, with his wide range of talents and musical ideas. He often leaves an atmospheric and emotionally resonant sound on the projects he produces, which some say has become his 'signature sound'.
Daniel founded Red Floor Records to release his own music albums and DVD films that he sells direct to consumers from his website in high resolution downloads and traditional formats: www.DanielLanois.com
After completing production work on U2's latest album "No Line In The Horizon" in 2009, Daniel has built a new recording studio in Toronto, which he has named "The Temple", as it is located on the site of a former Buddhist Temple. He recently completed producing Neil Young's latest 2010 release, "Le Noise". However, on June 5th, 2010, while working on Young's album, Daniel was in a serious motorcycle accident near his Silver Lake area home of Los Angeles, and he had to postpone his latest personal priority project, Black Dub which features Daniel on guitars, world renown drummer/percussionist Brian Blade, bassist and harmony vocalist Daryl Johnson, and lead vocalist/keyboardist Trixie Whitley (the daughter of the late Chris Whitley).
Black Dub have been signed to Jive Records and they are expected to commence a world tour in early 2011 supporting their debut self titled release, and they are currently doing special engagements throughout November and early December 2010 across the USA.
Daniel has recently written an autobiographical memoir entitled "Soul Mining, A Musical Life" that can be pre-ordered and is expected to be officially released through traditional book store channels in late November 2010.
Joy
Daniel Lanois Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Joy, joy, joy
Joy, joy, joy
On my way home I looked up at the sky
And the stars held up the night
Destiny set me free, destiny
With innocence we place
Oh yes, you still amaze me with your
Joy, joy, joy
Joy, joy, joy
Joy, joy, joy
The song 'Joy' by Daniel Lanois is a beautiful ode to finding happiness in the simplest of things. The repetition of the word 'joy' emphasizes its importance in our lives and reminds us to look for it in every moment. The lyrics evoke a sense of awe and wonder as the singer looks up at the stars and contemplates the power of destiny, which has set them free. The imagery of the stars holding up the night sky highlights the beauty and grandeur of the universe, where even the smallest things can bring us joy.
The singer then reflects on the past and expresses a longing for the innocence of childhood, where joy could be found in simple games and pleasures. The use of the word 'amaze' suggests that the singer is in awe of the simple and pure joy that can still be found in the world, despite the many hardships and struggles we face. The song serves as a reminder to find joy in the present moment and to appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.
Line by Line Meaning
Joy, joy, joy
I am overwhelmed with happiness and contentment, and I cannot contain my joy.
Joy, joy, joy
This feeling of intense happiness is so strong, it needs to be repeated multiple times to fully express it.
Joy, joy, joy
The source of my joy is so significant that it warrants repeating this word.
On my way home I looked up at the sky
While walking home, I glanced upward and gazed at the sky above me.
And the stars held up the night
The stars were brilliantly shining and illuminating the darkness of the night sky.
Destiny set me free, destiny
My life's path has been determined, and it has allowed me to feel liberated.
I miss the games we play
I long for the times when we used to enjoy playful activities together.
With innocence we place
Our childlike innocence allowed us to enjoy these games without any ulterior motives or negativity.
Oh yes, you still amaze me with your
Even after all this time, I am still in awe of you and the way you make me feel.
Joy, joy, joy
Reiterating the immense happiness and contentment I am experiencing.
Joy, joy, joy
Emphasizing the strength of the emotion that I am feeling.
Joy, joy, joy
Continuing to express the overwhelming feeling of joy.
Contributed by Blake V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.