The group came up with the Heavies name after signing their first record contract, borrowing from a liner note on a James Brown single declaring the artist "Minister of New Super Heavy Funk". As The Brand New Heavies they gained a cult following in the London club scene and soon signed to Cooltempo as acid jazz replaced rare groove in clubs. The band issued a debut recording for Eddie Piller's Acid Jazz label in 1990 with Jay Ella Ruth as lead singer.
A single, "Got to Give", came out on Cooltempo before the Brand New Heavies signed to Acid Jazz Records and released Brand New Heavies to critical acclaim. The band signed to a division of Chrysalis Records in the UK, and American distribution was picked up by influential label Delicious Vinyl, and N'Dea Davenport (who had signed an artist development deal with Delicious Vinyl) joined the group. A revamped version of the first album with vocals by N'Dea Davenport was then released, and the singles "Dream Come True", "Never Stop" and "Stay This Way", all with Davenport on lead vocals, became hits on both sides of the Atlantic, with the latter becoming a music video directed by Douglas Gayeton that saw heavy rotation on MTV.
The group's appearance with MC Serch (formerly of 3rd Bass) and Q-Tip (of A Tribe Called Quest) at a performance in New York City, inspired the group to incorporate elements of hip hop music. Their next album was the critically acclaimed Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1, which included collaborations with Guru of Gang Starr and The Pharcyde, among others, but lacked any female vocals.
While under management by Colin Lester's and Ian McAndrew's Wildlife Entertainment, The Brand New Heavies released Brother Sister (1994) which was the last album for a while with N'Dea Davenport, who had left to complete her solo album (which she had put on hold to join the Heavies). The album spawned more singles, though one of them, a cover of Maria Muldaur's "Midnight at the Oasis", was popular only in the UK because it was not included in the US version of the album.
Siedah Garrett joined the group for their next album, Shelter (1997). It contained the minor hit, the Carole King-penned song "You've Got a Friend" that was originally made famous by James Taylor. Again, though, this song did not appear on the US version of the album. The album also contained the hit "Sometimes". The remix of "Sometimes" included the rap vocals of Q-Tip from Tribe.
The Brand New Heavies then released their greatest hits album, Trunk Funk - The Best of The Brand New Heavies (2000) with Carleen Anderson on vocals for some newly recorded songs, followed by the Japan only album We Won't Stop (2003) featuring a variety of vocalists and Allaboutthefunk (2004) featuring British singer Nicole Russo on vocals.
In April 2006, the Brand New Heavies reunited with N'Dea Davenport and former label Delicious Vinyl. A new album, Get Used to It was released on June 27 2006 via Starbucks and more traditional music retail outlets. The album was recorded in New York and London; and the lead single "I Don't Know Why (I Love You)" was issued in early May. The single was notable for being one of very few late releases to feature the trademarked "A Tom Moulton Mix", as the legendary disco pioneer had been asked to contribute mixes. Later that year, their song "Jump 'N' Move" was featured on the soundtrack for the 2006 computer animated feature film, Happy Feet, and the in-game soundtrack for 2004's NBA Live 2005. The band toured at the end of 2006.
After the release of a live CD Live at the Indigo2 in late 2008, the Brand New Heavies announced they would be releasing a new album in 2009 with N'Dea Davenport on vocals.
Day By Day
The Brand New Heavies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Together we got everything we're ever gonna need
I don't know what you can call it
All I know is that it works
Here's the funny thing about it, sugar
Sometimes it feels so good it hurts
(That) keeps getting better all the time
There's no sweeter sweet sensation
Than knowing what we've got is right
Together we got joy, we got faith
Baby we got somethin' nothin' ever can replace
CHORUS
We're keepin' it strong together - day by day
Takin' it nice and easy as we go - day by day
Baby belong together - day by day
Takin' it day by day by day
Baby, we ain't missin' nothin'
('Cause) what we have is tried and true - ooh
And we know that this is somethin'
We don't ever wanna lose
We've got the perfect situation
And it keeps getting better, better all the time
Repeat Chorus Twice
Together we got love, we got peace
Baby we got everything we're ever gonna need
Together we got joy, we got faith
Baby we got somethin' nothin' ever can replace
We've got the perfect situation
And it keeps getting better, better all the time
Chorus (vamp out)
The lyrics of "Day By Day" by The Brand New Heavies sing about the joy and sweetness of being in a committed and loving relationship. The first verse emphasizes the positivity of being together with someone, talking about the love and unity that can be shared. It also illustrates the euphoria that is brought about by the happiness and love they share, and how it is a feeling that can be addictive.
The second verse goes deeper into the nature of the relationship, acknowledging that it is not something that can be easily explained or attributed to just one reason. They describe their fascination with each other that seems to be growing more and more over time, and how it feels like it is only getting better as it develops. This fascination is seen as the core of their bond, something that cannot be replicated. The chorus serves to reinforce the idea that their love and relationship only grows stronger with each day that passes. It also emphasizes the importance of taking things slow and enjoying each moment they share, rather than rushing through everything.
In conclusion, the lyrics to "Day By Day" celebrate the power and beauty of genuine, enduring love and connection. It highlights the joys and happiness that come with being committed to someone, and how it can be incredibly inspiring and invigorating for those involved.
Line by Line Meaning
Together we got love, we got peace
We have a strong and deep connection filled with love and peace.
Together we got everything we're ever gonna need
Everything we need as a couple, we already have because our love is enough.
I don't know what you can call it
This love doesn't need a label, it just exists as it is.
All I know is that it works
We don't have to understand why our love works, but it does and that's all that matters.
Here's the funny thing about it, sugar
The interesting thing about this love is that sometimes it's so good that it hurts.
Sometimes it feels so good it hurts
Our love is so intense and powerful that it's almost overwhelming.
We've got a lover's fascination
We are deeply attracted to each other and our connection keeps getting stronger.
Keeps getting better all the time
Our love is constantly growing and improving with each passing day.
There's no sweeter sweet sensation
The feeling of being in this love is incomparable and indescribable.
Than knowing what we've got is right
We are confident that our love is true and meant to be.
Together we got joy, we got faith
Our love brings us happiness and a belief in something greater.
Baby we got somethin' nothin' ever can replace
We have a unique bond that is irreplaceable and special.
We're keepin' it strong together - day by day
We are working together to maintain and strengthen our love each and every day.
Takin' it nice and easy as we go - day by day
We are taking our time and enjoying each moment as we continue to build our love together.
Baby belong together - day by day
We are meant to be together and will continue to do so with each passing day.
Takin' it day by day by day
We are taking things slow and being patient as we build our love day by day.
Baby, we ain't missin' nothin'
We don't need anything else because our love is fulfilling and complete.
What we have is tried and true - ooh
Our love has been tested and proven to be true and authentic.
And we know that this is somethin'
We are aware that the love we share is something special and rare.
We don't ever wanna lose
We are committed to keeping our love strong and not losing what we have.
We've got the perfect situation
Our love is ideal and complete for us.
Chorus
The repeated section reinforces the idea that we are keeping our love strong and building it day by day.
Vamp out
The final section repeats the chorus with additional musical improvisation.
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Loylyn Jones Walton
This song gave me and my fiance the strength to go on as he battled cancer..... "we can be strong together....."
Thank you Brand New Heavies๐
Sheldon Maycock
This a really great sounding song. it has that positive beat and the singer is smooth!
Smart.Robot
Sheldon Maycock: The singer is Siedah Garrett who sang and wrote Michael Jackson's song "Man In The Mirror" and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" from the BAD album. She also did the original version of "Don't Look Any Further" with Bernard Edwards in 1983/4...she actually co-wrote with The Brand New Heavies this entire "Shelter" album...
mimi mabaso
Still a great jam in 2021.. Timeless I tell you
JPWorld100
unbelievable - 136 views and 1 like. This group is class - just listen to the bass on these tracks, just superb. Totally underrated ...
pariocean chicago
I know, it's sad
Bootney Farnsworth
I don't know maybe good music is just slept on
andy clacey
great track from a top class album.
Claus Ermlich
..love that band since the first time i heard it .. great team , great musicians !!!
Klaus Schilling
One of the best R & B albums EVER - not one single weak track (well, maybe James Taylorโs..)