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 It contained the minor hit, the Carole King-penned song "You've Got a Friend" that was originally made famous by James Taylor.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.
Shelter
The Brand New Heavies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's no flies on me
Life can't deliver
No surprise to me
Got a head full of trouble
The world's weight on my back
I'm a fighter
I survive like that
I'm a modern enigma
I am living proof
Cold eyes speaking volumes
Of my troubled youth
I believe in the future
>From mistakes I have grown
Leaving the shadows
Which were once my home
Need your hand to help me over
Need your shoulder
Need your light to bring me closer
To your shelter
Been so long in the bitter
City air I breath
Seen a million believers
Cry in disbelief
I won't give in to the pressure
Keep my spirit intact
'Cause I know when I need you
You will watch my back
CHORUS:
Need your hand to help me over
Need your shoulder
Need light to bring me closer
To your shelter
Need your hand to help me over
Need your shoulder
Need your light to bring me closer
To your shelter
They can't take you away from me
When they try it only makes me stronger
Through the dark it's your light I see
Helping to show me the way
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
Repeat Chorus Once
The lyrics to the Brand New Heavies' song "Shelter" speak to the struggles of growing up in a city environment and the need for refuge during trying times. The opening lines capture the hardened exterior of someone who has faced their fair share of challenges living in a city: "I was born in the city/ There's no flies on me/ Life can't deliver/ No surprise to me." This person has seen it all and is prepared for whatever life throws their way.
Throughout the rest of the song, the lyrics paint a picture of someone who is both strong and vulnerable. They have overcome past mistakes and the shadows of their past, but they still need the support of others to get through tough times. The chorus repeats the lines "Need your hand to help me over/ Need your shoulder/ Need your light to bring me closer/ To your shelter," emphasizing the importance of seeking help from those we trust.
Overall, "Shelter" is a song about resilience, the power of human connection, and the ability to find safety and comfort even in the darkest of times.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born in the city
I was born and raised in the bustling urban environment
There's no flies on me
I am sharp and aware, no one can con me
Life can't deliver
Nothing life throws at me can surprise me anymore
No surprise to me
It's all expected, I've seen it before
Got a head full of trouble
I carry a lot of burdens and worries in my mind
The world's weight on my back
The difficulties of life are weighing heavily on me
I'm a fighter
I am strong and resilient, always pushing through obstacles
I survive like that
This is how I make it through life
I'm a modern enigma
I am a complex and puzzling figure of the present time
I am living proof
My very existence is evidence of something profound
Cold eyes speaking volumes
My eyes reveal deep emotion, despite their facade of detachment
Of my troubled youth
The hardships of my younger years left a mark on me
I believe in the future
I have faith in what is to come
From mistakes I have grown
I have learned and developed from the errors of my past
Leaving the shadows
I am escaping the dark places of my history
Which were once my home
But which used to be my comfort zone
Need your hand to help me over
I require your assistance to overcome obstacles
Need your shoulder
I need your support when I am weak
Need your light to bring me closer
I need your guidance to help me come nearer to you
To your shelter
To the refuge and protection of your love and care
Been so long in the bitter
I have endured a long time in the harsh and unpleasant aspects of life
City air I breathe
The exhaust-filled air of the city is all I know
Seen a million believers
I have observed countless individuals who have been let down by their faith
Cry in disbelief
They lament in shock and disillusionment
I won't give in to the pressure
I will not succumb to the stress and demands of others
Keep my spirit intact
I am determined to maintain my positive outlook and inner strength
'Cause I know when I need you
Because I have trust in your reliability and availability
You will watch my back
You will protect me and support me in any situation
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
I am confident that I will be secure and protected in your loving care
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
I trust that I can find safety and comfort in your love and support
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
I am certain that I will not be alone or vulnerable in your loving embrace
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAN KINCAID
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@piper-ct2vy
Jan Kincaid love this still groovin in 2023
@wiwilson1961
most under rated group of all time
@StingahL
Truth^^^
@mhsilver1000
It's a pity!
@tywilliamnash5078
… …That’s Right …. You Tell ‘Em!!
@tywilliamnash5078
I bought this CD Album soon after it came out , when a good friend turned me on to it. I don’t know where it or any of my music collection went after three apartment moves later. I’m glad I stumbled across this on YouTube browsing just now. It’ll remind me to get another copy.
@chrisodriscoll3077
Underrated by who ? Anyone who knows anything about music knows Brand New Heavies are 100% legit .
@behindbarsmototouring898
One of theme songs of my life...and still listening in 2023
@Fatima502
For me, this defined my summer of 1997. In the past 24 years, I forgot how good it was.
@funkwiccas7860
I mean ... still hits hard this baseline ... thank you for amazing music BNH. Forever a fan 🙏🏾