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 It contained the minor hit, the Carole King-penned song "You've Got a Friend" that was originally made famous by James Taylor.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.
You Are The Universe
The Brand New Heavies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The hidden treasure, locked behind the hidden doors
And the promise of a day that's shiny new
Only a dreamer, could afford this point of view
But you're a driver, not a passenger in life
And if you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause
You are the Universe
If you conceive it, you can achieve it
That's why, I believe in you, yes I do
You're a winner, so do what you came here for
The secret weapon, isn't secret anymore
You're a driver, never passenger in life
And when you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause
You are the Universe
And there ain't nothin' you can't do
If you conceive it, you can achieve it
That's why, I believe in you, yes I do
You are the Universe
And there ain't nothin' you can't be
If you conceive it, you can achieve it
That's why, I believe in you, and I believe in me
(Yes I do
Believe in you
I do)
You're a driver, not a passenger in life
And when you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause
You are the Universe...
The lyrics to The Brand New Heavies' "You Are The Universe" encourage the listener to take control of their own life and pursue their dreams. The song acknowledges the existence of the "hidden treasure" of potential that lies within each individual, waiting to be unlocked. The singer urges the listener not to be a mere passenger in life, but rather a driver, in control of their own destiny. The message is one of empowerment and positivity, reminding the listener that they are capable of achieving anything they conceive of.
The repetition of the phrase "You are the Universe" reinforces this idea of the listener's infinite potential. The lyrics suggest that there is nothing that the listener cannot do or be, as long as they believe in themselves and are willing to put in the effort. The song ends on a note of mutual encouragement, with the singer expressing their belief not only in the listener, but in themselves as well.
Line by Line Meaning
You're the future, and you've come for what is yours
You have the potential to shape your own future and you've come to claim what rightfully belongs to you
The hidden treasure, locked behind the hidden doors
There are valuable opportunities hidden from plain sight, waiting for you to discover and unlock
And the promise of a day that's shiny new
The future holds the potential for a bright and positive day
Only a dreamer, could afford this point of view
Only someone with the ability to dream can see the potential for a better future
But you're a driver, not a passenger in life
You have control over your life and are actively shaping your own path
And if you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause
If you are prepared, success will come naturally
You are the Universe
You have the power to shape your own destiny and make a significant impact on the world
And there ain't nothin' you can't do
Anything is possible if you put your mind to it and work hard to achieve your goals
If you conceive it, you can achieve it
If you can envision your future and believe in your ability to make it a reality, you can achieve success
That's why, I believe in you, yes I do
The singer has faith in the listener's ability to succeed and make a positive impact on the world
You're a winner, so do what you came here for
You have the potential for success and should focus on your goals to achieve your dreams
The secret weapon, isn't secret anymore
You have special talents and abilities that were once hidden but are now being recognized and celebrated
You are the Universe
You have immense power to shape the future and make a positive change in the world
And there ain't nothin' you can't be
You have the potential to be anything you want to be if you work hard and stay focused on your goals
That's why, I believe in you, and I believe in me
The singer has faith in both the listener's and their own ability to succeed and make a positive impact on the world
You're a driver, not a passenger in life
You have control over your own life and can shape your future through your own actions and decisions.
And when you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause
When you're properly prepared, success will come naturally and be easier to achieve.
You are the Universe...
You possess great power to shape the future, make a positive change in the world, and achieve success.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sexyrhea1990
You are the universe
You're the future, and you've come for what is yours
The hidden treasure, locked behind the hidden doors
And the promise of a day that's shiny new
Only a dreamer, could afford this point of view
But you're a driver, not a passenger in life
And if you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause
You are the Universe
And there ain't nothin' you can't do
If you conceive it, you can achieve it
That's why, I believe in you, yes I do
You're a winner, so do what you came here for
The secret weapon, isn't secret anymore
You're a driver, never passenger in life
And when you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause
You are the Universe
And there ain't nothin' you can't do
If you conceive it, you can achieve it
That's why, I believe in you, yes I do
You are the Universe
And there ain't nothin' you can't be
If you conceive it, you can achieve it
That's why, I believe in you, and I believe in me
(Yes I do
Believe in you
I do)
You're a driver, not a passenger in life
And when you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause
You are the Universe.
@chikom071
❤i am blessed today with the soothing & glorious voice of Maysa Leak after had the chance of meeting her in 1992 , what a rollercoaster ride since 23 years ago ...Bravo Incognito forever.
@jadktimeless2831
I Was Born In 1975 And I Will Never Forget My Chilhood. Remembering The 90's One Of My Best Decade Listening Brand New Havies, Incognito And Other Stars.❤
@NickyNustar
Perfect.
Royal,
Immaculate.
Serenity.
(Zen).
Eternal.
@ThembaSystem-hl9si
Acid jazz......every time I play it I hold my son n tell him that you are the universe ✨
@lez_smkkgatle8083
Im born in 1989, 34 yrs right now... My dad loves this song... 2023 it came back in my head so im gona download it & send it to him 😎 lets all gather here once in a while to commemorate old school disco music 🌍❤️🙏🏼
@soundseeker63
Wow!... haven't heard this for something like 20 years but, this is exactly the kind of positive and empowering music the world needs right now! What a gem.
@Eternity9000
we wish for this energy again ....! it is done ...!
@dermeistefan
IDK about you, but whenever I hear "empowering ", I am reminded of these Evergreen College wannabe revolutionists.
Going around campus to flush out "...counterrevolutionists". with baseball- bats and/or Twitter comments.
@christianroberto9552
i guess it's quite randomly asking but does anyone know a good site to stream newly released movies online?
@xetchrono2034
https://youtu.be/HC-X_-pcorQ