::ALBUM REVIEW::

Knowing Yolanda Adams has experienced a breakthrough once again since her troublesome divorce and major label drop from Elektra Records is pretty much the success story we all have been waiting to hear from such a musical treasure. Count this project as one of the many triumphs she has recently witnessed. While riding high off of her gigantic single, "Be Blessed", "Day By Day" comes towards the immediate public with open arms as she graciously returns to a more comfortable setting than her last two musical offerings. At best, Adams sings to delicate urban mellow R&B, with the occasional influence of heavy-hitting contemporary gospel added in the equation. Her focus is on safe, inspirational and friendly lyrics - avoiding the preachy, deep topics and obvious scripture-oriented titles; good enough to sneak a few of these tunes into the secular market. But her voice, on the majority of the tracks, ranges from heavy-octane powerhouse belts and calming elegance - which helps to prove her inescapable and irresistible range.

Knowing Yolanda Adams has experienced a breakthrough once again since her troublesome divorce and major label drop from Elektra Records is pretty much the success story we all have been waiting to hear from such a musical treasure. Count this project as one of the many triumphs she has recently witnessed. While riding high off of her gigantic single, "Be Blessed", "Day By Day" comes towards the immediate public with open arms as she graciously returns to a more comfortable setting than her last two musical offerings. At best, Adams sings to delicate urban mellow R&B, with the occasional influence of heavy-hitting contemporary gospel added in the equation. Her focus is on safe, inspirational and friendly lyrics - avoiding the preachy, deep topics and obvious scripture-oriented titles; good enough to sneak a few of these tunes into the secular market. But her voice, on the majority of the tracks, ranges from heavy-octane powerhouse belts and calming elegance - which helps to prove her inescapable and irresistible range.

Things open up on an urban note, probably a wise move yet "Victory" lacks in originality. With the same "wap-wap" psychedelic effects created by a strange keyboard synthesizer patch circulating throughout the whole song and barely a single change in the melody, the song is unaspiring even though it may bust a head jerk in the beginning. Straight through this song, Yolanda belts out the maximum from her deep-gospel roots as if she has alot to prove. Plus the melody seems a bit corny and irritating, especially when you compare it to Adams' previous masterpieces. But things take off to greater acceptance as a mid-tempo "Tonight", penned by Kirk Franklin, follows - breaking the ice for more, balanced and ear-friendly material. And even though he appears on the cut with his oh-so-familiar rap, Adams dominates the flow of the cut while the song builds up into an emotional lather. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis has penned a good bulk of Adam's most recent classics ("Open My Heart", "Never Give Up") and so they return to recreate those successes with two amazing numbers; the aromotherapeutic "Alwaysness" (which features a strong piano presence and a mellow jazz vibe) and the now-classic "Be Blessed". Both songs are definitely encouraging and are gospel-friendly. Lyrically, the songs portray a poetic flair with the tranquil musical arrangements. Then there's the tranquil beauty found in Barry Eastmond's "Someone Watching Over You". The renowned producer lays down a gripping message in a song tucked with beautiful R&B comfort. Definitely these three tunes, in particular, are the major highlights offered here. Other calming tunes featured on "Day By Day" include "It's Gon' Be Nice" and the title cut penned by Gregory Curtis.

There are a few songs that in some ways hurt the project from being exceptionally special. Another Jam & Lewis production affair - "Lift Him Up", which features Mary Mary and Donnie McClurkin, sounds pretty much like material once heard before from CeCe Winans and the Bad Boy Family. Actually, it sounds like a much faster version of "Fall Down" from the Fighting Temptations soundtrack. The song falls into the lines of a generic benediction to a motion picture. "I'm Grateful" sounds a tad bit outdated, and even though the retro sounds are making a mighty comeback, the song lacks inspiration. Even though the songs towards the end seem a bit sappy, Adams ends this collection on a moving highnote with "This Too Will Pass"; a song that brings to the surface the sound Yolanda is mostly known to embrace. She approaches the gentle tune, which bears a ballad covering reminiscent to successful adult contemporary formulas by the likes of Celine Dion and Anita Baker, with grace and radiant sensitivity.

Even though "Day By Day" falls short from matching up with the unmatched "Mountain High Valley Low" (1999), this album does possess the necessary anecdote for Adams' continual success and longevity. It also is a worthy return to good material and lyrically-driven creations - something lacking in her previous projects. Plus add to the history books the four year recording sabbatical she took to finally reach this moment in time. This is definitely a comeback project and is sure to help reattach and strengthen Adams' connections with her faithful fanbase.