Dearest gentle readers and music lovers, let’s give a warm welcome to NJ-based band BRIGHT SHINING LIGHTS. On 23rd September, the band released a sixteen-song album called “The Sun Is A Star”. Let me take you through the album.
The title track of the album is called “Go for launch”. This song opens with an ethereal sound that is both beautiful and compelling. The title of the song might seem familiar; let me tell you why. When it comes to Space travel and aerospace technology, “go for launch” is one of the phrases used to signify the beginning of the launch. In this song, it’s not much different, but in the spacecraft are a couple who are going into the stars. They hold on to each other for support and let us know that, as they travel, they are leaving their past behind them. Even though the couple may be traveling to space, it seems less likely, so the space travel might be a metaphor for the couple to signify a new era in their relationship. An era free of guilt and mistake, or, I might be reading too much into the song, and the couple is really going to space. Whatever the reason is, the lyrics give us a picture in our minds as we listen to the song. Musically, the instrumentation was fresh and unique, and the vocal performance was beautiful. This song opens up the album beautifully.
Next up is the song “Weightless”. This song has a glacial and soft melody that is later mixed in with some inspirational and rousing sounds. The song talks about a persona who is not burdened in any way at all. In fact, he beckons you to join him to float above everything else. The song didn’t need to ask me twice; I wanted to escape reality for a while, and this song really helped me with that. The vocal performance in this song was so regal, and its instrumentation made me feel like I was floating, too!
The third song is called “Let’s build a house beside the moon”. This song opens with a short melody before the vocal performance starts. This song seems to continue the story of the couple in “Go for Launch”. This song updates us on the couple as they land among the stars. The man suggests to his partner that they build a house beside the moon and grow old in the stars. Musically, the instrumentation was so powerful, and the vocal performance was so clear and crisp. I really enjoyed the song, and so will you.
Up next is the track “It’s Full of Stars”. This song opens with a radiant and captivating melody. This song continues the story of the couple in the first song. In this song, we witness a heartfelt moment between them as they look at the stars, while they are in the stars. I am confident that anyone in the world will kill for such a killer view. Looking at the stars is romantic enough, but can you imagine looking at them up close, where you can almost touch them?, It would be mind-blowing. The vocal performance was very good, and the instrumentation complemented it and gave us an immersive and well-rounded song.
“Drift” is the next song on the album. The song opens with an amazing guitar melody that will grow on you instantly. The song talks about self-development and growth. The growth might be the growth of the characters in the song or just growth in general. The instrumentation was so incredible, and the vocal performance was undeniably good.
The sixth song on the album is called “Above the ground”. The song opens with an upbeat retro melody that is very exciting. The song talks about the love that the couple we have been talking about so far have found in the skies, above the ground. I, for one, am relieved about the love that the couple has for one another because, above the ground, in the sky, with nothing but open skies, a relationship without love will not survive. Musically, the instrumentation is foot-tapping, and the vocal performance was catchy and unforgettable.
Up next is “Dreaming of Sheep”. The song begins with a soft yet captivating melody. This song seems to be about death and how it can just happen suddenly. The dramatic and instrumentation made this song the wonder that it is
“Quiet Mistake” is the next song on the album. The song starts with a throbbing and classical-like melody that will catch your attention instantly. The song is about a character who has moved from his home, trying to have a new beginning. The character hadn’t planned to stay, but he promised to write to his beloved, all the happenings on his quest. The vocal performance was airy and perfect, and the instrumentation was flawlessly executed.
Next up is the song” We Do Our Best”. The song goes right into the vocal performance. This song talks about forgetting about things in the past. Sometimes, forgetting the past isn’t good or isn’t healing. Sometimes, we try to remember something or someone we love, but it’s been so long that we can’t remember it well, and that can be quite depressing. The song shows a different side of forgetting the past that we don’t talk about. The side where we try to hold on to a person or a memory, but we forget. The vocal performance of this song was beautiful, and the instrumentation was the icing on the cake.
“Black Hole” is the next song on the record. The song opens with an acoustic guitar melody before the vocals set in. In the song, the character asks his partner to jump into the black hole that is coming towards them. He assures her that he will be there with her and tells her to hold her breath. The female vocals on this song brought about a fascinating harmony that will blow your mind.
Up next is “Restart, Begin”. The song opens with a dark and eerie piano sound. This song tells us about a character who is missing his lover. The lyrics let us know how much he yearns for her. The song maintains its darkness even though the subject matter is heartfelt and beautiful. These two opposite things (dark sound and light subject matter) come together to make one hell of a song.
“Alien” is the title of the next song on the record. This song opens with a thumping sound, which is later mixed into a harp-like sound. The song talks about how important love is. Love trumps all is the message, and I think everyone can get behind it because we need love in everything that we do. Musically, we get an avant-garde instrumentation and a powerful vocal performance.
The next song on the record is called “Speak (Meet Me Where I Am)”. The song opens with an emotive piano melody that brought tears to my eyes. In the song, the character is urging his partner to speak to him, a meet him in the middle kind of thing. We all desire a partner who communicates, so this song will resonate with everyone. Musically, we get an avant-garde, emotive sonic performance that you will not forget easily.
“Hallelujah” is the title of the next song. The song opens with a slow and sad guitar and drum melody. The persona in the song is asking to be broken and reformed. This theme has Christian connotations as pious people are described as people who have been broken down till they have a contrite heart. This could also mean a good relationship, a hallelujah, or a perfect relationship, the character had only heard of but never experienced. The vocal performance and the instrumentation work hand in hand to curate a magical and legendary sonic experience.
Next up is “The door is ajar”. This song opens with an ethereal and slow synth sound. The song is about a character asking to be shined on. He puts it out there that he is open and ready for the star to shine on him. The song just takes you to another stratosphere, among the stars. This song just gives you the best indescribable feeling ever.
The last song on the album is called “One”. The song opens with a short piano melody before the song starts. The song sums up the human experience that we are all lights chasing the dark. This profound song was performed in a very heavenly and majestic way. This wonderful song ends the album.
“The Sun Is A Star” is Bright Shining Lights’ second album. This mystical and cosmic journey delves into the need for connection, purpose, and travel through space and time to find what we’re looking for. Recorded in a basement in New Jersey, the production of this record sounds anything but. Influenced by Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and Hans Zimmer, this one-of-a-kind release will take you on a musical journey. I loved the cohesiveness of the album a lot. What a talented band!, I can’t wait to hear more of their music
Stream “The Sun is a Star” album on Spotify
Follow Bright Shining Lights here and on their socials; X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Bandcamp
