German-born soul singer Joy Denalane makes her triumphant return with her new album, WILLPOWER. It extends her affiliation with Robert Dio Gioia and Max Herre, two of her longtime studio partners.
Denalane’s first studio album since her Motown Records debut, Let Yourself Be Loved, reflects several life changes, including the loss of her father and becoming an empty nester.
She poured her grief into tracks such as “Happy,” the album’s second single featuring rapper Ghostface Killah.
Of the song, Denalane said, “I wanted to dedicate a song to my father. But it was important to me that it didn’t sound like a traditional mourning song, but that it transported the many happy memories of him. I had a wonderful life with my father.”
“Hideaway,” the lead single, is perfect for couples looking to reset and grow their relationship. It portrays Denalane’s long-desired alone time with her husband, away from the noise of the world.
Denalane explains how she only shares her emotional ups and downs with her one and only on the moody “All of Me.” Meanwhile, she reminds us that our motivation comes from within on “By Heart.”
Two other standouts are “Far Cry,” a present-day tale that could be featured in a Blaxploitation cult classic, and “Fly By,” the album’s third single. The latter has an official video, which can be watched below.
As noted, WILLPOWER is the follow-up to Denalane’s 2020 album, Let Yourself Be Loved. It was ranked No. 11 on Rated R&B’s 30 Best R&B Albums of 2020 list.
“The fact that Denalane released Let Yourself Be Loved under the legendary Motown Records imprint just speaks volumes to her very classic sound of artistry,” wrote Rated R&B’s Antwane Folk.
An expanded version of Let Yourself Be Loved followed in autumn 2021. Late in 2022, Denalane shared two holiday songs, including “Christmas Will Really Be Christmas” and “Someday At Christmas.”
Listen to Joy Denalane’s new album WILLPOWER below.