Brenda Janz, a musical soul rooted in both Nova Scotia and her long-time home of British Columbia, returns with her latest offering, ‘Way of Life’. After three decades of crafting sincere songs, Brenda is no stranger to creating songs underpinned by heartfelt moments, but with ‘Way of Life’, she has managed to instill the most powerful, poignant, and reflective moments into the soul of the record.
It's an album that feels like a warm embrace, a collection of tracks that speak directly to the heart, echoing messages of hope, understanding, and connection. It’s simple, enjoyable, and cut from the heart, stripping things back to their most sincere and honest form.
The title track, ‘Way of Life’, stands out as the opening track. It’s an ode to the relationships that bind us, between parents and children, between lovers, and between all of us and the world we live in. Brenda’s delivery is heartfelt, carrying a message of love, gratitude, and the shared human experience, while the lyrics resonate with a quiet power, leaving a lasting impression long after the final note fades.
Another notable track is ‘Hard Workin’ Man’ a tribute to Brenda’s husband and his unwavering dedication to their family. The song shines with a deep sense of gratitude, celebrating the steadfast love and commitment that underpins their life together. It’s a song that blossoms through gentle acoustics, timeless country edge, and the quiet strength found in everyday devotion.
Brenda’s dedication and connection to her family speak volumes, not just in the heartfelt lyrics and tributes, but also in features scattered gorgeously throughout the album. ‘Lovers First’, a tender duet with her husband Philip Janz, offers a look back to the early stages of their lives together, centered beautifully around the repeated refrain, a gentle promise, of “let’s not forget we were lovers first.” The gentle interplay of their voices, accompanied by delicate acoustic guitar, evokes the pure and uncomplicated joy of early love while also serving as a poignant reminder to cherish those initial bonds throughout life.
It’s a magic that is repeated perfectly on the second duet ‘Unsaid’, while ‘Ode To Summer (Goodbye)’ featuring Jonas Janz, adds another layer of richness. Later on in the album, closing track, ‘How to Grieve’ with Noah Janz, offers a deeply personal and moving conclusion that will stay with you for days on end.
Brenda’s voice is backed effortlessly by the acoustic, folk, and country textures that ebb and flow through ‘Way of Life’. It’s a sound that provides a comfortable and honest backdrop for her storytelling, allowing her sincere lyrics to take centre stage. In every moment of the album, there’s an undeniable authenticity to Brenda’s delivery. Each song feels imbued with her own genuine emotions, creating a direct and affecting connection with the listener. Whether it's the wistful memories evoked in the acoustic warmth of ‘Seabirds’ or the reflective country tones of ‘Little Boys’, Janz has a knack for capturing heartfelt moments.
‘Way of Life’ is not just an album that showcases Brenda’s talents, but a window into her life, her family, and her innermost feelings, capturing a piece of her and presenting it to the world. It’s an album that makes you think about the important connections in life, and of the enduring power of simple, honest songwriting that speaks directly to the soul.
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