In a time when ever-changing trends often shape popular music, Collaborations take a different approach with “Songs From The Heart Vol. 1”. This album is built on a foundation of genuine artistry, rich storytelling, and a passion for timeless sounds. Spearheaded by Ed Daniels and produced by Vic Steffens, owner of Horizon Studios, the project unites a diverse group of independent artists. Drawing inspiration from the iconic styles of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, “Songs From The Heart Vol. 1” delivers a nostalgic yet fresh musical experience that resonates deeply with listeners. This acts as the follow-up to last year’s single “Let the Love In”.
Collaborations’ Album “Songs From The Heart Vol. 1”:
A Musical Journey With Purpose
At the heart of “Songs From The Heart Vol. 1” is the project’s lead single, which was released back in November, titled “Let The Love In”, featuring Anais Preller; a track that radiates warmth and unity. The song’s rich instrumentation and emotive lyrics embody the very spirit of the album—one that prioritises storytelling, emotion, and musical depth. From its heartfelt delivery to its classic influences, the track sets the tone for what listeners can expect throughout the 11-track collection.
Each artist involved in “Songs From The Heart Vol. 1” has been given the freedom to bring their own unique vision to the table, working within a foundational theme while infusing their personal experiences and emotions. This dynamic approach results in a collection of songs that feel deeply personal yet universally resonant, touching on themes of introspection, human connection, and social consciousness.
A Stellar Lineup of Artists and Musicians
What makes “Songs From The Heart Vol. 1” stand out is the incredible talent that has contributed to its creation. Alongside Ed Daniels, a lineup of gifted co-writers—Anais Preller, Suzanne Kiss, Heather Joseph, Carla Zipa, Sylvia Jones, Sheila Fabrizio, Vita Rose Taytro, Bonnie Lee Panda, and Alex Bach—have poured their voices and lyricism into the project. Guided by Kevin Monroe, the vocal arrangements gain an extra dimension with the contributions of Devotion, whose harmonies bring richness and texture to the album’s soundscape.
Collaborations also boast a remarkable assembly of musicians, including award-winning talents such as Bobby Torello, Scott Spray, Al Ferrante, Jon Peckman, Tim DeHuff, Bill Holloman, and Dave Eggar on strings. With co-production and orchestrations by Matt Oestreicher, the album’s sound is crafted with expert precision, ensuring that each track carries a level of musicality that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Capturing the Essence of the Project
Beyond just the music, the story of “Songs From The Heart Vol. 1” is also being documented through the lens of filmmaker Rafe Klien, capturing the evolution of this ambitious project. From recording sessions at Horizon Music Studios in West Haven, CT, to the artistic process behind each song, the visual component adds another layer to this rich musical experience.
Track-by-Track Review
Starting off the album strong with the previous debut single release, “Let The Love In” featuring Anais Preller, Collaborations introduces the listener to the style and aesthetic so that the audience builds anticipation for the following 10 songs. As we previously said, it radiates warmth and unity, inviting the listener into the album as a whole.
This is followed by “Ready For Love” featuring Kimberley Bon, which is kickstarted by unexpected harmonies that attract the listener. Silence follows for a good 20 seconds, building suspense, leading into more harmonies. This track gives a warped sense of sound, as production have flipped it on its head with the harmonies taking frontal stage while a vocalist can only just about be heard in the background. Whether its a production mistake or intentional, this is certainly different and bland.
Track three is “Don’t You See”, featuring Sylvia Jones, which brings back the instruments, tapping into the jazz-pop style that works so well. Full of life, the backing track feels powerful as it accompanies the lead singer’s brilliant storytelling vocals. The lyrics are full of heart and are inspirational, sending out exciting positive vibes. This is followed by “Doing Fine”, featuring Suzanne Kiss, which flips the jazz script and delivers some soul-pop-rock with the prominent backing drums and the gorgeous R&B vocal. It tonally shifts to jazz-R&B, settling with the rhythmic sound that spotlights the singer who is delivering an unforgettable message of empowerment and freedom.
“Think About It” is track five on the album, featuring Kimberley Bon, Sylvia Jones, and Vita Rose Taytro. It is an addictive track that starts with a rhythmic beat paired with stunning harmonies. The backing track builds up, and we even get a guitar break halfway through the song. “Time For You” follows next, featuring Anais Preller and Lee Ann Lovelace, bringing honesty mixed around big band to create an uptempo jazz-pop number full of integrity and reliability. Quite possibly our favourite track on the album, “Time For You” delivers exceptional powerful vocals that effortlessly portray the self-improvement lyrics and just believing in oneself. There’s also a gorgeous saxophone instrumental segment that takes this track to the next level.
The seventh track on the album is “Already There” featuring Suzanne Kiss and Sylvia Jones. It switches up the tone of the album, embracing a laid-back jazz essence. The song pairs a rhythmic, groove-infused backing track with smooth, ’60s-inspired vocals. The instrumentation shines, particularly during an impressive instrumental break, while the vocalist effortlessly delivers nostalgic, era-evoking lyrics that add to the track’s timeless charm. “Got A Felling” (we presume it’s supposed to be “Got A Feeling”), featuring Kimberley Bon, follows next, giving a mixture of ’60s and ’70s with the prominent piano in the backing track and the heartfelt vocal. The jovial, positive vocals remind us of the musical Hairspray, bringing infectious belief in change and easily uplifting the audience.
Next up is “I Wanna Know”, featuring Suzanne Kiss, which is full of storytelling lyrics that are set to make listeners’ imagination go wild, taking us right into the very moment, thanks to the awesome vocalist. Tuneful and memorable, this one touches the soul and connects us effortlessly with the lyrics. Track 10 is “Where We Belong” and it features Alex Bach, Kimberley Bon, and Sylvia Jones. Touching into jazz-rock, this song is a subtle transformative track that perhaps comes off better in-person live than it does in this album as a whole; there’s just something missing. Regardless, the guitar instrumental definitely claims the spotlight.
The album ends with “Running Out Of Tomorrows”, featuring Alex Bach, Bonnie Lee Panda, and Suzanne Kiss, adding in more pop than jazz, making a positive statement to end the entire project. With harmonies that are truly unforgettable, the vocalists in this last track sends chills to the listeners, and they’re determined to make an impact, which is exactly what they accomplish with this flawless track.
A Testament to the Power of Music
“Songs From The Heart Vol. 1” is more than just an album—it’s a tribute to the golden era of music, a project that values artistry over algorithms, and a reminder of the emotional depth that music can bring. Whether you long for the classic songwriting styles of past decades or simply appreciate music that is crafted with heart and purpose, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
With its diverse range of artists, heartfelt compositions, and masterful production, Collaborations prove that music still has the power to unite, inspire, and move audiences. For those ready to embark on this journey of sound and soul, this is one collaboration you won’t want to miss.
“Songs From The Heart Vol. 1”, by Collaborations, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via HMG Recordings.