The Day Is Brave
The Day Is Brave is Brendan James’s debut studio album, released on June 3, 2008. It expands on his 2007 EP The Ballroom Break In and runs 42 minutes and 38 seconds. The album blends pop, rock, and adult contemporary music, was released on Decca, and produced by Curt Schneider and Mikal Blue.
Two singles came from the album: “Green” (May 20, 2008) and “Take the Fall” (2008).
Brendan James writes mainly at the piano, with lyrics that come last. He draws on personal experience and everyday life. The title The Day Is Brave reflects his own journey. One track, “Hero’s Song,” about the war from a soldier’s perspective, gained attention after being chosen for Eddie Vedder’s Body of War soundtrack when Tomas Young discovered James’s music online.
Influences include James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Carole King. Critics describe his voice as warm and reassuring, and note that the album emphasizes lyrics and mood over pop hooks. The Day Is Brave is praised for thoughtful songwriting and piano work, though some reviews wish for more variety.
The album received generally positive reviews and debuted at No. 9 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart. Brendan James began writing during college at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, inspired by a hometown music teacher and by New York singer-songwriters.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 04:43 (CET).