Always looking to stretch the boundaries of gospel music, Cario Young went for a progressive approach on New Day, his first album, which was released on June 19. It has 14 songs that cover reggae, dancehall and Rhythm And Blues.

The Toronto-based singer co-produced New Day with Canute Ellis, who has worked with neo-gospel acts such as DJ Nicholas, Samantha Gooden and Jason Mighty.

Working with Ellis, Young noted, made the project worthwhile.

“This probably is the best thing God did in the process of me finally presenting a complete body of work. Canute understands the sound I have been producing over the years and has been sonically crafting it for several years,” he said. “The consistency in tonality and the blend of sounds that you feel and hear are as a result of sticking consistently to and growing with just one source of that sound.”

Five songs from New Day were previously released. One of those is Easy, a horn-hooked roots-reggae track. Cool & Deep, Deep, Expectations, Truly and If It Wasn’t also hit the market before June 19.

The Portland-born Young was weaned on traditional gospel music, but as he grew older, was drawn to the secular tones of Agent Sasco, Anita Baker and Mali Music. He also admired DJ Nicholas, with whom he collaborates on One Way, another song from New Day.

Young believes sharing studio time with Ellis and Craig McDonald — who also contributed to production — helped him mature as an artiste.

“My sound has definitely evolved greatly. This is mainly as a result of me owning up to my sound,” he said. “The direction of my lyrics, finally owning the spot of being a recording artiste, and the evolution of the productions with the help of Canute, who is also my manager, and Craig McDonald who is also a very talented producer.”

One Way, Regardless and Gravy are the songs from New Day Young says are being considered for promotion.

– Howard Campbell