Reviews

Brighter than the Sun, in its simplicity, contains a pleasant innocence that is rare in most of the music one listens to today. Back to the roots, way back, to a simple chord progression and vocals, stripped of all modern recording techniques and effect manipulation (it sounds as if it was recorded with a simple tape recorder), this song is a rare find. Just open your heart and listen to the message, and the effect is achieved, we are one, brighter than the sun, in our heart of hearts, holding hands, walking through eternity, in this game of life, together." (reviewed by spinning hue-man)

Here is a review from New Renaissance Magazine (www.ru.org)

"From the opening title track Dada inspires us to look inside ourselves for answers. The simple peace of meditation and closeness to God is the central message.  "He's right there inside of us, He's brighter than the sun," sings Dada in his cheery voice, like a favorite uncle.

 

All the songs are upbeat and happy. They speak of hope, light, unity and better times ahead.  Cynicism and phony sophistication dominate our tense and complex times. Dada, through his simplicity and charm, cuts through all that. His songs give us a mental break, and return us to an age of innocence. Perhaps, if we can re-discover some very basic spiritual values, we would not feel so lost in 2003.

 

Dada's style is reminiscent of Pete Seeger or even Woody Guthrie. He is backed by acoustic guitars on all songs. On some of the up-tempo songs drum, bass and electric guitar give a folk-rock feel.

 

The appeal of Dada's songs lie in the familiarity and immediacy of the melodies and the message. Most of the songs are easy to learn. The lyrics and guitar chords are available on Dada's web-site www.dadaveda.com. This CD may very well yield future sing-along favorites, suitable for campfires, front porches and spiritual gatherings in any country were English is spoken and sung. The best tracks include the vegetarian anthem "I don't eat meat", the call for universalism on "Rainbow of Humanity",  the good advice of "The Wise One Says",  and the call to change the world on "As the world spins around".  

 

If you're a baby boomer, "Brighter than the Sun" will bring back the sixties and the starry eyed idealism that you secretly miss. If you are younger, but tired of all the artifice of modern music, let this CD show you how spirit and pure intentions will always count for much more than expensive equipment and clever posturing."

 

reviewed by Daniel Haven

 

Here is what Indie-Music.com has to say about Brighter Than The Sun

 

"It’s rare these days to find an album so positive it plants a smile on your face."

By Dan MacIntosh

Dada Veda (aka Acarya Vedaprajinananda Avadhuta) has led an interesting life. Born and raised in New York City, he attended Colgate University, became swept up with the flourishing hippie movement and hitchhiked to California, and is now an orange-robed monk of Ananda Marga. He’s currently based in Albania where he runs a kindergarten. Needless to say, this guy’s seen enough to sing about it.

On Brighter than the Sun, Dada Veda offers a collection of original feel-good folky tunes centered around unity, nature, and vegetarianism. Clearly the hippie era never ended for Dada Veda, which is fortunate for the listener. It’s rare these days to find an album so positive it plants a smile on your face when you hear the genuine, raw emotion in Dada Veda’s voice and accompanying guitar strumming.

“Common Home” is one of the more catchy tunes, preaching respect for the earth (Dada Veda actually suggests playing this song on Earth Day in the liner notes) while “Till I Find You” has an adventurous air about it, where the singer wakes up one morning and heads out “on the open road." Dada Veda’s religious side shines through on “I Can Never Be Apart From You," which he dedicates to the “Supreme One."

You’re the sound of the mighty ocean roar,
you’re the calm in the midst of a war.
I feel your presence through and through,
I can never be apart from you ...

The most touching track is “One Fine Day (I’m Gonna Go with a Smile)," which is based on the work of Indian poet Tulsi Das and captures the emotional sentiment involved in both leaving and watching someone leave this world.

Dada Veda’s positive spirit is refreshing. While his voice may not rival the polished power of many vocalists in today’s music scene, Dada Veda more than makes up for it with his authenticity. This is the work of someone who has taken it upon himself to “be the change” (in the words of Gandhi) he wants to see in the world. On Brighter than the Sun, Dada Veda shines in his ability to convey simple messages of love and acceptance through the power of music. And that’s something quite bright indeed.


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