Cheryl Lynn, Daybreak (Storybook Children) | Throwback Vibez

In the 47^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Daybreak (Storybook Children)” by Cheryl Lynn.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 47^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Daybreak (Storybook Children)”, performed by Cheryl Lynn. 

via GIPHY

“Daybreak / How can I ever leave this place beside you? / You were the only one I ever cried to / The night is through.” The lush ballad, “Daybreak (Storybook Children)” appears as the ninth track on Cheryl Lynn, the 1978, gold-certified debut album by Cheryl Lynn. Lynn is best known for the platinum crossover hit, “Got To Be Real” from the same album. Even so, “Daybreak (Storybook Children)” is a marvelous record in its own right. While this gem sounds like it could be an original by Lynn, it was Randy Bishop who originally recorded it in 1977 (a recording is hard to come by these days). Furthermore, Bette Midler covered it later that same year ( Broken Blossom) before Lynn delivered her stirring rendition.  “Daybreak” was penned by David Pomeranz and Spencer Proffer.

Focusing on Cheryl Lynn, she sings with incredible expression; she sounds utterly sublime. In addition to her tone, something that shines about Lynn’s voice is the range – she possesses elite talent. Beyond the voice, the arrangement and production are incredibly sophisticated – idiomatic of 1970s soul through and through.  The strings soar, the winds – specifically French horn – are warm, and the overall aesthetic is breathtaking.  Lynn does a superb job of bringing the fairytale lyrics alive: “And now it’s daybreak / We were like storybook children / Hey, but, like all good fairytales / This one must end.” The good news for all music lovers is that the legacy of “Daybreak (Storybook Children)” endures forever and ever.

via GIPHY

Cheryl Lynn • Cheryl Lynn • Sony Music Entertainment • 1978

Cheryl Lynn, “Daybreak (Storybook Children)”: Throwback Vibez No. 47 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]