Soul singer and songwriter Charlie Bereal has released his new single, “Hope.”
On the uplifting anthem, which Bereal co-produced with Josef Liemberg, he offers spiritual words of encouragement for anyone experiencing hardship.
“It may get hard sometimes while I’m running this race / I’d rather be struggling before I get out His grace,” Bereal sings over retro-soul instrumentation that recalls Curtis Mayfield.
“Hope” was originally intended to be released as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday is today (Jan. 15). However, in the wake of the ongoing devasting Los Angeles wildfires, “Hope” now carries an even deeper meaning for the California native.
“Being a Pasadena/Altadena Native and watching my family church’s, homes, and businesses burn has been completely devastating for me and our community. But one thing I know is that my city is strong, and we’re finding hope,” says Bereal.
“Hope” is the third single from Bereal’s debut album, Walk With The Father, which releases Jan. 24 via Death Row Records/gamma. The song follows the “Walk With The Father” and “Never Gonna Take Away My Love.”
Speaking further about “Hope,” Bereal exclusively tells Rated R&B, “No matter what I do or where I go, I keep the love of Jesus in my heart. ‘Hope’ is a love letter to the FATHER and a testimony.”
Regarding his upcoming 13-track album, he shares, “Walk With The Father is the album my father always wanted me to make before he passed away. This album is who I am, my style, my vibe. Making this album with Josef Liemberg was fun; it gave everyone joy who would walk into the studio while working on it. It also brought Snoop Dogg and me together, and we both listen to this style of music all the time. Walk With The Father feels old school and new simultaneously.”
Bereal may be gearing up to release his debut album, but he’s no stranger to music. The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and musician got an early start as a touring guitarist for gospel singer Donnie McClurkin. He’s played the guitar on hits like Aaliyah‘s “More Than a Woman,” Mýa‘s “My Love Is Like…Wo,” Missy Elliott‘s “One Minute Man” and more.
Bereal scored his first Grammy nomination at the 64th Grammy Awards for his cover of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It on Home to Me” with PJ Morton, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Kenyon Dixon.
Stream Charlie Bereal’s new song “Hope” and see the official tracklist for Walk With The Father below.
Charlie Bereal’s Walk With The Father Album Tracklist
1. Hope
2. Some People
3. Never Gonna Take Away My Love
4. The Greatest
5. My Only
6. Walk with the Father
7. Energy
8. Wherever You Are
9. Jack Move
10. Don’t Want to Get Up
11. Toxic Love
12. Keep It Pushing
13. Come Go With Me
Presave Walk With The Father
