Jonny Diaz Talks About the Making of New Album "Sweetness and Sorrow"

Chart-topping CCM artist Jonny Diaz returns with a 12-song album, Sweetness and Sorrow. Featuring six brand new songs, along with a handful of Diaz's previous hits on the album's Deluxe Edition, this new project is available now for physical purchase and on all digital platforms.

Produced by Jeff Pardo (Francesca Battistelli) and Scott Cash (Passion), Sweetness and Sorrow showcases Diaz's signature easygoing melodies and classic sound. The singer-songwriter reflects on his journeys of faith and family, describing the importance of cherishing God in the ups, downs, and sweet in-betweens.

"Making this project was relaxed and fun," Diaz reflects. "And in having fun, it resulted in some of the most creative work. None of those songwriting pressures-- Will it be a hit radio song? Does it have mass appeal?-- were even asked. We just focused on the question of 'What's God stirring in our hearts and how can we explore that truth and have fun with it?'"

"A lot of songs and records come from places of weariness- and that's meaningful, because beauty comes out of that vulnerability. But what about the times of life that aren't quite so heavy? When we feel the summer breeze, when we laugh at our family's jokes, when we welcome precious new children into the world... that's not to say those times are perfect, but when we don't find ourselves in the valley...What's to be said about that time? We need to remember God is in all of that. The joy comes from the Lord, and He's working in us during those seasons as well."

Recognizing the gift of that sweetness is reflected lyrically through songs like "Need You Always," a reminder to not become complacent in our faith when we are soaking up sunshine moments of life. Diaz sings the eponymous lyric "I need You in the sweetness and sorrow just the same, I need you always." to express the necessity of constantly craving God, pushing into Him, realizing the love He puts into our lives.

"It's about being present. It's about taking a beat to notice the sweetness. It doesn't always come in grand statements, but He fills our lives with joy in so many ways we've got to recognize."

Sonically the album showcases this light as well. The seven tracks provide organic, easygoing melodies, the kind that make you want to roll the windows down and soak up the day. Even the songs that reflect on heavier ideas still embody a life-giving spirit.

A particular highlight is "There," all-too relatable tune about losing ourselves to comparison and jealousy. More relevant than ever in today's digital age, the song presents the dilemma of wishing our lives were filled with more "seaside selfies and sunshine tans." But with a whistle and acoustic guitar Diaz shares the truth:

"These days everyone only posts the best-looking versions of themselves, and we think 'They've got it all together.' There's danger in thinking that what someone else has and where they are is better than where we are. We start to believe we should be less content. But it's a false view. What's real is what's right in front of you. I get caught up in it too. But when my daughter does something that makes my son laugh, I realize I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Nothing compares to that. It's not something I could even capture on Instagram."

Seeking and dancing in those joys is what Diaz hopes people, like his own little ones, can take from this collection of songs. Sweetness and Sorrow is an opportunity for listeners others to feel the same freedom and warmth he felt while making it.

"There is no bigger thief to creativity than fear. With this album we didn't overthink. I wasn't paralyzed by fear. And it will always be a reminder that yes, seasons of sorrow will come- there will be hard times with work, with family, with the world...But He's in all of it. And when we're in the sweetness, we've got to see it. Appreciate it. Sing about it."

 

 

 

 

 

 

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