Cloud Cult: An Infusion Of Sunlight

Cloud Cult's "You'll Be Bright (Invocation Pt. 1)" takes bombastic yearning and transforms it into a benediction.

courtesy of the artist

Seeking an infusion of sunlight as the days get shorter? A bracing shot of optimism, Cloud Cult's "You'll Be Bright (Invocation Pt. 1)" takes bombastic, hook-filled yearning and transforms it into a benediction.

"All the things you'll love / All the things that may hurt you / All the things you shouldn't do / All the things you'll want to," singer Craig Minowa sings, adding a plea to "travel safely." From first kisses to crises, he lists off blessings and possibilities, with the song getting more urgent and hopeful as it builds to a blessing — "And you'll be bright / You'll be bright" — that soars to tremendous heights. A non-denominational call for fulfillment, "You'll Be Bright" acknowledges humanity's limits even as it calls for us to exceed them. The song was conceived as an invocation for Minowa's infant child, but its message is potent enough to work on anyone.