Kimberly Haynes’ Into the Light is one of the most profoundly moving albums I’ve ever heard. Seven years in the making, the album traces a spiritual and emotional passage - the movement toward the incredible loss of a beloved husband and father, the emotional journey through that loss, and gradually coming out on the other side of it. Quoting Kimberly Haynes: “This album was born out of the most profound years of my life. It is not a grief record. It is a record of what happens when you learn to carry grief - and life requires you to keep moving forward.” The album weaves together Hebrew prayer, Sanskrit mantra, Celtic folk melody, and Spanish lullaby into a single coherent journey through love, loss, and what remains. Kimberly wrote most of the eight songs on the album, and her amazing voice expresses a wide range of emotions as it brings those songs to life. David Vito Gregoli co-produced much of the album and plays a stunning array of instruments on it. There is also an impressive group of supporting artists who helped to create this cinematic and genuinely heartfelt album.

Into the Light begins with “Grant Us Peace,” a prayerful plea for strength at a most difficult time. “Narrow Bridge” is rooted in the teachings of the Ball Shem Tov that the world is a narrow bridge, from where we come to where we go, and to remember to not fear at all. Jeff Oster appears on trumpet on this beautiful track. “I Am My Prayer” begins with Brian Haynes’ voice, which comes through in a few other places in what sounds like a recorded phone call. The piece also features Hans Christian on cello, adding even more poignance to the passionate vocals and lyrics. The extended ending on this track takes it right to the heart. The title track is a song that Brian requested and was able to hear before he died. Kimberly has changed the lyrics somewhat to make them more universal and really pours her heart into this one. I highly recommend the music video to get the full impact of this amazing song. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” features Kimberly and Brian’s two sons singing background vocals and is a song of finality - “Our great lion finally sleeps.” Bright and upbeat, it’s a great arrangement of this classic song! “The Enchantment (Sita Ram)” was arranged by Kimberly who also plays crystal bowls along with her vocals; and MB Gordy supports on percussion. “Moola Mantra” features Manose Singh on Bansuri. Quoting Kimberly: “the spiritual relationship deepens with a message that I believe came to me from Brian as I wrestled with his absence, the release of identity into the bliss of eternity (Sat Chit Ananda… Om Tat Sat).” The album closes with a beautiful arrangement of “Cielito Lindo,” a folk song whose lyrics include “My Darling, sing, don't cry,” credited as another message from Brian. A duet for voice and acoustic guitar (Angelo Metz) it’s the perfect closing for this deeply emotional tribute to love, memories and going forward.

Into the Light will be released on August 18, 2026 and can be pre-ordered on Amazon. More links will be added as they become available. I wholeheartedly recommend this incredible album!