Originally Published on May 12th, 2026

In a word, gracious. That is how I would describe North Carolina – based musician Michael Daughtry. I’ve known him for a couple of years, since first reviewing his song Jungle Night. Michael is the kind of person I can always count on to leave a nice note if I post on social media. If I like a post of his, without fail, he acknowledges it with gratitude. His social media platform is a place I will go when I just want to feel better: about myself, about the world, or anything else really. He is a positive human being. Coming from another positive human being who understands that not all days are sunshine and rainbows, I can attest his vibe is a welcome one.

46. Single Review of Jungle Night by Michael Daughtry

Michael Daughtry is an adult contemporary artist, a former full time music teacher, who has charted on the illustrious Billboard magazine. He is a graduate of the world famous Berklee College of Music in Boston and he has shared the stage with countless talented artists, including the global sensations, Blue Man Group.

Debuting in 2019, Daughtry has an extensive catalog of singles released, to go with two EP releases: 2023’s Other Side and last year’s Wild Card. His music attracts the attention of more than a thousand monthly listeners across streaming platforms that have tallied hundreds of thousands of streams throughout his career as a recording artist.

Sweet Forgiveness

Sweet Forgiveness is the first release by Michael Daughtry in 2026. It is a piano-based, mid-tempo ballad that includes a string accompaniment along with some gentle percussion. It runs at around four minutes and twenty seconds. Daughtry contributes backing vocals to accompany his lead vocal part as well.

The thing that stands out to me about this song is the transition of progression as the song moves from one musical phrase to another. The verse has its own progression that transitions into a different progression for the bridge, then with the chorus, we are introduced to a third progression. They each tie together so nicely too. It is a complex form of composition that can attest to his music education from such an esteemed school. Myself included (perhaps especially), songwriters can often get a little too comfortable with finding a groove with a progression and struggle with moving away from it within the composition of their songs. I think there are risks with dynamic shifts within compositions where songs can sound too performative. That’s not the case with Daughtry’s music. He’s found a blend of performance coupled with a pop style of music that would be most comparable to the likes of Billy Joel.

Now, nobody (and I think Michael would be the first one to agree with me) does it like Billy. However, musicians shouldn’t replicate other musicians’ success. As musicians, we are meant to inspire; to influence. I can see how Billy Joel may have been an influence here, but Daughtry’s Sweet Forgiveness is a song that stands all on its own.

Lyrically, the message is as positive as one could expect from a person who practically radiates good vibes. The message borderlines on faith-driven, but could honestly apply to a lot of things. The message of “letting go,” is an inspiring one to say the least. I think, no matter where we stand in our faith, it’s one that can truly be heard. People can dwell in their pride, their anger, and their stubbornness. Daughtry’s message here isn’t just about asking another for forgiveness, it’s about seeking it within ourselves, so that we can let go of the negativity that we are dwelling on. There isn’t a person in the world that doesn’t need to hear that.

As always, Michael Daughtry has done what he does with intention. His fingers do no not strike the keys of his instrument without purpose. His voice and his pen do not produce lyrics and melodies that are void of meaning. He doesn’t produce because he wants to. He produces because he is compelled to. As a result, his audience is left with a product that is rich in meaning; from the dynamic chord progressions to the poignant lyrical message. Daughtry’s message might not be for everyone; it’s every single person’s right to be as happy or as miserable as they want to be. I know that when I am feeling beat down, it’s the exact message I reach for.

Make sure and tune in to Charleston, South Carolina’s 96.3 ohm radio on May 20th to get a chance to hear Michael Daughtry live on air!

Daughtry will also be performing at Awendaw Green in Awendaw, SC on the 20th,

On July 03rd, he can be seen at Wana Navu Kava Bar in Sanford, NC

Go press play!