Diddy knows how to work a business model. That’s the inherent problem with Day 26. For any other group, when sitting down to write an article about them, the first thought would not be about the head of their label. For all their talent and awards, Diddy still outshines his creation, Day 26. Danity Kane, Day 26’s counterpart, didn’t seem to have this problem as they matured. Then again, Danity Kane no longer exists.

Where does all this leave Day 26? Surprisingly in a rather comfortable position. Sure, they still have to work extra hard on promotion, but the upshot of this is that they are known enough to be respected without having the pressures of not reaching fans expectations. Additionally, their status as a band formed through a reality show will always leave them in a category different from predecessors Boyz II Men and Jodeci. Memories of their music are intertwined with television show moments. For their fans, few can probably hear “Since You’ve Been Gone” without thinking of the pre-rehearsal moment when Robert Curry was left on stage singing his heart out while the rest of the group went backstage for a wardrobe change. Depending on how you think of it, it’s a blessing giving an instant attachment to a song, or a shame since “Since You’ve Been Gone” was one of the standouts from their first album. It’s moments like these that create the group’s image, to the point where a lot of their music has even become secondary to their actual music.

The irony underneath all this, in the face of a questionable gaggle of female pop artists, is that Day 26 does possess true undeniable talent. They’re no Fred Astaires, but they have grasped their dance moves with a precision suitable enough to satisfy dance guru Laurie Ann Gibson. Vocally they have also shown their prowess. The second album, Forever in A Day, has a gaggle of solid songs. Notable tracks include “Imma Put it on Her” featuring Yung Joc and Diddy, “Think of Me,” “Stadium Music,” and “Girlfriend”. In a group featuring five singers, they manage to allow each member to have a sizable role and get featured time. Still, even with these songs the CD lacks the blockbuster moment. There are also a few slips, most notably the painful rendezvous with auto-tune, which trendsetter Jay-Z has now eulogized.

It’s doubtful that we’ve heard the best of Day 26 yet. Indeed the fact that a talented Bad Boy group has made it through the second album with no signs of stopping is surprising quite a bit of people still awaiting the resurrection of 112, and the return of a singing Carl Thomas, Mario Winans and whoever else has been left in the trail of Diddy’s glitter. Maybe, the key to their success will be never to get bigger than their boss, but to slowly climb to notability. Hopefully for them it won’t take forever and a day.

What think ye of Day 26? Listen to their album below and check out their latest video. Then give us some feedback.

Forever in a Day