Kelley’s 80s-inspired album is set for June 25th
Multi-platinum singer-songwriter and Grammy-winning artist Charles Kelley serves another set of tracks from his forthcoming solo album Songs for a New Moon releasing June 25th. Like two sides of the moon, “Take Back Goodbye” infuses the urbane edge of new-wave pop with an effortless, laid-back vibe, while “Can’t Be Alone Tonight” explores the epic R&B feel pioneered by Boyz II Men, stirring haunting romantic memories with grand piano and digital beats. Exclusive versions of the album are available through Kelley’s website.
“‘Can’t Be Alone Tonight” very well might be my favorite off the record. Lyrically, I pulled from the nights of my first week in treatment when all I wanted was to be beside my wife and tell her how much I needed and loved her. I’ll never forget that feeling of absolute heartbreak, desperation and yearning,” said Kelley. “On the other hand, Take Back Goodbye was such a fun one to bring to life. From the sax solo to the key change, it hits all those 80s elements that I grew up loving. Mark Douthit absolutely crushed his saxophone solo and took it to the next level!”
A project seeping with unbridled optimism and irresistible 80’s pop flair, Songs for a New Moon marks a new chapter for Kelley, as the 16 tracks celebrate an age of renewed possibility and fresh perspective, both musically and in life. Produced mainly by Sam Ellis and Lindsay Rimes and with Kelley co-penning all the original songs, the album fully embraces a freeing sense of sonic abandon, as the richly textured digital grooves feature roaring saxophones, saccharine guitars and sky-high vocal stacks, pushing Kelley to new levels.
Giving listeners a taste of the upcoming album, the hitmaker has already released pieces from the new project, including “Can’t Lose You,” which made a splash on the adult contemporary radio charts and is currently Top 15 and climbing. “Here With Me” is a reimagined deep cut from The Killers, along with the unabashed anthem “Run,” capturing the rush of a couple making their escape from the world, and “Driving And Listening To Music,” a nostalgic, windows-down jam, reminiscing on an escape into the sunset.
One-third of the Grammy winning country trio Lady A and a chart-topping songwriter on his own, Kelley has often stepped outside of his default creative setting…just not this completely. Along with culture-defining hits for his own band, he’s co-penned favorites for Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Brett Young, and more. With 2016’s The Driver, his solo debut explored a vision of the modern singer-songwriter, leading to another Grammy nomination for the project’s title track.
