Steve Perry returns with first new song and album in two decades
Former Journey frontman Steve Perry has unveiled details of his first solo album in nearly a quarter of a century.
Released on Friday 5th October on Concord/Virgin EMI, ‘Traces’ boasts nine new Steve Perry compositions including the lead single ‘No Erasin’ - which you can cast your ears on below – together with a cover of The Beatles’ ‘I Need You’.
Telling the story of a school reunion with an ex-flame, ‘No Erasin’ opens with the track aptly opens with the line “I know it’s been a long time comin’ since I saw your face” before it builds to a chorus of “My soul’s burning, just like it was before” delivered in Steve’s trademark howl.
Commenting on his return to the fray, Steve said: “Putting 30 years into 10 songs has certainly been an emotional experience for me. I started writing and recording these songs with the creative freedom that I was the only one who would ever hear them.
“Along the way, I rediscovered my love for music. Each track represents traces of my past, but is also a hopeful look into the future. I invite you to listen with an open heart.”
‘Traces’ is produced by Steve alongside co-producer Thom Flowers, and is described as his ‘most vulnerable and honest recording to date, balancing tremendous loss with enduring hope and beauty.’
Writing about his prolonged absence in more detail on his official website, Steve said: “Years ago, I disappeared. There were many reasons, but mainly… my love for music had suddenly left me. I knew that simply stopping was what I had to do. If music was ever to return to my heart, then and only then I would figure out what to do. If not… so be it, for I had already lived the dream of dreams.”
He added: “Many years passed. One day, I began sketching some musical ideas with the creative freedom that I was the only one who would ever hear them. One song led to many. My love for music had returned. Then, another beautiful thing happened. I found love. My precious Kellie (Nash) gave me a life I never knew I had. I lost her (to breast cancer) in December of 2012. I now deeply understand the meaning of: ‘It’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.'”
He explained that three years later in May 2015, he started writing ‘Traces’. “These songs are special to me,” he says. “I respectfully ask that you please listen to them, and whatever they make you feel, I thank you for listening.”
Steve Perry’s last solo album ‘For the Love of Strange Medicine’ was released in July 1994. His compilation album 'Greatest Hits + Five Unreleased' landed four years later.
'Traces' is available now for pre-order on CD, digital download and 180-gram vinyl, HERE. Signed and exclusive bundles can be found HERE.
The track-listing is as follows:
1. No Erasin’
2. We’re Still Here
3. Most Of All
4. No More Cryin’
5. In The Rain
6. Sun Shines Gray
7. You Belong To Me
8. Easy To Love
9. I Need You
10. We Fly