After much speculation by fans and the media alike, Steve Perry has officially announced the release of a new solo album due out October 5th. Traces will mark the former Journey frontman’s first solo release since 1994’s For The Love Of Strange Medicine.
A new website launched at steveperry.com describes Traces as “a rousing start to the most personal and emotionally powerful work yet from this legendary singer-songwriter”.
“The truth is, that I thought music had run its course in my heart,” Perry explains of his absence. “I’d had an amazing time in an amazing band, and then the chance to express myself as a solo artist too. But I had to be honest with myself, and in my heart, I knew I just wasn’t feeling it anymore.”
“For a long time, I could barely even listen to music,” he continues. “My last show with Journey was in February of 1987. Then one day, it hit me that I couldn’t do this anymore. I felt as if I had to jump off this merry-go-round — this big beautiful mothership that we had all worked so hard together to build.”
Of the new album, Perry said in a statement, “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.”
Produced by Perry alongside co-producer Thom Flowers, the album is a collection of nine original tracks that “encompass the spectrum of human emotion”, and also features a beautifully reimagined cover of The Beatles’ “I Need You” (see full track list below).
Traces is available now for pre-order on CD, digital download and 180-gram vinyl.
Steve Perry is due to appear on CBS Sunday morning on October 7th.
Steve Perry “No Erasin'”
Steve Perry ‘Traces’ Track Listing
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