Charles Kelley Embraces a New Dawn

Charles Kelley Embraces a New Dawn with “SONGS FOR A NEW MOON”: A Genre-Bending Odyssey

By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine

Charles Kelley, the multi-Platinum singer-songwriter and one-third of the GRAMMY-winning country trio Lady A, is set to unveil his highly anticipated solo album, SONGS FOR A NEW MOON, on June 25th. This isn’t just another record; it’s a bold artistic statement, a journey into a realm of unbridled optimism and an undeniable embrace of 80s pop sensibilities. The 16 tracks on this project represent a significant new chapter for Kelley, reflecting a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of possibility, both within his musical evolution and his personal life.

Predominantly produced by Sam Ellis and Lindsay Rimes, with Kelley co-penning all the original material, SONGS FOR A NEW MOON revels in a liberating sense of sonic adventure. The album is a tapestry of richly textured digital grooves, punctuated by soaring saxophones, sugary guitars, and sky-high vocal stacks that push Kelley’s artistry to exhilarating new heights. The initial glimpses of this sonic landscape arrived with the release of two tracks: the unabashed anthem “Run” and the nostalgic “Driving And Listening To Music.” “Run” immediately captures the listener with its syrupy guitars and anthemic vocals, soaring over a booming rhythmic pulse, perfectly encapsulating the exhilarating rush of a couple escaping the world. “Driving And Listening To Music,” on the other hand, shifts into a higher gear with shimmering synth melodies and processed drums, evoking a classic, windows-down jam, conjuring memories of sunset escapes.

Kelley’s inspiration for this stylistic departure is clear. He explains, “I’ve always loved really well-written, great ‘80s pop, from Toto to Ambrosia, and I always just felt like no one gave it enough credit.” He openly admits this project is his desire “to explore a different sound and pull from influences I’ve had for the longest time.” Crucially, Kelley emphasizes his commitment to this new direction, stating, “I didn’t want to make an ‘80s sounding record, and then throw a bunch of country ‘insurance’ on it. I almost feel like that would be an insult to the listener… I wanted to go all-in.” This unwavering dedication to his vision is palpable throughout the album, creating a cohesive and authentic sonic experience.

The album has already made waves, with “Can’t Lose You” charting at No. 26 on the Adult Contemporary radio charts with its radio debut. Other tracks continue to showcase Kelley’s versatility. “Take Back Goodbye” masterfully infuses the urbane edge of new-wave pop with an effortless, laid-back vibe, while “Can’t Be Alone Tonight” delves into the epic R&B feel popularized by groups like Boyz II Men, stirring haunting romantic memories with its grand piano and digital beats. The spirited “Kiss This Thing Goodbye,” a collaboration with producer Nathan Chapman, is a sexy, ravenous romp, and the propulsive “Angel Eyes” creates a sense of hypnotic desire, featuring an impressive guitar solo from 80s icon and Lady A producer, Dann Huff. For moments of introspection, the velveteen plush of “Lost and the Lonely” offers a vibey retreat from heartbreak.

Beyond the original compositions, SONGS FOR A NEW MOON includes a compelling selection of covers. The Killers’ “Here With Me” receives Kelley’s distinctive interpretation, and Cyndi Lauper’s immortal “Time After Time” is reimagined, adding a fresh perspective to these beloved classics. The collection culminates with the sentimental piano ballad “Look What We Did,” providing a poignant and reflective close to this expansive musical journey.

Kelley candidly shares his personal connection to the album, revealing, “This is about as honest as I can be in my music, and I’m super proud and just grateful. I’ve been in a really positive life-is-good headspace, and I want to soak it up. I want to take this second chance and self discovery and stop being afraid. A little bit of that unknown is what makes life fun – it’s scary, but good scary.” This profound sentiment underscores the album’s title, truly representing a “new moon” for Kelley – a time of renewed beginnings and embracing the thrilling unknown.

As one-third of the GRAMMY-winning Lady A, Charles Kelley has always had a knack for stepping beyond conventional boundaries, though perhaps never to this extent. His songwriting prowess extends beyond his own band’s culture-defining hits, having penned favorites for artists such as Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, and Brett Young, among others. His 2016 solo debut, THE DRIVER, explored a modern singer-songwriter vision, earning him another GRAMMY nomination for its title track. With SONGS FOR A NEW MOON, Kelley not only reaffirms his versatility but also solidifies his status as an artist unafraid to evolve and explore new sonic landscapes, proving that genuine artistry knows no fixed genre boundaries.

SONGS FOR A NEW MOON Track List:

1. Can’t Lose You (Charles Kelley, Lindsay Rimes, Michael Whitworth, Josh Kear) *
2. Covering My Tracks (Sam Ellis, Meg Mcree, Benjy Davis, Charles Kelley) ~
3. Take Back Goodbye (Charles Kelley, Lindsay Rimes, Josh Kear) *
4. Run (Sam Ellis, Derrick Southerland, Charles Kelley) ~
5. Can’t Be Alone Tonight (Sam Ellis, Charles Kelley, Jon Green) ~
6. Here With Me (Brandon Flowers, Fran Healy, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer, Ronnie Vannucci) ~
7. Angel Eyes (Sam Ellis, Micah Premnath, Charles Kelley) ~
8. How Gone (Charles Kelley, Lindsay Rimes, Michael Whitworth, Josh Kear) *
9. Lost And The Lonely (Sam Ellis, Charles Kelley, Joybeth Taylor, Thomas Archer) ~
10. Never Let You Go (Charles Kelley, Lindsay Rimes, Michael Whitworth, Josh Kear) *
11. Full Time Fool (Charles Kelley, Lindsay Rimes, Josh Kear) *
12. Photograph (Charles Kelley, Lindsay Rimes, Michael Whitworth, Josh Kear) *
13. Kiss This Thing Goodbye (Charles Kelley, Josh Kear, Mark Holman) #
14. Driving And Listening To Music (Charles Kelley, Adam Doleac, Devin Dawson, Brad Tursi, Jordan Schmidt) +
15. Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper, Rob Hyman) ~
16. Look What We Did (Sam Ellis, Charles Kelley, Laura Veltz) ~

* Produced by Lindsay Rimes ~ Produced by Sam Ellis # Produced by Nathan Chapman + Produced by Devin Dawson, Jordan Schmidt