Stephen Marley Announces New Album ‘Old Soul’ Out September 15, 2023, featuring guests Eric Clapton, Bob Weir, Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Buju Banton and Slightly Stoopid
Stephen Marley’s Old Soul, the new album from the 8x GRAMMY® Award winning singer/songwriter/producer, to be released digitally on September 15, 2023. The album boasts an array of special guests including Eric Clapton, Bob Weir, Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Buju Banton and Slightly Stoopid.
Limited edition double vinyl, CD, digital bundles are now available for pre-order Here.
In celebration of the announcement, the latest single “Cool As The Breeze” is available to stream on all digital platforms and available as an instant grat track with all pre-orders.
“Cool As The Breeze” is an acoustic gem with an easy going feel, revealing Marley’s true storytelling talents. “I’m an old soul living in the body of a 12 year old,” he sings. The single also features acoustic guitar loveliness, lush harmonies and a voice that you could listen to for days.
Watch “Cool As The Breeze”
Pre-order the album ‘Old Soul’ Here
His first full-length project since 2016, Stephen’s highly anticipated fifth solo album Old Soul comes as a complete revelation. With his well-earned reputation as a studio perfectionist, “Ragga” – as he’s known to friends and family – is a consummate live performer with a knack for spontaneity. Old Soul leans into those strengths, and opens up the artist as never before.
Released earlier this summer, the retrospective music video for the album’s title track “Old Soul” features unseen family images and a montage of Jamaican musical heritage. A warm acoustic narrative, the song carries listeners through Stephen’s evolution, intertwined with the Marley legacy. Lyrics such as “April 1972, my mom and poppa brought me through,” give a nod to his lineage and early years. Originally penned by Jamaican artist Omi, Stephen adapted the song to reflect his personal journey, suggesting a familiarity with past life experiences. Echoing his father’s sentiments, Stephen’s core message promotes mental freedom and unity.
While grounded from the road amongst the COVID lockdown, Stephen set up a new studio on a remote family farm in the Florida countryside, holding nightly jam sessions in a converted garage. With a stripped-down ensemble comprising binghi drums, bass, acoustic guitar, and flute, Stephen played whatever he felt like — ranging from original compositions and reggae rarities with deep personal meaning to classics recorded by Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and The Beatles. “Irie vibration,” Stephen says of the sounds made together on the farm. The lion’s share of Old Soul was recorded during these “unplugged” jam sessions.
The song selection on the new album demonstrates Stephen’s courage to defy expectations. “You have to be true to yourself,” he says. “I refuse to be put into any category. I am inspired by everything. So if I feel like I want to play some jazz music, I will go play some jazz music. Who dig it, dig it.”
“April 1972, my mom and poppa brought me through… back then I was the favorite, so they say.” Reflecting on his life as a youngster growing up as the second eldest son in the royal Marley family, Stephen marked his 51st year on earth by sharing glimpses of his past and releasing the title track of the album earlier this year: “I’m an old soul, living in the body of a 9-year-old / Guess I’ve been here before.”
Old Soul explores a musical palette that spans a variety of cultures and genres alike, with hand-selected special guests furthering the spiritual journey that encompasses the album. Stephen and his elder brother Ziggy collaborate on “There’s A Reward,” a heartfelt tribute to Joe Higgs, the man who mentored young Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer when they were all aspiring singers in Trenchtown. Meanwhile, Stephen’s younger brother Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley features on “Cast The First Stone,” a powerful, thought-provoking tune set to an ominous groove that sounds like something from a lost spaghetti Western soundtrack.
In celebration of the new album, Stephen Marley will embark on his ambitious Old Soul Tour -Unplugged 2023 this Sept 9 – Oct 22.
For Fall Tour Dates see HERE.
STEPHEN MARLEY: OLD SOUL [Digital, CD & 2LP]
1. Don’t You Believe
2. Cool As The Breeze
3. Cast The First Stone – Feat. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
4. Thanks We Get (Do Fi Dem) – Feat. Buju Banton
5. Don’t Let Me Down
6. Georgia On My Mind
7. Let The Children Play
8. Old Soul
9. There’s A Reward – Feat. Ziggy Marley
10. This Time
11. These Foolish Things (Reminds Me Of You)
12. I Shot The Sheriff – Feat. Eric Clapton
13. Standing In Love – Feat. Slightly Stoopid
14. Winding Roads – Feat. Jack Johnson and Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros.
Love this song! Excited that he’s touring.