With over 15 million albums sold worldwide, a No. 1 U.S. Billboard hit and a Grammy nomination, the most successful solo act in British reggae history Maxi Priest returns after almost 10 years with his brand new studio album Easy To Love (VP Records) available July 8, 2014.
Wall Street Journal exclusively premieres Maxi Priest’s reggae-inspired rendition of pop icon John Mayer’s “Gravity.”
Feel free to post lyric video.
Easy To Love is a fine representation of lovers’ rock, an effortless blend of reggae, R&B and dancehall with universal appeal. The sophistication he brings to these tracks is the mark of true quality. His delivery and phrasing are impeccable, and his choice of material and collaborators are strategic and brilliant.
The title track was a No. 1 hit on reggae charts last summer, evidence that Maxi Priest has a gift for staying fresh. The song features the legendary Jamaican drum and bass duo Sly & Robbie, who’ve played on some of Maxi’s biggest hits, including “Wild World,” “Some Guys Have All The Luck,” “Close To You,” and “Housecall” (featuring Shabba Ranks) as well as the new album track “Every Little Thing.” WATCH “Easy To Love” video.
Maxi’s been tugging on women’s heartstrings ever since the mid-80’s. New and long-term fans alike will relish hearing irresistible tributes of enduring affection like “Loving You Is Easy,” “Holiday,” “Still In Love,” and “Gravity.” The soulful “Without A Woman” features Jamaican legend Beres Hammond and even echoes the themes and intensity of James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.”
There are many more highlights on Easy To Love. While “Hearts Across The World” is a song for our times and pleas for people of all races to love one another, other tracks like “Fire In The Skies” simply defy categorization and are living proof of Maxi Priest’s musical versatility. The delicate, aching need of “Angel Wings” also demonstrates just how far reggae has evolved in the new era.
Maxi Priest says “this album is about time, and a moment,” and with his most refined and chic collection to date, his timing could not be better.
Following his London and NYC album listening parties, Maxi Priest ventured to California in early June to preview Easy To Love in Oakland, in Los Angeles and San Diego. He will continue with select tour dates throughout the summer. See schedule below.
Fans can pre-order an autographed copy of Maxi Priest’s Easy To Love album now on VPReggae.com.
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Tour Dates:
June 11 @ BB Kings Club in New York, NY
June 27 @ Glastonbury Festival (Gully Outer-National) in Worthy Farm Pilton, UK
July 17 @ Mosley’s in Dedman, MA
July 18 @ The Muse in Nantucket, MA
July 20 @ Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival (Roy Wilkinson Park) in Jamaica, NY
Aug 15 @ Montreal International Reggae Festival (Old Port of Montréal)
in Montreal, Canada
Easy To Love Track Listing:
1 Easy To Love
2 Loving You Is Easy
3 Every Little Thing
4 If I Gave My Heart To You
5 Gravity
6 Without A Woman ft. Beres Hammond
7 Holiday
8 Bubble My Way ft. Agent Sasco (Assassin)
9 Your Love To Me ft. DelaRose
10 I Could Be The One
11 Hearts Across The World