‘CELEBRATION’ is a follow-up to 2017’s GRAMMY-nominated ‘Lost in Paradise’ – due out August 25, 2023, via Island Empire/Mensch House Records. The record is expected to captivate fans, with the Kings’ seductive island rhythms and pop-infused choruses making the album instantly contagious. Alongside the announcement, they’ve shared the title track for the album “Celebration (One Shot).”

The title track says it all, it is about taking that “one shot,” adds Ivan “Uncle Lui,” whose backyard was where the band first met, “It’s a celebration of doing things our way. We’ve made a lot of things happen in an unconventional, unorthodox way. It’s a celebration of where we are today. We’re able to live in so many different musical worlds.”

Common Kings have recently released their second song of the Album called “Hideaway”. The new single is a contagious hit highlighting lead singer JR King’s signature silky smooth falsetto range against an island rhythm as seductive as a lazy ocean breeze.  “He’s a master impersonator,” says band guitarist Mata. “He can sing like anyone from Luther Vandross and Prince to Axl Rose and Mick Jagger.” “Hideaway” gives the band’s avid reggae fanbase a solid nod, as it comes on the heels of the pop-leaning title track “Celebration (One Shot).”

The full-length ‘CELEBRATION’ is expected to continue highlighting Common Kings’ seductive island rhythms and pop-infused choruses. JR comments, “Our take on reggae is more feel-good, fun and loving, relaxed in that Hawaiian way,” he continues, “We’re not a political band.” 

Reflecting on the new album JR says, “It’s a culmination of our careers, jamming 20 years, raising families, living life and making music, all of it coming together and being able to share that with the world.”

Music is the common bond for the Pacific Islanders that includes Samoan-born Hawaiian lead singer Sasualei “JR. King” Maliga and Hawaii-raised Samoan guitarist Taumata “Mata” Grey; Fiji-born bassist Ivan “Uncle Lui” Kirimaua, and L.A.-born Tongan drummer Jerome “Big Rome” Taito. Together they have transcended their 2011 Polynesian reggae beginnings to achieve pop crossover success.

‘CELEBRATION’ is just that for Common Kings…a way to toast more than a decade of musical excellence and have a really good time doing it.