25 years deep, 12 albums strong, the GRAMMY-nominated reggae pop star will release his first album in six years, My Way, on December 4 off his own label Singso Music. Recorded in his primary residency of Florida as well his native country of Jamaica, Kingston meets Miami on this 14-track opus.
Wayne Wonder recently appeared on the nationally syndicated morning TV show THE DAILY BUZZ to perform his latest single “Drop It Down Low” and talk about the new album.
My Way features guest vocals from Shaggy (“Don’t Say No”) and r&b sensation Mya (“If I Ever”) and is filled with irresistible island rhythms (“This Time,” “Put Your Drinks Up” and “Overall”), sensuous r&b gems (“Anne Lou” and “All About You”) and vibrant dance anthems (“Caught Up,” “Drop It Down Low“ and “Sweet Dreams”).
Wonder breathes new life to his sound, while he stays true to his signature blend of pulsating rhythms, catchy hooks and flawless velvety vocals. This is the winning formula that catapulted him to the national spotlight in 2003: earning him a live performance on NBC’s Saturday Night Live,a MOBO Award for Best New Reggae Artist, one of year’s biggest hits “No Letting Go” (peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart) and a GRAMMY nomination for Best Reggae Album on No Holding Back (Atlantic Records).
“The album has some new twists. I make sure my sound is updated like a MacBook Pro, but I’m sticking to what I do best. I’m a lover at heart, so that is what I sing about and why my fans have grown to love me. I’m all about positivity and creating these vibes,” states Wonder.
Wayne Wonder rallied top producers – Kingston’s Tony Kelly (who co-produced Wonder’s Grammy- nominated album No Holding Back), Stephen Genius McGregor, Dre Day, Freelancer as well as Miami-based Riddim Fingaz (credits include Trey Songz, Sean Paul, Mya) – to form a polished set of sweet serenades and sexy club bangers.
Check out the official “Caught Up” music video here (which premiered on Large Up):
Check out official “Drop It Down Low” video (which jointly premiered on Complex and Boomshots):
Since his self-titled debut album in 1987, the Portland native, born Von Wayne Charles, has been responsible for an extraordinary catalog of reggae hits including “Saddest Day,” “Bonafide Love (Movie Star)” ft. Buju Banton, “Love And Affection” and “No Letting Go.” In 2003, he made major waves in U.S. when his latter single topped urban radio and his album No Holding Back debuted at #29 on Billboard Hot 200 chart. His later albums led to collaborations with numerous artists including Foxy Brown, Trina, TLC’s Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and CNN: Capone & N.O.R.E. His last studio release, 2007’s Foreva (VP), debuted at #6 on the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart. My Way is a celebration of Wayne’s return and his full creative control over the entire process after departing from VP Records.
“My Way is more personal to me than my previous albums because it was done on my terms, so I never felt limited. I was blessed to have a talented team of musicians, engineers and producers working by my side. I’m proud of the final product and can’t wait for fans to hear what I’ve been working on over the years,” concludes Wonder.
