Bernie Taupin Announces First Solo Album In Nearly 40 Years
Bernie Taupin, Elton John's longtime lyricist and one of pop music's most decorated songwriters, has announced The Sea Has No Mercy, his first solo album in nearly four decades. Due out this autumn, it marks a rare return to the spotlight for a writer far better known for the words behind other artists' hits, including his and John's extensive catalogue and '80s staples such as Starship's "We Built This City" and Heart's "These Dreams."
The album, recorded in Nashville with producer Frank Liddell and backing band the Tennessee Stone Cutters, features contributions from Brandi Carlile, Lee Ann Womack and Taupin's daughter Georgey Devon Taupin, and is notable as the first record he has written entirely alone. It follows his 1971 debut Taupin, 1980's He Who Rides The Tiger and 1987's Tribe. Taupin, now 76, says the songs reflect where he is at this stage of life; the ten-track record, including its title song, arrives on 23 October via Vertigo/MCA Nashville.
- Bernie Taupin announces The Sea Has No Mercy, out 23 October
- His first solo album in 39 years, first written entirely alone
- Features Brandi Carlile, Lee Ann Womack and daughter Georgey Devon Taupin
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Bernie Taupin is one of pop music's most prolific and decorated songwriters, best known for the lyrics he has written with Elton John over a career spanning more than five decades. Though his name may be unfamiliar to many, his words appear on some of the biggest pop songs ever recorded, including Elton John's classics and 1980s staples by bands such as Starship and Heart.
For most of his career, Taupin has worked primarily as a lyricist for other musicians, which is why his own recording efforts have been relatively rare. He released solo albums in 1971, 1980 and 1987, but has largely remained in the background for the decades since, focusing on providing lyrics for other artists. His return to solo recording marks an unusual step back into the spotlight for someone accustomed to working behind the scenes.
The new album is significant partly because it is the first record on which Taupin has written all the songs himself, without co-writing partnerships. At 76, he says the songs reflect his thoughts at this stage of his life. The project was recorded in Nashville and features contributions from several notable artists.
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