Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer SAM SPARRO has announced the details of his long-awaited third album BOOMBOX ETERNAL, out February 21. The 12-track collection is his first full length album since 2012’s Return to Paradise and draws influences from the late-80s / early-90s pop music he grew up listening to on cassette through the speakers of his bedroom boombox. “The project is a love letter to my 8-year old self and to the music that made me want to be an artist,” Sparro notes. “The songs are mostly about love but also about power and breaking through boundaries.”
The album uses a palette of industrial-sounding percussion and classic Korg and Ensoniq synthesizers used by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis on Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation and a touch of early New Jack Swing inspired by Teddy Riley, with lush soulful harmonies and melodies completing the sound. Boombox Eternal is inspired by the heyday of Minneapolis-style production heard on career-defining albums from Prince, Michael Jackson, George Michael, Mint Condition and more, and features an exciting group of collaborators including We Are KING, Maluca, Rahsaan Patterson, Nikka Costa, Ryland Blackinton and Vaughn Oliver, with Sam at the helm of production.
Sparro has also shared “Everything,” the album’s second single and follow up to the praised “Outside the Blue“ featuring Grammy-nominated group We Are KING. The joyous track is about being in the type of relationship where you feel secure and loved, feeling all the love that you put out being given back in return unconditionally. It was co-written with R&B legend Rahsaan Patterson (Brandy, Tevin Campbell) and composer Tim K (Honey Dijon).
Tim K notes, “We were caught up in the magic of cassette tape jams, Roland boxes and general nostalgia. ‘Everything’ emerged from a loving jam of spine-tingling Patterson Bvs, some soulful chords and some kindred vibes.” “I was introduced to Rahsaan’s solo work in the early 2000s and fell in love with his buttery tone and his way with words and melodies. I later realized he had co-written and sang on some of my favorite songs. He’s brilliant and witty and talented and I’m so excited he’s a part of the album. Not just as a writer but singing background vocals with me on the track – It’s crazy!” Patterson returns, “Collaborating with Sparro was as fun and playful as ‘Everything’ sounds.” Hear “Everything” HERE.
Boombox Eternal is a celebration of life and love and a declaration of joy, in-spite of the division and problems in the world today. The music holds true to Sam’s irreverent, existential and witty style. Though nostalgic, the sound gets an update with modern vocal production and mixes courtesy of multi-Grammy winning mixer Josh Gudwin. Each of the album’s singles will also receive the maxi-single treatment with Sparro noting, “The project is a tribute to the era of maxi singles, cassingles and 12″ records. I wanted that to be reflected in the releases… As a record collector I always love finding vinyl that has all those extra versions on the B-side, and wanted to give that to my listeners too.”
Born in Sydney, Australia and raised in Los Angeles, Sparro’s releases include multi-platinum single “Black and Gold”–which has seen wildly popular covers by the likes of Adele, Katy Perry and more–#1 single “Happiness,” and albums Sam Sparro and Return to Paradise. He has also collaborated with Mark Ronson, Adela, Kylie Minogue, Aluna George, Basement Jaxx, Nile Rodgers and Adam Lambert, among others. Sparro won a GLAAD Media Award for “Outstanding Artist” and a “GQ Man of Style” award, and has been nominated for five ARIA Music Awards (Australia’s Grammy equivalent).
He has also performed on stages around the world including festivals like Glastonbury, Coachella and Lovebox. In 2016, he released the final EP in his three-part series–Quantum Physical Vol 1, 2 & 3. Sparro is also a talented photographer whose work can be seen HERE.
BOOMBOX FOREVER TRACK LISTING01 – VIBE FOREVER (INTRO)02 – PRESSURE03 – LOVE LIKE THAT04 – MARVELOUS LOVER05 – OUTSIDE THE BLUE F/ WE ARE KING06 – YOUR VIBE (INTERLUDE)07 – EYE 2 EYE08 – EVERYTHING09 – BOW10 – SAVE A LIFE11 – THE PPL – F/ MALUCA12 – VIBE FOREVER (OUTRO)