PAUL

PJ Morton was ready to quit.

Briefly before the release of this latest album, the former Maroon 5 keyboardist told NPR that when he moved home to New Orleans, it was meant to signal his retirement from a musical career he felt was stagnant and devoid of inspiration.

But then, something happened. His 2017 album Gumbo was nominated for two Grammys; its live recorded sequel, for three. It was then that Morton realized he had to square his stance and try again.

The son of legendary gospel artist Paul S. Morton, “PJ” always used the nickname to distinguish himself as the junior. But with PAUL, he seeks to claim his space as “the purest form of who I am.”

For some people, going home is a draining process. For Morton, it was both personally and creatively rejuvenating. The album is bouncing with jubilant New Orleans swing composition, jazzy piano arrangements, and gospel harmonies to make the heart sing along.

Starting over is one of the most profoundly anxiety-inducing processes we have to face in life. But stripped down, sincere, and soulful as ever–Paul Morton proves he’s got a lot more in the tank.