Produced by XL Recordings owner Richard Russell, “I’m New Here” embodies a haunting electronic sound that personifies Gil Scott-Heron’s life to date, while providing the embattled poet a stage to profess his love, sorrow, and fear. The simple production allows Scott-Heron to shed away his beleaguered past, while keeping his lyrics simple and forthcoming, “I did not become someone different that I did not want to be/but I’m new here/will you show me around?” This might seem like an experimental album for some long time fans, especially when compared to songs like “The Bottle” or “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” but make no mistake, the 30 minute album signals the prominent return of the one of the greatest artists of our generation. Album drops tomorrow Feb. 9th at your local music retailers.
Visit the Guardian music section for an album preview here. Guardian Music Blog