Photo Credit: Silverback Music

Today, Stephen Marley has shared a  preview of his forthcoming album, Old Soul, due on September 15 via Tuff Gong Collective/UMe/Ghetto Youths International. The latest single off the set, “Winding Roads,” features Bob Weir and singer/songwriter Jack Johnson and was recorded at the Grateful Dead guitarist’s TRI Studios with his Wolf Bros band, including Don Was and Dead & Company members Jeff Chimenti and Jay Lane.  

“Winding Roads” is a symbolic account of life’s journey, difficulties, and ultimate salvation.  The tune serves as the send-off and final number on Old Soul. It presents interwoven guitar riffs and vocal back-and-forth courtesy of Marley, Weir, and Johnson, who collectively turned out a blue-leaning classic and the only number from the album to be recorded with a full band. 

The release of “Winding Roads” follows two previous singles, the title track and “Cool As The Breeze.” Old Soul represents Stephen’s first full-length project since 2016 and explores a rich tapestry of cultures and genres. The song selection on the new album demonstrates the artist’s ability to defy the expected by presenting a melding of special moments with key industry regulars. 

“You have to be true to yourself,” he remarked via press release. “I refuse to be put into any category. I am inspired by everything. So, if I feel like I want to play some jazz music, I will go play some jazz music. Who dig it, dig it.” ​​Elsewhere on the LP, Stephen and his elder brother Ziggy collaborate on “There’s A Reward,” a heartfelt homage to Joe Higgs, the man who mentored young Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer when they were all aspiring singers in Trenchtown.

Also included is Stephen’s younger brother, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, who assists with “Cast The First Stone,” a powerful tune set to an ominous groove that evokes a sense of a lost spaghetti Western soundtrack. Old friend Buju Banton is included on the ska-flavored “Thanks We Get (Do Fi Dem),” a Lee “Scratch” Perry composition made famous by Junior Byles.

Moreover, Old Soul also presents a special moment with Kyle McDonald of Slightly Stoopid, he joins in on a verse on “Standing In Love.” In addition, Eric Clapton adds guitar riffs to an acoustic take on the classic “I Shot The Sheriff,” making this set an eclectic assemblage of talent and expertise. 

In celebration of the new album, Stephen will embark on an ambitious Old Soul Tour–Unplugged 2023, beginning on September 9 in Indianapolis. Learn more and purchase tickets via the artist’s official website.

Pre-order Old Soul. Listen to “Winding Raads” now. 

Old Soul Tracklist: 

1. Don’t You Believe

2. Cool As The Breeze

3. Cast The First Stone – Feat. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley

4. Thanks We Get (Do Fi Dem) – Feat. Buju Banton

5. Don’t Let Me Down

6. Georgia On My Mind

7. Let The Children Play

8. Old Soul

9. There’s A Reward – Feat. Ziggy Marley

10. This Time

11. These Foolish Things (Reminds Me Of You)

12. I Shot The Sheriff – Feat. Eric Clapton

13. Standing In Love – Feat. Slightly Stoopid

14. Winding Roads – Feat. Jack Johnson and Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros