LEWIS Capaldi is starting 2024 with a bang – by releasing five new songs.
The much loved Scottish superstar has been on a career break for the sake of his mental health since last June after he struggled on stage during a performance at Glastonbury.
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But yesterday he returned to social media for the first time in six months to announce that an extended edition of his hit second album would be released just as the clocks struck midnight into the New Year.
The songs are called Strangers, A Cure For Minds Unwell, Someone I Could Die For, The Ancient Art Of Always F***ing Up and Old Navy Blue — all of which are believed to have been written during the original sessions for the album.
Speaking about his No1 record, Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, Lewis said: “I was absolutely terrified of disappointing you all, afraid of not living up to expectations and, in all honesty, scared that the whole thing would be a complete flop.
“But thanks to all of you, it wasn’t.
“It’s mind-blowing to see the songs on this album still resonating with so many of you despite the fact I’ve not been out there promoting it or touring, it means the world to me.
“Which brings me to the reason for this big b*****d of a letter I’m writing . . . “Prior to my decision to f*** off for a bit, I’d always hoped to release an extended version at some point!
“After some back-and-forth about whether or not it was the right thing to do, I’ve decided it would be a shame for these extra five songs, which are so incredibly special to me, to sit on my hard drive, never to see the light of day.
“With that, I’m absolutely over the moon to announce that Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent (Extended Edition) will be yours to listen to on New Year’s Day!”
In the message shared with fans on his social accounts, Lewis also gave an update on how he is feeling and his battle with anxiety and Tourette’s syndrome.
‘Songs mean world to me’
He explained: “As most of you will know, I’m currently taking some time off to focus on my health and wellbeing and it’s been going great!
“I’ve been working with some incredible professionals to help me learn about and cope better with my Tourette’s and anxiety issues.
“I’m really happy to say I’ve noticed a marked improvement in both since I decided to take some time off.
“I was completely overwhelmed by the reaction to the news that I was taking a break and genuinely want to thank each and every one of you who reached out, left a comment, tweet or DM wishing me well, the support was like nothing I’ve ever experienced and has made me more excited than ever to return to doing what I love at some point in the not too distant future.”
But admitting he isn’t coming back yet, he added: “For now I’m going to continue taking some time to carry on looking after myself, maybe writing some music and taking a moment to reflect on some of the most incredible years of my life.
“I want to make absolutely sure I’m 100 per cent before getting back out there again properly for more shows and doing what I love more than anything.
“These songs mean the world to me and I’d be gutted if I’d not been able to share them.
“Hope this tides you all over until we can get in a room and sing them together some day very soon.”
We’ve no doubt that Lewis’s dulcet tones will be easing many a hangover today.
Happy New Year!