Sam Ryder has released his second studio album Heartland.
Released via the independent label Artist Theory, the new record sees the 2022 Eurovision runner-up “convey the feeling of the last couple of years.”
It marks a new chapter for Ryder, who took time out to recalibrate after the whirlwind success of 2022’s breakout hit Space Man, a No.1 album, and billions of global streams.
The singer faced a confidence crisis and found himself without a record label upon his departure from Parlophone.
Ryder recorded the album in Nashville – where he stayed in a log cabin – and the songs are steeped in influences from the musical city, as well as classic Western, Hollywood scores, and soul music.
He said of the LP: “This record is a collection of songs attempting to convey the feeling of the last couple of years. The wish is to find a connection with you no matter where you are in the world, whether it’s flying high or feeling like you’re the only ship out on the ocean. If you’re navigating the pain of forgiveness and the weight that comes with holding onto resentment, if you’ve lost confidence in yourself and you’re trying to find a way back to your spark, spirit and hope, this is for you. Take to the Heartland. I’m with you every step.”
He added of the single The Feeling Never Went Away: “It’s about still having feelings for someone or something even though they perhaps don’t deserve them anymore… Even though I think I’ve conquered them, back they come. Healing and breaking the cycle is about recognising these feelings and accepting them.”
The 13-track record- the follow-up to 2022’s There’s Nothing but Space, Man! – includes previously released songs White Lies, OH OK, and Armour.
Collaborators on the album include a heavyweight lineup of producers and songwriters: Mikky Ekko, Steve Mac, Mike Elizondo, Tom Elmhirst, Nick Lobel, J Kash, to name a few.
The new album follows Ryder’s widely praised Glastonbury debut in June and precedes his biggest headline show to date at London’s Wembley Arena on November 6 — a full-circle moment as it’s the same venue he attended his first gig as a teenager.
Grab remaining tickets to the Wembley gig via aegpresents.co.uk/event/sam-ryder.
Heartland tracklisting:
1. Olympic ’89
2. The Feeling Never Went Away
3. OH OK
4. Heartland
5. White Lies
6. Suffer In Silence
7. Armour
8. Burn It Down
9. Better Man
10. Up Down
11. Come and go like the asteroids do
12. Electric Marine Blue
13. Eyes On You