Rumors have swirled for ages (it’s been seven years since he first spoke of “18 songs ready”), that Michael Stipe’s solo debut, separate from R.E.M., is finally taking shape.
In an interview with the LA Times, Stipe revealed that a single will be released on New Year’s Day, accompanied by a music video, and that the full LP will be available in May 2027.
He has collaborated on the album with artists such as Andrew Watt and Andy LeMaster. A few months ago, he unveiled a track on Stephen Colbert’s show that is thought to be part of the project, titled “The Rest of Ever.” It’s a stealthy, funk-tinged tune that might have fit on his early-band albums, such as “Up” or “Reveal.”
In the LA Times interview, it is clarified that the track “I Played the Fool” written by Andrew Watt and Michael Stipe for the series “Rooster” will NOT be on the album, but the rest of the tracklist and collaborations remain a mystery. He also discusses the nature of the lyrics, which will be politically influenced, but in an indirect way.
Among the anecdotes, Michael Stipe was with Bono when he learned that Dolly Parton had died. In fact, Michael threw himself to the floor of the van they were sharing. “I didn’t know Bono was going to tell that story in his interviews, but it’s a good story and speaks well of a great American icon. It was very impactful and emotional. We were headed to a dinner with Elton John and I knew U2 had worked with Dolly on her upcoming album; I had already heard the song and listened to it again upon learning that she had died. It’s an incredible and beautiful song.”
