Narada Michael Walden talks about six songs from his latest album

ghlights such as his rendition of Sly & the Family Stone’s “Hot Fun in the Summertime” and a fresh take on his own 1980 hit “I Shoulda Loved Ya.” Goldmine had the opportunity to delve into six tracks from the album with Walden.

The album opens with a spoken word tribute to the Mahavishnu Orchestra leader Mahavishnu John McLaughlin on the track “Last Night I Dreamed of Mahavishnu,” seamlessly transitioning into the instrumental piece “Mahavishnu” featuring guitarist Vernon “Ice” Black. Walden expressed his admiration for Mahavishnu, sharing a personal anecdote of how the spiritual figure was pivotal in Walden’s own musical journey, leading him to work with iconic figures and tour the world.

The title track “Still Yours for the Summer” is a heartwarming homage to Walden’s mother, embodying the joy of summer moments spent together. The song features Justus Dobrin on piano, a choir of voices, and a noteworthy guitar solo by Neal Schon, the legendary founder of Journey. Walden reminisces on his cherished memories with his mother and the experiences they shared.

Continuing on to the uplifting anthem “I Love My People Now,” Walden drew inspiration from an European tour of Kendrick Lamar, infusing the track with a sense of communal celebration akin to the energy of American pop rap music. Walden’s collaboration with bassist Ralphe Armstong from the Mahavishnu Orchestra adds depth to this resonant piece.

“Keep Shining” showcases Walden’s ability to radiate positivity through music, with nods to fellow musicians like Lionel Richie. With Lionel’s influence on the track, Walden pays homage to the timeless sound synonymous with iconic artists like Aretha Franklin. This track exemplifies Walden’s knack for crafting songs that uplift and inspire.

The infectious ‘80s dance-infused track “Bougie Cherry Bomb” is a nod to Walden’s musical past, delving into his disco roots and effortlessly blending those elements into a contemporary sound. The production prowess of Jim Reitzel shines through in the engineering and mixing of the track, encapsulating its vibrant energy.

Walden’s disco-era chart-topping success is echoed in “Cowboy Disco,” a groovy track that harkens back to the disco heyday with background vocals reminiscent of classic disco acts. Co-written with his wife, this song is a playful reimagining of Walden’s disco experiences and production work with bands like Sister Sledge.

With a rich musical history and a commitment to honoring his personal and professional journey through his music, Narada Michael Walden continues to delight listeners with his latest album, Still Yours for the Summer. Each track is a testament to Walden’s versatility as an artist, showcasing his ability to seamlessly weave different genres and eras into a cohesive musical tapestry.