Soulful UK artist Conner Reeves is set to make a significant return to the music scene with his much-anticipated sophomore album, “Ten Thousand Days and The Church of the Restoration.” This release marks an astonishing 27-year interval since his acclaimed 1997 debut, “Earthbound,” signaling a momentous comeback for the artist who once graced the top of the charts.
A New Chapter: ‘Ten Thousand Days and The Church of the Restoration’
“Ten Thousand Days and The Church of the Restoration” features a collection of 16 tracks, comprising 10 full songs and 6 interludes or segues designed to guide listeners through a diverse musical journey. The album’s title itself reflects the significant passage of time and the profound experiences that have shaped Reeves’ life and artistry over the past nearly three decades. This new body of work represents a deliberate re-engagement with his music career, a path he paused following immense success.
From Chart Success to Silence: Reeves’ Early Career and Hiatus
In the late 1990s, Conner Reeves emerged as a prominent voice in UK soul. His debut album, “Earthbound,” achieved gold status and produced five consecutive Top 30 singles, including the hits “My Father’s Son” and the title track “Earthbound.” His success was further cemented with a BRIT Award nomination and international touring, notably as a support act for the legendary Whitney Houston. However, after this meteoric rise, Reeves deliberately stepped out of the spotlight.
His extended absence was due to a confluence of personal challenges. Reeves spoke of enduring crippling stage fright, navigating the complexities of fatherhood, facing disillusionment with the music industry, battling addiction, and even experiencing periods of near bankruptcy and homelessness. These life-altering events led him to seek a quieter existence, moving to rural France and engaging in manual labor to support himself, all while continuing to write music behind the scenes for other artists.
The Lead Single and Sonic Landscape
The lead single from the new album, “Skin In The Game,” has been described as a funk-driven track that showcases Reeves’ signature vocals and reflects the hard-won lessons of his life experiences. It serves as a compelling statement of intent for this new artistic phase. The album also features other new music previewed through singles like “Bones” and “The Sweetest Invasion,” the latter described as a sweet Philly Soul-style ballad that highlights the enduring quality of his soulful falsetto. The overall sound is anticipated to span across soul, gospel, hip-hop, and even country influences, showcasing a broad creative spectrum.
A Resounding Comeback: Reception and Future Prospects
Reeves’ return is already garnering significant attention. The news of his comeback has been met with enthusiasm from loyal fans, and the artist is receiving support from prominent radio stations, including BBC Radio 2, BBC London, Jazz FM, and Solar Radio. Music publications such as Echoes Magazine, Blues & Soul, and Soul Tracks have also provided positive reviews. Synchronizing with his new album release, his debut “Earthbound” has been reissued and made available for the first time on streaming platforms, introducing his earlier music to a new generation of listeners.
Reflecting on his return, Reeves expressed that it feels both strange and right, noting that he believes he is a better writer and singer now, enriched by his life experiences. He plans to stick around and continue making music, potentially drawing from a “vault” of unreleased material accumulated over the years.
With “Ten Thousand Days and The Church of the Restoration,” Conner Reeves embarks on a new journey, proving that perseverance and artistic integrity can lead to a powerful and meaningful resurgence in the music world.
