Wednesday, April 15 will mark the release date of one of the most anticipated albums to be released in a long time, 'A Better Man' by crooner Terry Linen. Scheduled to be released simultaneously on the local and international markets, Jamaica and the rest of the world will soon get their hands on some of Terry Linen's best work to date.
Released on the Africa-led Uplifting Music International label and distributed by Tads Records Inc., 'A Better Man' features several of Terry's chart toppers, including 'Mood For Love', 'Better Man' and 'No Time To Linger' songs which have topped most of the charts on and offshore and have been complimented by music videos being heavily rotated.
"The songs are creating waves overseas in places like the US, Caribbean, Cayman, England and Japan, to name a few. Sometimes I am surprised to hear the people sing the songs word for word," Terry said.
His recent performance in these territories has definitely served to build up the anticipation for the CD.
"I was in Negril two weeks ago and I performed the gospel song and people loved it and I am also expected to be in Orlando on the April 11 for a performance alongside Beenie Man," Linen said, as part of the upcoming promotions for the CD.
And although these hits are track listed, 'A Better Man' will also feature singles that are just as hit effective. Among the plastic fresh singles are gospel content 'Praise He The Lord' and 'Say A Prayer For The World'.
"There is a song for the girls titled 'Shake', it has a fast beat, the kind of beat that is like a crossover. While 'Praise He The Lord' is, as it says, a gospel song of praise. This is the first of its kind to be released by us and 'Say A Prayer For The World' is a song for all humanity," Terry Linen stated.
'A Better Man' is produced and released under Terry Linen's management label, Uplifting Music International. The album is being toasted as a long awaited one, which should quench the thirst of loyal Terry Linen fans worldwide. Reggae label Tads Records Inc. will be handling the worldwide distribution of this, Linen's third album.
The first was self-titled 'Terry Linen', which featured his breaking cover 'Your Love Is My Love' and 'Call On A Friend', while the second was released only in Japan.
To solidify his third album, some of the best musicians known to Jamaica and the world lent their Midas touch to 'A Better Man'. These include Clive Hunt, Chinna Smith, Dean Fraser, Live Wyah and Axeman, among others.
Since Terry Linen signed to Uplifting Music International some two years ago, he has been working on the release of 'A Better Man', the first of three albums for the label.
His management team comprises of executive producer and CEO of Uplifting Music International, Africa, and producer Damion Allen. The camp also manages Bescenta and comedian Newsman.
In the past, Terry Linen would be a scarce commodity to his fans and would do more covers than originals, but according to Linen, this will change.
"In terms of performance, sometimes I am booked overseas and these dates sometimes clash with others. We plan to do more videos and try to stay current on local showcases. It's a variety of songs with different vibes and moods. More mature feeling. I have matured, my music has matured and as the song says, 'I am a better man'," Linen explained.
According to Linen, of the 14 tracks on the album only two are cover versions. These are 'Have Mercy' by Mighty Diamonds and 'Anytime You Need A Friend' by Mariah Carey.
Using another track from the expected 'A Better Man' CD as example, Linen describes his level of maturity. "My music has grown. Take 'Happily Married', this is a song that all married people can listen to and feel proud to be married. It goes, 'I am happily married and I don't intend to cheat, even if you throw expensive flowers at my feet'," Linen, said giving a preview of 'Happily Married' also in rotation.
So for music lovers who have kept it real with Terry Linen and appreciate his music and show love at his performances, Linen said he appreciated this and dedicated this one to them.
"It's a long awaited tribute for my fans and it is much more than an album. It means the world to me to deliver this to my loyal fans and well-wishers around the world. Many thanks to the disc jockeys, promoters, producers and to Uplifting Music International, the whole team. Special thanks to Fitz Livermore aka Favorite, and all musicians who worked on the album," Terry closed.