Carousel

2016 solo album from the singer/songwriter best known for his work with the Grammy-winning band America. Recorded at his Los Angeles studio Human Nature, the shimmering 12-track album plays to all of Beckley's strengths; the singer, songwriter and musician played most instruments on the album. With a solo project I'm really a committee of one, says Beckley. There's only myself to please. Having said that, it's not always easy. Each project is a snapshot in time. The material on Carousel came from a wide scope of inspiration. Carousel contains original standouts such as the deeply personal Lifeline, No Way I'm Gonna Lose You (co-written with Dan Wilson who won an award for his work with Adele) and Tokyo, of which Beckley says: The song actually came to me while I was waiting to board a flight home from Japan. I seem to remember I lost track of time and almost missed the flight. There are also three covers on which Beckley puts his distinctive spin: Spirit's Nature's Way, Gerry Rafferty's To Each and Everyone and Gerry and The Pacemakers' Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying. I've fortunately never been short on inspiration for my original material but I do love to record a cover every so often, says Beckley. These three are of course from my long list of fave songs.