Peter Frampton returns with a new album of original songs — his first in 16 years — arriving May 15 on UMe. The record, co-written and produced with his son Julian Frampton, reunites the guitarist with a wide-ranging group of guest artists and comes as Frampton remains active onstage despite a long-term muscle condition.
A cross-generational project
The new collection, titled Carry the Light, leans heavily on collaboration. Frampton recruited voices and players from different eras and styles — from classic-rock peers to contemporary R&B talent — creating an album that spotlights both legacy and reinvention.
Frampton said working with Julian changed the dynamic in the studio, calling the process deeply satisfying and creatively energizing. The lead single, “Buried Treasure,” adds another layer of note: it features keyboardist Benmont Tench and is constructed as an homage to Tom Petty, weaving Petty song titles into the lyrics.
Why this matters now
The timing amplifies the record’s impact. Frampton came back onstage in 2023 for a U.S. tour, performing seated after a diagnosis of Inclusion-Body Myositis, and he entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the class of 2024. Carry the Light arrives as both a personal statement and a public reminder that Frampton’s profile remains prominent in the rock landscape.
For listeners, the album offers more than nostalgia: it brings Frampton into direct creative exchange with artists who can introduce his work to new audiences while reinforcing his standing among longtime fans.
- Release date: May 15 (UMe)
- Production: Co-written and produced with Julian Frampton
- Health context: Frampton has continued to perform live after his 2019 announcement and returned to touring in 2023
Tracklist and featured guests
Below are the album tracks with their credited guests:
- Carry the Light
- Buried Treasure — featuring Benmont Tench
- I’m Sorry Elle — featuring Graham Nash
- Breaking the Mold — featuring Sheryl Crow
- I Can’t Let It Be
- Lions at the Gate — featuring Tom Morello
- Islamorada — featuring H.E.R.
- Can You Take Me There — featuring Bill Evans
- Tinderbox — featuring Bill Evans
- At the End of the Day
Notable pairings include Tom Morello on the more aggressive “Lions at the Gate,” and H.E.R. adding a contemporary R&B voice to “Islamorada.” Graham Nash, Sheryl Crow and Bill Evans also contribute, creating moments that range from intimate harmonies to fiery guitar exchanges.
Across the record, Frampton balances familiar guitar tones with arrangements that let collaborators steer textures and moods. The result is an album that reads as both a continuation of his catalog and a deliberate effort to connect with artists outside his traditional orbit.
As Frampton re-enters the release cycle, the album’s combination of high-profile guests and the personal circumstances surrounding his return make it a notable release for rock audiences and mainstream music outlets alike.
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