Neal Francis Shares Latest Single “What’s Left Of Me” Off Forthcoming LP ‘Return to Zero’

Photo Credit: Jack Karnatz 

Singer, songwriter and acclaimed pianist Neal Francis will release his first album of new music in more than three years on Friday, March 13. Return to Zero represents the Chicago-based artist’s affinity for the timeless confluences of rock-and-roll and ’70s-era dance music. As a preview of the impending set, Francis has unveiled his new power pop single, “What’s Left of Me.” 

According to Francis, the forthcoming set was created without using digital programming to support his longstanding commitment to all things analog. The collection of new music was co-produced with Francis’ frequent collaborator, Sergio Rios, and recorded live in the studio with all members of his touring band present. 

Today’s single release serves as the artist’s pondering of life on the road and was created in partnership with Nashville songwriter Chris Gelbuda (Sabrina Carpenter, Meghan Trainor, Zac Brown Band). With a strong lean into Francis’ slot behind the piano, he finds a pop-powered pulse akin to the stylings of Richard Tandy and company. 

“Chris and I are good friends and we got to talking about the challenges of being in a committed relationship while you’re on tour,” says Neal Francis. “A lot of these songs were influenced by Electric Light Orchestra and the way Jeff Lynne synthesizes classical music and pop songwriting, and ‘What’s Left Of Me’ was definitely one where I was going for an ELO vibe.”

“What’s Left of Me” comes in the wake of Francis’ initial single release, “Back It Up.” “That song went through a few different phases before we got to the final iteration,” Francis offered. “It took me a while to accept that it’s okay to have fun with the lyrics, instead of making everything so serious all the time.” Read and listen here. 

Scroll down to watch the official music video for “What’s Left of Me.” 

Pre-order Return to Zero now. 

Tracklist:

Need You Again

Don’t Wait

Broken Glass

Back It Up

What’s Left Of Me

150 More Times

Dance Through Life

Dirty Little Secret

Already Gone

Can’t Get Enough

Return To Zero