Gilbert O’Sullivan announces new studio album

Gilbert O’Sullivan today announces On The Record, his twenty-first studio album and the latest chapter in a songwriting career that has spanned six decades. Released on November 6, via BMG, the album is introduced by the uplifting first single ‘Growing Old Disgracefully’ and forms the centrepiece of Gilbert’s 60 Years in Music celebrations, alongside a major UK & Ireland tour in 2026.

Few songwriters have left such a distinctive mark on popular music. From ‘Nothing Rhymed’, Alone Again (Naturally)’, ‘Clair’ and ‘Get Down’ to three Grammy Award nominations, three Ivor Novello Awards, chart-topping albums and millions of records sold worldwide, Gilbert O’Sullivan has created one of the most enduring catalogues in British music. His songwriting continues to inspire artists across generations, with admirers including Paul Weller, Tim Burgess and CMAT, who has described ‘Alone Again (Naturally)’ as “the greatest Irish song ever made” and Gilbert as “one of the greatest songwriters in the world”.

On The Record finds Gilbert as creative as ever. His voice sounds remarkably similar to the young man we first encountered on ‘Nothing Rhymed’ in 1970, while the new songs reflect the melodic invention, lyrical wit and individuality that have defined his writing throughout his career.

Produced by Andy Wright, the album continues the acclaimed partnership established on Driven (2022) and Songbook (2024). Recorded in Eastcote Studios in London with the same musicians who have become an integral part of his recent work, the sessions captured thirteen new songs in just five days.

“We have the same musicians. They know how I work. I play the song to them on the piano, we rehearse it a few times, and then we do a take. No rocket science involved. Over five days we did thirteen tracks.”

The album features thirteen new songs including ‘It’s Me’, ‘Growing Old Disgracefully’, ‘No Place Like Home’ and ‘Is That You? ‘, a duet with Andrea Corr.

For Gilbert, everything begins with the songs. “Daring to be different was the key for me. The writing has never stopped being the most important thing.”

Nearly sixty years after embarking on his musical journey, Gilbert O’Sullivan remains true to what he wants to say and what he wants to express, both melodically and lyrically. His vision has not wavered in more than half a century, and he continues to write, record and follow his own path.

Asked what still inspires him after all these years, Gilbert’s answer captures the spirit of On The Record perfectly:

“Why are we able to keep doing it? You do it because of your love of music. You love what you’re hearing. You hear the chords of Burt Bacharach? You want that. I’m a rhythm pianist, I can’t tinkle the ivories, but we have the ability to write music because we love what we hear.”