Diana Ross to release ‘Thank You,’ first album in 15 years

Diana Ross is coming out… with her first studio album in 15 years.

The iconic singer has announced she will release “Thank You” this fall via Decca Records.

Recorded in her Los Angeles-based home studio during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, the 13-track opus will include a stellar lineup of producers and songwriters who’ve created hits for Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Justin Bieber, Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, Beyoncé and Rihanna.

“This collection of songs is my gift to you with appreciation and love. I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to record this glorious music at this time,” Ross said in a statement Thursday.

The songs, which she co-wrote, are described as being about “happiness, appreciation, joy.”

“I dedicate this songbook of love to all of you, the listeners. As you hear my voice you hear my heart,” she added.

The upbeat first single, “Thank You,” was produced by Troy Miller, who began his career touring as a drummer for Roy Ayers and went on to work with Amy Winehouse, Chaka Khan, George Benson, Mark Ronson and Gregory Porter.

“Diana said she’d heard good things about me,” the award-winning producer said about meeting the former Supremes frontwoman. “She asked the engineer to leave the studio and we talked for two hours about life, music and everything in between. Eventually she said ‘Do you want to produce some songs for me?’ How could I refuse?!

“One of the first things Diana said to me was not to reference any of her previous records — a challenge considering her music is so well known. She was more concerned with the message, being positive, uplifting and having a sense of ‘togetherness’. I like to go deep into the music and everything I do tends to have a soulfulness to it, and when you add a legend into the mix it gets really exciting.”

With a sound that’s both fresh and retro, the title track — released Thursday — features a notable nod to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “You’re All I Need To Get By,” which Ross covered on her 1970 solo debut album.

Last year, Ross returned to the top of the Billboard charts with an Eric Kupper-produced remix of her 1976 disco classic “Love Hangover.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s last studio album of newly recorded song was 2006′s “I Love You,” which featured covers of songs popularized by Freddie Mercury, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Paul McCartney, Ben E. King and Joe Cocker. A highlight of the love-themed set was Ross’s touching rendition of “What About Love,” a song from the Broadway musical “The Color Purple,” written by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.

The Motown icon’s last album of new, original songs, was 1999′s “Every Day Is a New Day.”

On Twitter, Ross wrote: “When someone believes in you, you can move mountains •••” in the caption to a video clip featuring archival imagery of her through the years.

Due for release in September, “Thank You” will be the 77-year-old Grammy Lifetime Achievement recipient’s 25th solo studio album, and her 43rd overall.

Here’s the track listing for Thank You:

“Thank You”

“If the World Just Danced”

“All Is Well”

“In Your Heart”

“Just In Case”

“The Answer’s Always Love”

“Let’s Do It”

“I Still Believe”

“Count On Me””

“Tomorrow”

“Beautiful Love”

“Time to Call”

“Come Together”

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