New Orleans marks the Cash Money imprint’s first step toward broadening its already wide appeal, thanks to a hit-making and award-winning roster that includes founder Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj. And there’s no better ambassador to musically personify that message than Morton, whose self described “soulful pop” seamlessly spans multiple genres from gospel and R&B/funk to pop and rock.
“I’ve always pushed boundaries,” says Morton, “but I always remain true to who I am musically. New Orleans is a natural progression of who I am. I can’t explain it except through my music. That proves it better than anything I can say.”
Building that case is “Only One” featuring Stevie Wonder. Quickly garnering strong reaction following its January premiere on Billboard.com, the song is the lead single from New Orleans. Armed with an infectious hook and a head-boppin’ groove, the up-tempo number showcases Morton’s velvety tenor, songwriting skills and musicianship, accented by Wonder’s distinctive harmonica.
“Stevie joining me on the track is the ultimate start. It’s my dream come true,” says Morton of teaming with Wonder. “I want to continue the legacy he represents: musicianship and positivity.”
New Orleans itself stems from Morton’s acclaimed 2012 EP, Following My First Mind, featuring guest cameos from Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, Lil Wayne and Jazmine Sullivan. A nod to Morton’s hometown and musical roots, the forthcoming New Orleans finds Morton at the keyboard playing with a full backing band complete with horns and strings. The result is a lush, melodic yet organic 10-track set that grabs listeners right from the opening title track.
“New Orleans is where I learned how to play music,” recalls Morton. “It’s the physical and mind space I was in when I fell in love with music. It wasn’t about marketing, radio and publicity. It was just about making music because I loved it. It made me feel good. Young Money wanted me creatively as I am. That’s why I’m excited about this next chapter.”
Also featuring rapper Busta Rhymes, New Orleans comes packed with a diverse slate of musical influences. There’s the reggae-infused “Hard Enough,” which explores relationship issues. “I’m looking for a love unconditional / Not one that goes wherever the wind blows,” declares Morton as the song opens.
The self-described “Dr. Love” traverses the same landscape on the mid-tempo “Work It Out.” Set off by a touch of synth and a hypnotic drumbeat, the song once again spotlights Morton’s tantalizing tenor. Also noteworthy is “Heavy,” a song revamped from Morton’s 2012 EP and featuring Adam Levine. Sporting a funk/rock track reminiscent of Sly Stone and Prince, the song’s lyrics were inspired by Morton’s frustration at one point with his indie career.
“It was at a point where I was trying to figure out what the next step was,” says Morton, who hadn’t yet connected with pop hitmakers Maroon 5. “This was me getting those feelings out. Since that frustration, I’ve had one of the biggest years in my career. It’s crazy.”
Influenced by acts ranging from the Beatles and James Taylor to Wonder and Donny Hathaway, the New Orleans native is the son of gospel singer Paul S. Morton. His formal foray into the industry was as a member of the band Freestyle Nation, which debuted in the early 2000s. But it was as a songwriter/ producer that Morton left his first indelible impression. He won a Grammy Award for his songwriting/ production of India.Arie’s “Interested” from her 2002 album Voyage to India.
That opened the door to more collaborations (Jermaine Dupri, LL Cool J, Monica, Musiq Soulchild, Trinitee 5:7) and additional accolades (Dove and Stellar Awards) for his work with gospel singer DeWayne Woods. Woods’ “Let Go, Let God” spent a record 70 weeks on the gospel chart. Along the way, Morton released several acclaimed indie solo albums. He also attracted the attention of Academy Award-winning producer AR Rahman (“Slumdog Millionaire”), who asked Morton to contribute a song (“Sajna”) to the soundtrack for the Vince Vaughn comedy “Couples Retreat.”
Morton’s next big break occurred three years ago, when he was asked to audition by friend and Maroon
5 music director Adam Blackstone for a spot in the band as its keyboardist/vocalist. Soon after, childhood friend and Young Money Entertainment president Mack Maine championed Morton’s music and vision to Cash Money co-CEO’s Roland “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams. With Lil Wayne co-signing his approval as well, Morton is ready to bring his journey full circle with New Orleans.
“My indie years and working with various artists, including Maroon 5, have helped me understand who I am as both an individual and an artist,” says Morton. “It has allowed me to create a fan base that will forever be with me. Now I’m being given the opportunity to do on steroids what I’ve been doing for years.”
Always Be
PJ Morton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But eventhough we have our rough days nothing has changed
I'm still the man you're still the girl that I fell for
So don't you let those evil thoughts in your head anymore
Don't you worry girl
()
No matter how dark it gets
And it will always be that way
Don't you worry girl
So don't worry if it seems too hard
Don't give up 'cause we will find a way
And it will always be that way
()
My father told me there'd be some good days and bad days
But no matter how bad they get the love remains
See I'm now looking for perfection just as long as you're perfect for me
Then we can be 2 imperfect beings living happily
Because it don't matter girl
()
No matter how dark it gets
Oh darling, you're still the sunshine in my day
And we'll always be that way
Don't you worry girl
So don't worry if it seems too hard
Don't give up 'cause we will find a way
And it will always be that way
Yes it will, yes it will always be that way
The first verse of PJ Morton's song "Always Be" touches on the insecurity that can come with being in a relationship. The musician acknowledges that his partner has expressed concerns that he doesn't see her in the same way anymore, but he affirms that this couldn't be further from the truth. Even through tough times, he knows that he fell in love with her for a reason and that nothing has changed that. He encourages her not to doubt his feelings, to not let "those evil thoughts in your head anymore", and promises not to let her go.
The song's chorus gives a message of reassurance: "No matter how dark it gets / Oh darling, you're still the sunshine in my day / And it will always be that way". Regardless of any problems that they might face, Morton is confident that their love will always be a light in the darkness. In a reassuring tone, he tells his partner not to worry, not to give up, because they will always make it through, and their love will continue to shine as bright as ever.
The second verse references Morton's father, who gave him advice that he's carried with him since. The older man emphasized that there would be good and bad days, but that love endures. Morton echoes this sentiment, adding that he isn't searching for perfection in his relationship. Instead, he knows that if he and his partner are perfect for each other, they can overcome any imperfections together. All that really matters to him is that they love each other, and that will always be enough.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard you say that I don't look at you the same
You said that I lost interest in you, but even though we have rough days, my love for you hasn't changed.
But eventhough we have our rough days nothing has changed
Despite the tough times, my feelings for you remain the same.
I'm still the man you're still the girl that I fell for
I'm still the guy you fell in love with and you're still the wonderful woman I fell for.
So don't you let those evil thoughts in your head anymore
Don't let negative thoughts cloud your mind and doubt our love anymore.
Don't you worry girl
Don't worry, my love for you is unwavering.
No matter how dark it gets
Even in the darkest times, my love for you will never fade.
Oh darling, you're still the sunshine in my day
You bring light and joy to my life, even in the gloomiest of days.
And it will always be that way
Our love will always remain strong and unwavering.
So don't worry if it seems too hard
Don't stress if our relationship goes through difficult times.
Don't give up 'cause we will find a way
Let's not give up on each other, we can work through any obstacle as long as we stay united.
My father told me there'd be some good days and bad days
Dad taught me that relationships have ups and downs.
But no matter how bad they get the love remains
But no matter what, our love persists through all those tough times.
See I'm now looking for perfection just as long as you're perfect for me
I'm not searching for perfection anymore, as long as we're perfect for each other.
Then we can be 2 imperfect beings living happily
As long as we accept our flaws and embrace each other's imperfections, we can live contently.
Because it don't matter girl
It doesn't matter because I love you for who you are.
And we'll always be that way
Our love will always remain strong and unwavering.
Yes it will, yes it will always be that way
Our love will always endure any hardship and remain steadfast.
Contributed by Bentley B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.