Selena Gomez has asked R&B veteran Siedah Garrett to write tracks for her new album.
Siedah Garrett is a prime example of that phenomenon that everyone has heard but few have heard of. She was the female vocalist on Dennis Edwards’ 1980s hit and perennial club classic “Don’t Look Any Further”. She also sang female lead on Michael Jackson’s “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” and co-wrote his introspective “Man in the Mirror” for his follow-up album to ‘Thriller”, “Bad”. As a performer, she passed through the revolving door that is the lead singer spot for the Brand New Heavies and has sung backing vocals on stage for countless artists, including Madonna. But it is in the studio and as a writer she has realised her biggest successes.
Ms Garrett, 56, tweeted a picture with Ms Gomez and wrote: “Listening closely to @SelenaGomez as she invites me to write new pop songs for her next album.”
What now? First of all, the 21-year-old is rumoured to be putting out a greatest hits compilation later this year with three new tracks but they have already been recorded — so this must be for the follow-up to Stars Dance. Also, Siedah specialises in soulful ballads, which would represent a rather staggering change of pace for Selena. At least we know she’s still serious about music.
