Paul Young will release his latest album ‘Behind The Lens’ this spring. 

Due May 5, the 10th album from the singer features 10 new tracks that he unearthed from the archives during lockdown.

He tells RETROPOP: “Pulling the ones I liked into a folder, I realised I had an album’s worth of material that was really good. 

“I called it ‘Behind the Lens’ in an oblique reference to the fact it’s music from the past, like looking back at old photographs.

“Some of the files had been corrupted so we had to re-record them, others I had to re-vocal, and they take on a span of 15 to 20 years.”

‘Behind The Lens’ is out May 5 and available to pre-order now. 

Tracklist: Paul Young – Behind The Lens

1. Angel
2. My Only Harbour
3. The Last Time
4. I See A Darkness
5. When The Stars Go Blue
6. I Hadn’t Finished Loving You
7. Major Upset
8. If Dreams Had Wheels
9. You Get Things Done
10. You Were So Good To Me
11. Sleepmaker

Forty years since his debut long-player propelled him into the big time, Paul is celebrating his pop legacy with a tour throughout the year, as well as his first autobiography.

The 96-venue trek kicks off this month and runs until mid-November. Rather than a straightforward gig, it’s a mixture of anecdotes, hits and a Q&A, with the musician reflecting: “It’s mostly about my musical life, when I started getting interested in music and my journey from there.

“I felt a connection with music from a very early age, from listening to the radio. I had piano lessons when I was eight or nine years old but I didn’t get on with it, although it gave me a rudimentary knowledge of music. I loved listening to songs and thinking, ‘That’s such a great song, what makes it so great?’ or, ‘Why did that song get to No. 1?’

Much of the conversation will likely focus on topics covered in his forthcoming tome – and there’s plenty to tell. But it won’t be a tell-all, gossipy book. “Mainly because I have nothing like that to talk about,” Paul smiles. “There are other artists who’ve had their addictions and they’re very open about them.” 

The father of three adds: “Talking about my private life has never sat comfortably with my kids. Plus my music life is far more interesting than my family life.”

Paul Young tours the UK from March 22. For full dates and ticket info, visit paul-young.com.

READ MORE: Paul Young shares details of ‘Behind the Lens’ project including tour, memoir and new album [Exclusive]