Don McLean is one of America's most enduring singer-songwriters and is forever associated with his classic hits "American Pie" and "Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)." Since first hitting the charts in 1971, Don has amassed over 40 gold and platinum records worldwide; in 2004 he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His songs have been recorded by artists from every musical genre, most notably Madonna's recording of "American Pie" in 2000 and George Michael’s version of “The Grave” in 2003, sung in protest at the Iraq War.
Now, in 2018, a new chapter starts as Don McLean releases his new album ‘Botanical Gardens’ on March 23rd. ‘Botanical Gardens’ is his 19th studio album and first in 8 years, and is arguably one of Don’s most reflective to date. As he puts it, “The inspiration for the project started years ago when I would walk in the beautiful gardens in Sydney Australia near the Opera House. I would dream young dreams and it was a comfort and an inspiration. I was always young inside, like we all are, and I felt it again there.”
Further reflecting on the record, Don says, “the whole album really revolves around the title song. Later on I realized that the gardens are really a metaphorical heaven, and there’s a kind of death and rebirth.”
Intimacy can be found at the heart of this record, with Don penning personal numbers looking back on a life well lived, as well as his observations on youth and love. Recording at Watershed Studios in Nashville also allowed a different kind of intimacy for Don and his band, as they were made to “play close and feel the music”, resulting in a raw, yet tight sound throughout. Don proves his prowess at writing timeless sounding songs once again, as the album weaves country, Americana, folk, and boot stomping rock in this release.
