The new Bruce Hornsby album, ‘Flicted is the third in a trilogy of song collections mostly based on film music he’s written for Spike Lee over the past few years. The album title relates to this strange time in which we live, when the world is basically, well, ‘flicted.
‘Flicted completes a trilogy of song collections (Absolute Zero and Non-Secure Connection) based on film cues Hornsby composed for writer and director Spike Lee. This unique approach enables him to build upon and explore new stylistic techniques while collaborating with a wide variety of talented artists. Hornsby’s goal was to make a more upbeat record overall, speaking on COVID-19 and using the world of science as a recurring influence. Lyrically the record is dotted with three Covid-related songs including “Tag” and album opener “Sidelines,” and otherwise ranges far afield with the world of science again a recurring on “Lidar” and “Point Omega.”
Special guests on ‘Flicted include Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend on “Sidelines” and Danielle Haim of Haim on “Days Ahead,” both duets with Hornsby.
‘Flicted was produced by Tony Berg and Bruce Hornsby, and was recorded at The Large Cloth-Eared Collider in Williamsburg, VA and the legendary Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, CA. It includes the first cover song Bruce has ever put on a studio release, a total re-imagining of Chuck Berry’s “Too Much Monkey Business.”
Based out of Williamsburg, VA, Hornsby first rose to national prominence with The Way It Is, his 1986 Grammy-winning debut album with The Range. The title track became the most-played song on American radio in 1987 while Tupac Shakur’s timeless song “Changes” builds on “The Way It Is” and set the stage for many subsequent versions of the track, including Polo G’s recent single “Wishing For A Hero.” In 1991, Hornsby collaborated with Bonnie Raitt, playing on her iconic hit “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Additionally, Hornsby was a part-time member of the Grateful Dead from September 1990 to March 1992, performing over 100 concerts in America and Europe. Hornsby has also written six full film scores for Spike Lee including his recent Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It, and contributed music to five others, including 2021’s NYC Epicenters 9/11→2021½.
The 13-time Grammy nominee has solidified his status as a highly sought-after collaborator. Hornsby’s own 23 albums have sold over 11 million copies worldwide, and he has appeared on over 100 records including releases with Bob Dylan, Don Henley, the Grateful Dead, Stevie Nicks, Ricky Skaggs, Bob Seger, Chaka Khan, Brandon Flowers, Bonnie Raitt, Sting, Mavis Staples, Willie Nelson and more.