80s legend Deniece Pearson of 5 Star releases a new single
80s icon Deniece Pearson unveils a sneak peek of her upcoming album «Free-Queen-See» (set for release this summer) with her thrilling new track «Evolution X» along with available remixes.
With nods to early 00s pop, «Evolution X» signals a shift from Deniece’s recent reggae-influenced releases. Returning to her pop roots, the track is co-written with renowned American songwriter Holly Lamar, known for Faith Hill’s «Breath», and produced by Pert Makela and Rauli Eskolin. This song is significant, mirroring Deniece’s personal evolution as a solo artist, four decades into her career. It’s a bold declaration of her return and determination.
«My evolution is mine» says Deniece. «It’s up to us what we make of our lives, what we accept and allow each other to do to ourselves and our planet.It’s about mind over matter we get to choose our destiny. I can honestly say this is one of my favourite tracks I’ve ever recorded».
In 2023, Deniece marked her 40th year in the industry with the release of new music and two sold-out shows at Pizza Express Live in London, in addition to various other live performances nationwide. The Brit Award winner, Grammy nominee, and lead singer of the iconic pop group Five Star launched two singles. «Forever Young» – a catchy pop track that reached #12 on Music Week’s Pop Chart and made the Top Ten on their Black Chart, and her debut Christmas single, «Santa Claus is Coming», which topped the Reggae chart. These singles, alongside «Evolution X», will all feature on her upcoming solo album «Free-Queen-See», set for release this summer – her first album in over a decade.
Testament to her enduring popularity, Deniece has been welcomed back to the public eye with open arms, including high-profile appearances on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, BBC Breakfast, ITV News, and Sky News, as well as interviews with The Sun, Daily Star, Daily Express, Record Collector, Big Issue, Heat Magazine, Retro Pop, and more.
Throughout her tenure at Five Star, Deniece attained remarkable success with more than 20 top thirty UK singles, such as hits like «System Addict», «The Slightest Touch», and the iconic «Rain Or Shine», The band is recognised as the youngest British act to secure a number one album, the pioneering black group to clinch a BRIT Award (Best Group 1987), and the first band to land seven consecutive hit singles from a sole album in the UK.
After taking a career break to raise her two children, Deniece made a triumphant return to the stage, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent. Her performances in the West End production of the Michael Jackson musical «Thriller Live» in 2009 garnered great reviews. She also starred in «Respect La Diva» where she wowed audiences with her sensational cover of Beyonce’s «Listen» and a medley of Whitney Houston hits. Deniece’s star power extended to international stages, including a memorable performance at the Sydney Opera House in Australia as a lead singer in the show «Disco Divas».
Deniece‘s BBC1 appearance in 2012 led to new opportunities, such as supporting The Jacksons on their UK tour. In September 2013, she launched «Rafiki Yangu» (Swahili for «My Friend»), a tribute to Nelson Mandela and Africa’s quest for peace and prosperity. This song, dedicated to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, showcased Deniece’s dedication to leveraging her platform for a positive influence.
After the success of her first solo album, «Imprint», which came out in the summer of 2014 and was backed by a 16-date tour across the UK with Billy Ocean, Deniece kept enchanting crowds. Particularly, she teamed up with DJ and producer Sigala to present his top-charting track «Easy Love» on the Top Of The Pops New Year’s Day BBC1 Special.