After three years away from releasing new music, DeWayne Woods returns with “Never Be the Same,” a new single written and produced by PJ Morton.
The reunion is a significant one. Morton helped shape Woods’ breakthrough hit “Let Go,” which became a Top 10 gospel radio single and earned Song of the Year honors at the 2008 Stellar Awards. The pair’s musical chemistry remains intact on “Never Be the Same,” with Morton building a polished gospel and R&B arrangement around one of Woods’ most recognizable strengths: a voice that can move from restraint to full-throated testimony without sounding like it took a wrong turn between the two.
“P.J. was instrumental in creating a voice for me, and he keeps helping to define that voice,” Woods said. “We have such great chemistry like we did on ‘Let Go.’”
The single is Woods’ first original release since his 2010 album, My Life’s Lyric. During the intervening years, Morton’s profile expanded considerably through his solo work, his role as keyboardist for Maroon 5 and his association with Young Money Entertainment.
“Never Be the Same” also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Woods, who is preparing his next album through his own Soul Therapy Music Group label. The project will be distributed by Central South Distribution and is expected to include contributions from Gerald Haddon, Zeke Listenbee and R&B band Mint Condition.
Woods first became widely known through his work with John P. Kee and New Life Community Choir and Donald Lawrence’s Tri-City Singers before launching his solo career. His debut album, Introducing DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet, produced “Let Go” and established him as one of gospel music’s more distinctive contemporary vocalists.
Three years is a long absence in a genre that releases enough new music to keep church announcement screens permanently occupied. “Never Be the Same” suggests Woods was not simply waiting around.
Stream “Never Be the Same” below.