ADVERTISEMENT

AOL Radio

Listen to AOL Radio Now
play arrow
Top Country - Today's Hottest Hits
Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts
play arrow
'90s Country - '90s Biggest Hits
Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, George Strait
play arrow
New Country First - Today's new country hits
Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Sugarland
Online Radio Guide

Exclusive Interviews

Chats with your favorite country stars.

Exclusive Performances

Watch live, in-studio performances.

Blogroll

Danny Gokey Puts 'Heart' and Soul Into Sophomore CD

Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images

For the past few months, Danny Gokey has been hard at work on his second album. The 'American Idol' finalist is approaching his next project a little differently than the first, taking an interest in a certain four-letter word.

"I like being an inspiration, but I want to start hitting more of the love songs," Danny tells The Boot. "I look at Brian McKnight and I love how he writes love songs. I would love to be the Brian McKnight of country music, and be known for a lot of great love songs."

The 31-year-old has been a writing machine, but his next single, 'Second Hand Heart,' which comes out July 25, wasn't one of his own. "It's captured more of my sound and voice," he explains. "It's country, edgy and soulful all in the same. We've been off the radio since September, as far as a single is concerned, so we've had some time to get down and talk to the producer and the label. I'm looking forward and very optimistic."

Danny says he was drawn to the new single's message. "I like to talk about songs that carry a lot of experience," he admits. "To me, it carries a lot of meaning. 'Second Hand Heart' talks about how people have been in relationships. Basically, it's the guy saying to the girl, 'I've got wounds, I've got scars and I'm not perfect, I have a second-hand heart. It knows a lot more than in past relationships, because it's learned a lot more and it knows what it likes now. I want to take this second-hand heart and give it to you, and give more than it's given anyone else.' It's like looking at a pair of jeans at a second-hand store, it's been used. The song title is very clever."

While Danny's personal story of losing his wife, Sophia, four weeks before auditioning for 'American Idol,' seems to be reflected in the tune, the song is universally relatable. "It fits with a lot of people's stories," he acknowledges. "Who hasn't been in a relationship and learned from it? People carry regrets, but it doesn't stop them and it helps them enjoy future relationships."

Also going forward, the Wisconsin native is taking a slightly different musical approach. "I wanted to show more soul," he admits. "I feel like that with the first record people kept pushing me this way or that way, and we couldn't capture my full sound. Although, it was a great record and fans love it. I told them, 'We have to bring more soul, but we have to fit it in within the format.' Everyone was in agreement and we just moved forward."

'Second Hand Heart' hits radio July 25, a few weeks after Danny starts his stint on Taylor Swift's Speak Now World Tour. His first show is July 8 in Charlotte, N.C. Get a full list of dates here.


All the Danny Gokey info you want to know

Danny Gokey Baby News: Singer and Wife…

The Boot

Sophia's Heart Foundation Congrats to Danny Gokey and wife Leyicet on the…

Danny Gokey Baby News: Newlyweds to…

The Boot

Sophia's Heart Foundation Congrats to Danny Gokey and his wife Leyicet, who…

Danny Gokey Wedding Video: 'Idol' Alum…

The Boot

YouTube Danny Gokey has been notoriously accessible to his fans since…

See all Danny Gokey »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

7 Comments

Filter by:
sandy

He acts like he is the only person in country who has soul? There are many country singers with soul. He is not as special as he seems to think. And I listened to his new single when it debuted today, while he does have nice vocals, I found nothing edgy or soulful about it, to be honest. It was just a vocally nice performance but nothing that had me jumping for joy. meh

June 16 2011 at 6:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kat Lee

I can't wait for his new album and I am so excited to hear the new single. I understand that the song has a great pedigree from the writers to the very talented Mr. Gokey.

June 15 2011 at 11:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
josie123455

I love Danny's first album but I think I understand where Danny is heading - his live performances have an intensity about them and he uses more of that gritty edge in his voice and it sounds fantastic, even better than the album, which I think is not all that easy for most singers to pull off. He really does though. I am very curious to hear the new single, glad it's coming soon.

June 15 2011 at 11:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Happyhexer

I thought Danny's first concert with Taylor Swift was in Pittsburgh on June 18th? Did that get changed? Danny is an awesome live performer, so the Pittsburgh Swifties should be in for a treat.

It will be interesting to see what Danny and his peeps do with his next album. With the right songs, I do think Danny will be able to showcase his vocals and make his mark on country music. Here's hoping! *fingers crossed*

June 15 2011 at 9:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
D S R

I am very excited for this new CD. When Danny says "bring more soul, but we have to fit it into the format" that sounds more like what we hear when we see Danny live. I love his first CD but he really shines in concert. I know this upcoming CD is going to be extra special, and like everyone else, I can't wait to hear it!!

June 15 2011 at 6:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mkeforyou

I am excited to hear Danny's second album! I am sure it will be well worth the wait for all of his fans. Country music is about telling a story and Danny's music sings from his heart and soul. I am positive Second Hand Heart will soar up the charts, can't wait!!!

June 15 2011 at 6:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brandon Moore

I'm really looking forward to hearing what Danny and his team have been cooking up in the studio over the past few months! I like hearing that there will be even more soul in the second album. Danny's been known to inject lots of soulful and bluesy sounds into his live shows, which are always big hits with the crowd, so I have a feeling his upcoming single and new album will resonate with people. Can't wait!!

June 15 2011 at 5:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

Your Settings

{email}

Subscriptions

Weekly Newsletter

The Boot news in your mailbox. Top Articles, reviews, photos & more.

Realtime alerts

Daily alerts


Update
Cancel