Jermaine Edwards’ sixth album for release next month

Gospel singer Jermaine Edwards is fully aware that the anticipation for his sixth album is high, but he is as calm and soulfully soothing as his voice that bares his devotion to God.

The 17-track set, I Will Follow, will make its debut on July 20 at a pre-birthday and album launch celebration at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.

"The songs speak about daily living, trying to listen to God to ensure I am obedient to His will, so that what He wants accomplished on this Earth can be done through me," Edwards told THE WEEKEND STAR. "I didn't know the impact of my music on the Caribbean, and even the world, until recently. I guess I was probably doing music because I could, singing what my heart was saying, not realising that what my heart was saying is what a lot of people wanted to say. I just want everybody who loves music and loves what I do to come out; it'll be more than an album launch."

The event will feature comedians Ity Ellis, Leighton Smith, Curley Roberts, Mr Handsome and Zazan Zazan, and all guests will be treated to the CD, with VIP ticket holders having a myriad of food options, including Italian, Chinese and Jamaican.

Co-produced by himself and Christopher Wright (as with his last album in 2014), I Will Follow hosts a handful of guitar players from the US and France, and also musicians from Edwards' Island Worship production label, namely Carlton Jarrett, Verlando Small, and Collin Phillips.

Edwards said the album will cater to all age groups, and will explore a multiplicity of genres.

"I'm doing it at a different level, using international mix engineers, guys that mix for all the greats, like Tamela Mann, Kirk Franklin, all these people and their master engineers," he said. "It's a bit expensive, but I'm going for a certain sound and I have that sound. It's just that the capability of capturing that may not be in Jamaica. It's a great comeback from the last time I did an album."

The project is two years in the making and follows the 2014 set Don't Count Me Out, which featured some of Edwards' most lauded work, like Beautiful Day, Hallelujah, and the title track. He revealed that these singles, as well as his 2008 ballad Peace in my Soul, will be revamped and placed on I Will Follow because of their impact.

" Beautiful Day is a little faster, more musical and more 2019. Don't Count Me Out is a bit more soulful - we have a bigger choir, a bigger sound and a top guitarist from France playing a solo on it," he said. " Peace in my Soul is gonna feature an appearance from my father, Bishop Rowan Edwards, where he is encouraging people, and it made the song take on a new life. If you thought Hallelujah was really emotional, this one gives me goosebumps and mek me bawl. These songs are still relevant and people love when I sing them."