Toronto soul singer-songwriter Tanika Charles has announced her forthcoming fourth studio album, previewed today by the new single "Don't Like You Anymore."
Reasons to Stay arrives May 16 via Unique Applause. Produced by Scott McCannell and mixed by Monophonics' Kelly Finnigan, it's the follow-up to the artist's 2022 LP Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly, as well as 2023's The Union Sessions EP. Exclaim! New Faves alum Clerel is featured on the closing track.
"I love this album. I love singing these songs. I love the conversations that have begun with them," Charles said of Reasons to Stay in a statement. "It's forced me to face the root causes of some of the insecurities I carry to this day. It's about trauma, but it's not a victim story. It's making peace with the baggage I carry and finding a way to thrive in spite of it."
Of the lead single, she added, "I know this will come across harsh to some, but this is an honest reflection of my relationship with my mother. She was unavailable emotionally for me my entire upbringing, and eventually unavailable physically too. I've tried to understand. I've tried to make amends. I've tried to assist where I can. But the emotional labour is too heavy, and the reciprocation is too faint to justify trying anymore. I love you, but…"
Listen to the bass-driven, mid-tempo scorcher "Don't Like You Anymore" below, where you'll also find the album tracklist information.
Reasons to Stay:
1. Don't Like You Anymore
2. Consistency
3. No More
4. How Long Will It Take
5. Here When You're Ready
6. Reasons to Stay
7. The Lament
8. Don't Let Go
9. Talk to Me Nice
10. Having a Time
11. Win (feat. Clerel)