I’m New Here

Following a period of personal and legal problems with drug addiction, I’m New Here was Gil Scott-Heron’s 13th and final studio album before his death on 27th May 2011. The album also marked his first release of original material in 16 years, and was ranked at number 45 on Pitchfork’s list of the Top 50 Albums of 2010.

I’m New Here finds Gil Scott-Heron on the edge, with powerful melodies fixated against the vintage of time. The album is a noticeable departure from the rhythmic and soulful style of Scott-Heron’s previous work. Instead, it focuses upon introspective themes of regret, reconciliation and redemption, and stylistically embraces elements of electronic and ambient music.

Upon its release, I’m New Here received positive reviews from critics. In a review for The Daily Telegraph, Neil McCormick praised Scott-Heron’s lyricism as having great “depth, wisdom and experience,” conveyed through

a voice rich with musicality, all set in a sonic context that locates him in the present moment.

For the album, producer Richard Russell was influenced by the eponymous debut album from the xx – in 2011, Jamie xx released a remix of Scott-Heron’s final album, titled We’re New Here.