Neal Francis Heralds New Studio Album ‘Return To Zero’ With Anthemic Single ‘What’s Left Of Me’

Singer-songwriter and pianist Neal Francis announced he will release his third studio album, Return To Zero, on Friday, March 14 via ATO Records. Francis previewed the 11-track collection by sharing the ELO-inspired single “What’s Left Of Me.”

Return To Zero marks Francis’ first full-length studio album since 2022’s In Plain Sight. The Chicago-based musician previously put out the track “Back It Up” in November and the song will be featured on the forthcoming LP.

Neal Francis tapped frequent collaborator Sergio Rios to co-produce Return To Zero. Francis was joined in the studio by members of his touring band. The album, recorded without digital programming in keeping true to his analog purist approach, is said in press materials to represent his “most extravagantly realized work so far.”

On “What’s Left Of Me,” Francis collaborated with renowned songwriter Chris Gelbuda. “Chris and I are good friends and we got to talking about the challenges of being in a committed relationship while you’re on tour,” Neil explained. “A lot of these songs were influenced by Electric Light Orchestra and the way Jeff Lynne synthesizes classical music and pop songwriting, and ‘What’s Left Of Me’ was definitely one where I was going for an ELO vibe.”

Watch Neal Francis’ “What’s Left Of Me” video below:

Neal Francis will embark on an extensive international tour later this year. Full details will be revealed soon with the first U.S. leg expected to begin on March 20 in Cleveland. Francis heads to Mexico this weekend to perform at Bobby Weir’s Dead Ahead festival.

Return To Zero Tracklist

1. Need You Again
2. Don’t Wait
3. Broken Glass
4. Back It Up
5. What’s Left Of Me
6. 150 More Times
7. Dance Through Life
8. Dirty Little Secret
9. Already Gone
10. Can’t Get Enough
11. Return To Zero