For those unaware, after launching his career as a teenager like a rocket ship, winning two GRAMMY® Awards as a member of Starland Vocal Band (“Afternoon Delight”), Jon Carroll is now deliberate and considered when it comes to releasing new music.

The singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, and musician’s musician has a lot to say on his fourth solo album, “Can’t Afford Not To.” His first album in eighteen years will receive its official release on June 27th, 2025 from BraveSoul Productions.

Carroll penned a dozen new tunes and produced this 14-song LP, crafting a freeform collection of keen political commentary and societal observations, courageous activism, and purposeful explorations of truth set to melody-rich, horn powered, and groove-laden Americana rock, R&B, soul, jazz, and gospel music.

Carroll’s “Can’t Afford Not To” presents a gallery of musical advocacies. His lyrics address speaking out politically, reaching out socially, standing up righteously, doing right constantly, and seeking truth faithfully.

1. (You Gotta) Stand Up! [4:11]
2. Into and Outa The Storm [4:41]
3. Can’t Afford Not To [4:53]
4. Your Hook [3:52]
5. Big Goodbye [5:03]
6. On His Bike [4:48]
7. Rainy Day Someone [3:34]
8. Rich Man’s Daughter [4:03]
9. Color Him Father [3:37]
10. Right By You [5:44]
11. Heart Outside [2:14]
12. Roll A 7 [8:14]
13. Soldier On [5:35]
14. Waiting For A Train (All Around The Water Tanks) [2:49]

This expertly crafted new body of work opens on the Gospel-hued (You Gotta) Stand Up! and the gently countrified, soulful Into and Outa The Storm and then we get the Reggae-imbibed title cut Can’t Afford Not To, the funkily grooved Your Hook, the low slung Big Goodbye, before both the grooved handclapper On His Bike and an aching yearn within Rainy Day Someone are brought forth.

Along next is the pop-blues feel to Rich Man’s Daughter and the summer’s breeze, window leaning cut Color Him Father and they are in turn backed seamlessly by the dutifully gospel-lite Right By You, the expressively ambient Heart Outside, the quietly paced guitar/organ rocker Roll A 7, the set rounding out on the cinematically 70’s-hued Soldier On, closing on the Dylan-esqque troubadour tale telling of Waiting For A Train (All Around The Water Tanks).

Official Purchase Link

www.joncarroll.org