Peter Frampton is releasing Carry the Light, his first album of original music in 16 years, on May 15. The project, co-written and produced with his son Julian Frampton, features collaborations with Sheryl Crow, Tom Morello, H.E.R., and others. The lead single, 'Buried Treasure,' is a tribute to Tom Petty.
Peter Frampton announced on March 17 that Carry the Light will arrive May 15 via UMe, marking his first full-length of original material since Thank You Mr. Churchill in 2010. In an Instagram post, Frampton described the record as 'a very special one for me. I got to write and produce it with my son Julian, as well as work with some wonderful friends along the way.' A press release quoted him saying it 'was one of my most enjoyable projects ever. I got to work with my son Julian—writing and producing together. A first of many for us I’m sure.' The first single, 'Buried Treasure' featuring Benmont Tench, dropped on announcement day and serves as a tribute to Tom Petty, with lyrics drawn from Petty's song titles. Collaborators include Sheryl Crow on 'Breaking the Mold,' H.E.R. on guitar for 'Islamorada,' Tom Morello on the protest song 'Lions at the Gate,' Graham Nash on 'I’m Sorry Elle,' and saxophonist Bill Evans on 'Can You Take Me There' and 'Tinderbox.' Frampton's previous live album Frampton Comes Alive! spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Following a 2019 diagnosis of Inclusion-Body Myositis, Frampton toured seated in 2023 and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. He credited Crow for raising awareness of his nomination, telling Billboard in 2024: '[Sheryl] stirred the pot big-time and made people aware — including some of the board members, I think.' The full tracklist is: 1. Carry the Light, 2. Buried Treasure [ft. Benmont Tench], 3. I’m Sorry Elle [ft. Graham Nash], 4. Breaking the Mold [ft. Sheryl Crow], 5. I Can’t Let It Be, 6. Lions at the Gate [ft. Tom Morello], 7. Islamorada [ft. H.E.R.], 8. Can You Take Me There [ft. Bill Evans], 9. Tinderbox [ft. Bill Evans], 10. At the End of the Day.