On his forthcoming album, Weekend Dude, singer Duane Stephenson felt the need to do things differently.

Under the guidance of renowned music producer Donovan Germain of Penthouse Records, Stephenson said he had a lot more input in the project, his first release since 2014’s Dangerously Roots: Journey from August Town.

“The thought process for this album was the lighter side of the music, sort of reminiscent of Maxi Priest or Third World. We’re just trying to lighten up the feel of the music, because my music is for the family to be able to listen to it,” Stephenson told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash on Thursday.

He continued: “The album was inspired by the title track and the need to do something else. Basically, this album with Donovan Germain meant that this was an opportunity to sing a little bit more lovers’ rock vibe, a lighter tone of reggae — for me, that is. We just wanted to set the stage and the tone for a different kind of vibe. Weekend Dude is quite unusual and unexpected, and it lends itself to a lighter feel.”

The album is due for release on February 14 via Penthouse Records/VP Records.

Among the collaborators are Marcia Griffiths; Canada-based, multi-JUNO Award winner Exco Levi; and veteran old-school deejay Josey Wales.

Musicians include Grammy-winning guitarist Lamont Savory and keyboardist/guitarist Wade Johnson.

Germain is credited with producing most of the tracks on the album.

“We had some great vibe and energy, and I also had a little more input in the production [with Germain] than I usually do. Generally, when you are putting out an album it takes a lot of work. You have to be trying to find the right sounds, the right musicians, and the right songs,” Stephenson shared.

Speaking on his musical evolution, Stephenson said: “The process of evolution has been musical growth. I was allowed to explore a little bit more of my vibe and the direction of the music. Evolution is something continuous. Dean Fraser was also involved in this album to a lesser degree, and it has been a learning process right through. I think that I have grown.”

The artiste embarked on a solo career in late 2006 after he made his exit from the six-member vocal group To-Isis.

“Some people wanted to explore dancehall, some R&B, but with growth there’s natural progression. I am a roots man and I wanted to tell my story. I started that journey in late 2006 and by 2007, my début album
From August Town was ready,” said Stephenson.

The follow-up album to From August Town was 2010’s Black Gold, while 2014’s Dangerously Roots: Journey from August Town peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart.

His better known songs include August Town, and his covers of Cool Runnings, originally recorded by Bunny Wailer, and Tyrone Taylor’s Cottage in Negril.