Veteran singer/songwriter Stephen Bishop has announced that he will be releasing a final studio album, titled THIMK, on August 15. The 73-year-old Bishop is going out in grand fashion with the new record, which features an impressive cast of collaborators, many of whom are friends with Stephen and/or have worked with him in the past.
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Bishop has released an advance track from the album as a digital single, “Now That I’ve Hit the Big Time,” which features none other than Eric Clapton on guitar and Sting on backing vocals. The song, which Stephen originally wrote in the early 1970s, is a heartfelt homage to his mother.
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A companion lyric video for the tune has debuted on Bishop’s official YouTube channel. The clip features a series of line drawings that illustrate the song’s lyrics, in which Stephen remembers humorous conversations with his mom as he was trying to make it in the music business.
Among the many other artists who contributed to THIMK are Art Garfunkel, Jimmy Webb, Graham Nash, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, ex-Ambrosia singer David Pack, Gerry Beckley, and Dewey Bunnell of America, Dave Grusin, David Benoit, and Marilyn Martin.
The album also features the talents of many well-known and respected session musicians. They include legendary bassists Nathan East, Leland Sklar, and Sean Hurley; keyboardist Greg Phillinganes and Steve Porcaro; multi-instrumentalist Greg Leisz; and drummer Steve Gadd. Also contributing to the album are singer Leah Kunkel; songwriter Jack Tempchin, who played harmonica on the record; and drummer Nic Collins, Phil Collins’ son.
THIMK was produced by Marcus Eaton, who is known for his work with the late David Crosby.
More About THIMK
THIMK can be pre-ordered now. The album is available on CD, multicolored vinyl, and via digital formats. The CD and vinyl versions of the album include two bonus tracks.
In a statement, Bishop discussed the new album and why he decided it would be his final studio effort.
“After five decades of recording music and performing, I figured it was time to close this chapter of my music career,” he said. “THIMK—my 20th and final album—is a celebration of friendship, legacy, and all the people who’ve been part of this long, wonderful ride.”
Stephen continued, “I’ve developed a bit of arthritis in my hands over the past few years, so I wanted to give this last album everything I had while I still could. I’m proud of it—and grateful for the chance to spend my life doing what I love.”
In a separate message posted on his official website, Bishop further explained, “[The album] brings together newly recorded songs, rare unreleased tracks, and special collaborations with some of the most legendary friends and longtime musical partners I’ve had the honor of knowing.”
He added, “THIMK is not just a musical sendoff—it’s a love letter to my fans, collaborators, and a life devoted to song. Thank you for listening, supporting me, and being part of this long, wonderful ride.”
The title of THIMK came from a quirky pin Bishop purchased back in the 1980s.
More About Stephen Bishop
During his long career, Bishop has enjoyed success as a solo artist and has composed hit songs for other artists.
His best-known solo hits include “On and On,” “Save It for a Rainy Day,” and “It Might Be You.” In 1978, Bishop was featured in a brief but memorable scene in the classic comedy film Animal House in which he’s playing an acoustic guitar during a frat party, and John Belushi grabs the instrument from his hands and smashes it.
Stephen also penned “Separate Lives,” a chart-topping duet by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin that appeared in the film White Nights. The tune was also nominated for a Best Original Song Oscar in 1986.
Bishop’s compositions also have been recorded by Clapton, Crosby, Loggins, Garfunkel, Barbra Streisand, Steve Perry, The Four Tops, Johnny Mathis, Luciano Pavarotti, Helen Reddy, and many others.
THIMK Track List:
- “Now That I’ve Hit the Big Time”
- “Only the Heart Within You”
- “She’ll Always Be My Girl”
- “In the Limelight” (Alternate Version)
- “The Money Girl”
- “Liz (So In Love with You)”
- “Really Wanting You”
- “One More Night”
- “You Don’t Need My Love”
- “It Might Be You” (featuring Dave Grusin)
- “Under the Rainbow”
- “A Message from Stephen”
- “Dance off the Moon” (CD/Vinyl Exclusive)
- “You Can Laugh at Me” (CD/Vinyl Exclusive)
(Courtesy of Shore Fire Media)
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