Album Credits: All songs written by Rasheed Ogunlaru ©2025. Keyboards: Rasheed Ogunlaru and John Hamilton. Guitar: John Hamilton. All tracks produced by John Hamilton at EQ Studios, London. All vocals: Rasheed Ogunlaru. Cover photograph by Peter Zownir. Cover design by Steve Bryne.

It is a stunning collection of songs that explores love in its many colours. It starts intimately with the beautiful title track Learn To Love. It then stops off at seeking love, waiting for love, the love of music and of life. It draws into The Dance of life and reminds us of the lost life, the impermanence of life  – and the sheer beauty of life. Like love itself this album has profound, powerful and passionate moments – and sweet and subtle ones. Like all of Rasheed’s work it is a journey both within to self love and outwardly to universal love – and ultimately leads to Meditation Medication, Compassion Road and a New Way To Love.

How? open the space in that the album title speaks  of. It’s sparseness and centring pace invites us to question, reflection and on a journey of introspection. Crying for the World  is both a personal confessional and an expression of empathy to everyone that somehow also marries a West End/ Broadway style signature song with hip-hop beats. Letting Go is a touching, tender ballad of surrender and a real song-writing gem.  If I only Had the Courage takes us on a journey of transformation both reflected in its ballad-like start to its rousing closing flourish. Appreciation and Let Go of Seeking pick up the pace; these up-tempo dance track usher in a sense of change, hope and celebration. Free is a cool collaboration which sees Rasheed team up with Ashley David Simon whose energising rap elevates the track and the listeners’ consciousness. The album closes on a high and highlight with Bring Love Back an infectious, heart-felt mid-temp pop anthem. If that weren’t enough Rasheed gives us a bonus track: AI (Deep Compassion Remix). Here Rasheed transforms the beautiful instrumentation of Artificial Intelligence – a touch of alchemy and a true call to Awakening.

Credits

All songs written by Rasheed Ogunlaru, ©Rasheed Ogunlaru 2020 except: Free © Rasheed Ogunlaru & Ashley David Simon 2020; Animal and Bring Love Back  ©Rasheed Ogunlaru & Marcin Kovacs 2020. All tracks produced by John Hamilton at EQ Studios, London – except Animal and Bring Love Back produced by Marcin Kovacs. Cover photography by Ajamu, art by Marcin Kovacs. All vocals; Rasheed Ogunlaru except Free ft Ashley David Simon with additional background by John Hamilton.

With thanks to everyone involved in this project. Dedicated to one and all. With love, Rasheed

All songs written / sung by Rasheed Ogunlaru. © Rasheed Ogunlaru 2015.  All songs produced by John Hamilton and Recorded at EQ Studios London except “A Time to Heal” produced by Rene Coffey.

The bold, bright sound of this album owes much to the production and musical content of Marcin Kovacs, the producer. Marcin’s music and Rasheed’s lyric and vocal melody combine brilliantly, creating a rich and wonderful journey of the six new songs co-written by Ogunlaru and Kovaks – with the well-chosen remixes of Rasheed’s earlier work.

The album opens with the stunning first single Stars Align, followed by a funky up-tempo re-mix of The Future is Now. Then it’s  more great new songs; Sweet Talker is smooth, sexy soul-fueled pop; Dreamweaver is edgy and intoxicating; and How Do You Want My Love is a heart-warming touch of chill-out R&B. Next is a bold re-imaging of Rasheed’s ballad Just Smile. Unlike many albums that fade this keeps flourishing: Ooh la la is cool, catchy pop at its best and It’s Called Life is a tour-de-force dance/house track showcasing Rasheed’s vocals and his ability to get a powerful message across. The album closes with Kovacs stunning, floor-filling club remix of Rasheed’s Love Is The Answer.  This album and it’s accompanying videos –also directed by Kovacs – will thrill Rasheed’s existing fans and will attract many new ones.

Side one of the album covers life’s ups and downs from youth to maturity through songs like; Settle Down-Striving-Easy Street, I’m Dancing, Emotional Rollercoaster and My Work Life Balance Challenge closing with The Sun is Shining / Footsteps in the Sand.

While side one reflects the stages and changes of life, side two explores the various dimensions of love and self-discovery. It opens with Where There’s Life There is Love and the exquisite 3-track love suite; culminating in the timeless track Love.  Love is followed by the painfully-beautiful Keys To Inner Peace – and together arguable are the album’s masterpieces. The latter is a song dedicated to those who have come and gone and who’s lives were way to short.  Share Your Gifts With the World and the powerful Magic Kiss complete our journey beautifully. Then just when you feel it’s over the uplifting I’d Like To Thank Everyone kicks in – reminding us to enjoy every moment this wonderful experience.

On that note I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in the wonderful journey so far. I’d especially like to thank John Hamilton whose magical musicianship you can hear throughout this album bringing my songs to life. All songs written by Rasheed Ogunlaru ©2018. All tracks produced by John Hamilton. Executive Producer Rasheed Ogunlaru. Album photography by Ajamu.  Photo copyright Ajamu ©2018.  Cover design Steve Byrne and Rasheed Ogunlaru ©2018.