Matt Cardle Returns With New Single ‘Fading Lights’ And Announces First Album In Seven Years

Matt Cardle kicks off 2026 with renewed purpose as he unveils his brand new single Fading Lights, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter for the multi-platinum artist. The track is the latest preview of Cardle’s forthcoming album The Great Escape, due for release on 10th April and set to be his first full-length record in seven years.

Matt Cardle

Matt Cardle (Martin Wagdin)

Fading Lights finds Cardle returning with confidence and clarity, pairing an unmistakably uplifting tone with the emotional power of his renowned four-octave vocal range. Built around soaring hooks, dramatic percussion and shimmering synth flourishes, the song delivers a message of optimism and resilience, urging listeners to hold on to hope even when circumstances feel overwhelming.

Speaking about the track, Cardle explains: “After waking up to the dark reality of the system we live in, there can be no going back to sleep. While absolutely powerless, Fading Lights was a message to myself to not let the system crush my spirit or kill my dreams.”

The single was written by Cardle alongside producer Dan McDougall and songwriter Jim Eliot, with mixing handled by Charlie Russell. It follows the release of the atmospheric slow-burner Drinking Dreams, with both tracks offering an early insight into the emotional and sonic breadth of The Great Escape.

Described as a deeply personal record, The Great Escape has been over a decade in the making. Across its 15 tracks, Cardle reconnects with his love of songwriting, drawing from life’s highs and lows, love and loss. Musically, the album spans infectious modern pop and soul through to dynamic indie-rock balladry, blending classic songwriting with contemporary production, alt-pop textures and rich, string-led arrangements.

The album features contributions from an impressive list of collaborators, including Michael Champion, Ben Cullum, Danny Connors, Tim Bran and long-time collaborator Neil Wilson. Production is led by Dan McDougall, with one track co-written and co-produced by multiple Ivor Novello Award winner Eg White.

With a career that has seen him achieve chart-topping singles, multiple gold and platinum albums, and acclaimed success on the West End stage, Matt Cardle’s return feels both timely and assured. The Great Escape is positioned as a statement of artistic renewal, capturing an artist back at the peak of his powers and ready to reconnect with a wide mainstream audience.

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