PJ Morton—multi-Grammy Award-winning vocalist, keyboardist, composer and producer—displays his talents for collaborating with an array of diverse artists on his latest album, Watch the Sun. And, oh yeah, the New Orleans native and resident does great on his own as heard on an album chock full of his original material. Naturally, everyone will have their favorite cuts whether they favor his deep, old school soul number of “Lil’ Too Heavy,” that touches the heart with the gospel influences that have long been core to his makeup, as the son of the Rev. Paul S. Morton. Morton closes the album with gospel music on his sleeve on the uplifting “The Benediction.” He’s joined by Zacardi Cortez and an array of other fine vocalists who partake in the traditional call and response that fills Black churches each Sunday around the nation. “Better, better,” sings the joyful choir.

Certainly, listeners will be drawn to Morton’s collaboration with the iconic Stevie Wonder and the talented Nas. The lyrics of “Be Like Water,” offer important advice of chilling when faced with confrontation. “Just let it go…” Who could deliver that message better than the holistic Stevie Wonder?

Dig the change of pace of the title cut, “Watch the Sun” featuring Jamaican vocalist Chronixx who definitely brings both the rhythm and one love spirit of reggae music.

Many people were initially introduced to PJ Morton as the keyboardist with the Grammy-winning band Maroon 5. He successfully revved up his career as a powerful solo artist and on Watch the Sun proves again that he can do it all. In the music biz, that’s called big ears.