After nearly three decades of silence, Labi Siffre, the legendary British folk musician, is making a triumphant return with his first album in 28 years. At 80 years old, Siffre is proving that creativity knows no age limit, and his new project, aptly titled Unfinished Business, promises to be a poignant addition to his storied career. Set for release later this year via Demon Music Group, the album is already generating buzz, especially with the debut of his soulful piano ballad, “Far Away.” The track, accompanied by a heartfelt music video, showcases Siffre’s enduring ability to blend folk and soul in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Unfinished Business isn’t just a comeback—it’s a statement about the enduring power of art and the stories we leave untold.
Siffre’s journey to this moment has been anything but linear. After releasing six albums in just five years during the ’70s—including the critically acclaimed Crying Laughing Loving Lying—he stepped away from the spotlight, only to return sporadically in the ’80s and ’90s. His last full-length album, The Last Songs, and the spoken-word collection Monument, both dropped in 1998, leaving fans to wonder if they’d ever hear new music from him again. Yet, Siffre hasn’t been entirely absent this decade. In 2020, he released the single “(Love Is Love Is Love) Why Isn’t Love Enough?”, and a version of “Far Away” appeared in the 2022 BBC documentary Labi Siffre: This Is My Song. Still, today marks the first official release of the song, and it’s a moment worth celebrating.
To promote Unfinished Business, Siffre made a rare live appearance in the BBC Radio 2 Piano Room, joined by the BBC Radio Orchestra. His performances of “My Song,” “Far Away,” and a soulful cover of the Four Tops’ “Baby I Need Your Loving” were nothing short of mesmerizing. And this is the part most people miss: Siffre’s resurgence isn’t just about new music—it’s about reclaiming his place in the cultural conversation. The recent inclusion of his songs in films like The Holdovers and Sentimental Value has reignited interest in his work, leading to the launch of official YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok channels in 2024, along with new interviews and restored videos. Demon Music Group even released a Best Of collection, ensuring his legacy reaches a new generation.
But here’s the controversial part: As we celebrate Siffre’s return, it’s worth asking—why did it take so long for the world to rediscover his genius? Was it the industry’s oversight, or did Siffre’s own hiatus play a role? And more importantly, what does his comeback say about the state of modern music? Is there still room for artists who defy trends and carve their own path? These are questions that Siffre’s Unfinished Business forces us to confront.
For those eager to dive deeper, Eric Torres’ Sunday Review of Siffre’s 1972 classic Crying Laughing Loving Lying offers a thoughtful retrospective, while his song “It Must Be Love” is featured in Pitchfork’s 50 Songs That Define the Last 50 Years of LGBTQ+ Pride. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his work, Siffre’s story is a testament to the enduring power of music. So, what do you think? Is Labi Siffre’s comeback a welcome return to form, or is it a reminder of what we’ve been missing all these years? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your thoughts!
