Remember that English singer-songwriter, Robert Pattinson? The one who wrote and performed that song “Twilight” that’s been covered by everyone from Adele to One Direction? Yeah, that one.

He’s an enigma. We don’t know much about him. We know he’s got a really gorgeous voice, but aside from that, we don’t know much. He’s kept very quiet about his personal life, so it is no wonder that he’s remained somewhat of a mystery.

Now, imagine our surprise when, in late 2017, we learned that Pattinson had signed with a record label and was planning on releasing an album. Imagine further amazement when we learned that the label he chose was none other than J Records, home to legendary performers like Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston.

If you’ve heard of J Records, you’ve probably also heard of its founder and chairman, Clive Davis. This was, in fact, one of Davis’ first acquisitions when he started the company in 1960. It was originally known as Jergen International, and its headquarters were located in Atlanta, Georgia.

After he finished his contract with J Records, Pattinson went on a short vacation and didn’t come back until April 2018. He did an interview with Variety shortly after, in which he discussed his upcoming album. According to Pattinson, the album will be released on J Records in the fall of 2018, with the title Unguarded. He also discussed the origins of the album’s title and its inspiration.

Unguarded Is An Appropriate Title

The name Unguarded seems to be a combination of two of Davis’ favorite words: “unguarded” and “vulnerable.” In his interview with Variety, Pattinson discussed how he views himself, describing himself as “vulnerable and unguarded.” He went on to say that he wanted to go on a journey with his fans by sharing his thoughts and feelings, and that he feels this album will be a step into the future of his music.

The producer of Pattinson’s upcoming album is none other than Mr. Davis himself. In fact, he has been the producer of every single Robert Pattinson album thus far. What’s more, Davis is one of the executive producers of the 2018 film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the finale of which is dedicated to Pattinson.

Let’s be honest, Davis is no stranger to connecting stars with megastar albums. He’s been responsible for the careers of many A-listers, from Elton John to Celine Dion. He even worked with the Beatles before they were famous. It would be safe to assume the legendary producer is trying to bring the same magic to work on this album.

Magic Or Astrological Connections

It’s interesting to note that, when discussing the inspiration for Unguarded, Pattinson points to the stars. Specifically, he says he was inspired by Mercury, the planet of music and the messenger of the gods. Not only is Mercury one of the most beautiful and dynamic planets, but it’s also the second-closest planet to the Sun, only behind our home planet of Earth.

For centuries, musicians have looked to the stars for inspiration. Beethoven went on a trip to the opera house to see Verdi’s Otello. During his trip, he allegedly composed parts of the opera while watching the nighttime sky. In the 1800s, the Romantic movement manifested itself in literature and art. Several famous composers of the time, like Ludwig van Beethoven, were known to program their music to the rise and set of the Sun.

Why Are Artists Interested In Astrology?

It’s really quite fascinating how artists like Pattinson are looking towards the stars for inspiration. Over the years, we’ve seen many famous musicians and artists credit the stars for helping them to create their masterpieces. Some of the most notable examples include:

  • John Lennon – In 1975, John Lennon released his final album, Some Time in New York City. It was during this time that he began studying astrology and was reportedly influenced by the movements of the stars around him. The result was an album that stands out among his other timeless classics, including Imagine, which features the iconic song “Imagine.”
  • Elton John – In 1970, Elton John released his magnificent Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. It went on to become his highest-charting album ever, reaching number two on the Billboard Top Albums chart and number one on the UK Albums Chart. The album featured several songs about the Sun and its influence on human emotions, especially in the context of a relationship. Additionally, several of the album’s songs, including “Bachelor Party,” were inspired by Elton John’s then-fiancée, Renate Rosenberry. The song “Don’t Give Up” was written for John’s daughter, Jane, who was only three years old at the time.
  • Prince – In 1985, the legendary Prince released his iconic Purple Rain album. It featured several tracks that were inspired by the Sun, including “Solar Station” and “Purple Music.” The latter was inspired by the legendarily complex album The Rainbow Album, which Prince recorded with the Solar Studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On this album, Prince experimented with many different sounds and styles, incorporating his previous influences into one cohesive whole.
  • Stevie Wonder – In 1965, Stevie Wonder released his amazing eponymously-titled album. It went on to become one of the most beloved and influential albums of all time, spawning several hits including “Signed, Sealed, and Delivered” and “Mystery to Me.” The album features several songs about the Sun and its effect on the Earth, with “The Sun Rising” and “Signed, Sealed, and Delivered” being the standouts. It also features one of the most iconic guitar solos of all time, played by Jimi Hendrix.
  • Bob Dylan – In 1985, Bob Dylan released the wonderful Shadows in the Night album. Among its many triumphs, it was reportedly the most important album of his career, serving as a cornerstone for the so-called “Gap in the Mountains” school of songwriting. Several of the album’s songs, including “Blowin’ in the Wind,” were direct responses to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, alluding to the Sun’s influence on human nature and the uncertainty of life in the wake of such a tragedy.
  • Whitney Houston – In 1991, Whitney Houston released her classic album, Whitney. It went on to become one of the biggest-selling albums of all time, with the album eventually earning Whitney Houston five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Female Artist. The album’s title track was written and performed in direct response to the sudden death of her brother. Houston incorporated several spiritual references into the song, paying homage to her lineage and the Sun throughout.

It’s quite clear that artists have been influenced by the movements of the Sun for centuries. While we can’t be sure what will become of Pattinson’s remarkable singing voice, we can certainly hope that he continues to be inspired by the Sun and its effect on the Earth, especially in the context of love and relationships. Let’s be sure to keep our eyes open for news regarding this mysterious gentleman and his upcoming album.