Sarah McLachlan Announces Her First Album In More Than a Decade, 'Better Broken'

Sarah McLachlan is releasing a new album for the first time in over ten years.

One of Canadian music’s crown jewels, the singer-songwriter’s forthcoming album, Better Broken, is out September 19. The three-time Grammy-winning artist’s highly anticipated project marks her first release with Concord Records. The album announcement coincides with the release of its first single, the title track, out today.

Better Broken is described as “a soul-searching reflection on the fortitude that comes from weathering life’s constant storms.” The title track brings forth a new energy that infuses remnants of McLachlan’s lush and moody pop-rock style, building on her legacy while pushing in a new and reflective direction.

“A lot of the lyrics on this record came from thinking about the world right now and asking, ‘How do we move through this landscape? How do we keep our heads above water when it feels like so much is falling apart?’” McLachlan says. “I don’t know if I have any answers, but channeling all that angst and uncertainty into the music has been so cathartic. I hope that this record provides people with some relief and release — but in the end, I just want them to take whatever they need from it, and make the songs part of their own story.”

Primarily recorded at the legendary Sound City Studios in Los Angeles, the Halifax native enlisted help from esteemed musicians like drummer Matt Chamberlain (Bob Dylan, David Bowie) and pedal-steel guitarist Greg Leisz (Kacey Musgraves, Florence + the Machine) to create this refreshed sound. Additionally, McLachlan expanded her creative circle, collaborating with producers Tony Berg and Will Maclellan, both known for their work with the indie pop super-trio boygenius.

Aside from the title track, among the 11 songs on the album are: “Gravity,” “One In a Long Line,” “Only Human,” and “Reminds Me,” a duet with MUNA’s Katie Gavin.

The upcoming record follows 2014’s Shine On, McLachlan’s fourth album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart.

The songwriter has been embracing her role as a Canadian legend. Last year, she was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, where her hits were performed by Metric, Whitehorse and Lights — and duetted with Nelly Furtado. McLachlan caught up with Billboard Canada on the red carpet to talk about her influences.

In April, McLachlan announced the rescheduled tour dates to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her classic multi-platinum third album, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. The cross-Canada run begins October 15 in Victoria, B.C., and wraps November 9 in Peterborough, Ontario. Fans can expect to hear the hit album in its entirety, and presumably new tracks from Better Broken.

Check out the full track list below.

1. Better Broken
2. Gravity
3. The Last to Go
4. Only Way Out Is Through
5. Reminds Me (feat. Katie Gavin)
6. One In a Long Line
7. Only Human
8. Long Road Home
9. Rise
10. Wilderness