Openly gay Grammy-nominated pop singer Sam Sparro has formally announced his new album, Return To Paradise, will be released in May.

Inspired by soul and funk music from 1978-1984, Paradise is the product of two-and-a-half years of writing and recording in Los Angeles, London and New York.

The album features a wide range of international musicians including Jamiroquai founding bass player Stuart Zender, violinist Caitlin Moe, The Horn Section from Hercules and Love Affair and Midnight Magic, Charlie Wilcocks, Dave Wilder, Felix Bloxsom and Sparro’s own brother and father on guitar.

Production credits on most tracks go to long time Sparro collaborator Jesse Rogg and Sparro himself.

Sam also worked with Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino, Florence and the Machine’s Isabella Summers and Swedish singer/songwriter Erik Hassle on some of the song writing.

This new record follows the success of his self-titled 2008 debut that included his hit single Black & Gold.