James’ song for pal Gary

LOST TUNE COMING OUT

COMEBACK king James Morrison has a big surprise for Gary Barlow on his new album.

He’s finally releasing a song they wrote together 10 years ago.

The Songs For You singer and 2007 BRITs Best Male winner feels it’s only now that he’s ready to sing such a straightforward love song.

James told me: “I’d forgotten So Beautiful existed!

“When my manager played me the demo as a potential song for my new album, I thought: ‘This is good, who’s this?’

“And when my vocals then kicked in I went: ‘What the hell is this song.’”

So Beautiful is on James’ new album You’re Stronger Than You Know, out today, but he hasn’t been in touch with Gary to say their collab is finally coming out.

James, whose hits include Broken Strings and You Give Me Something, told me: “I like the idea of the song just coming out and letting Gary hear it.

“I’ve never been so direct in a love song before, I’d always tried to keep them subtle before.” After being with girlfriend Gill for 17 years, the singer is finally ready to be so honest about his feelings for her.

He said: “Time and circumstances have made me appreciate So Beautiful for what it is.

“It’s a song whose story says: ‘This is what we’ve been through’ and I’ve been through so much with Gill that I’m ready to sing that.”

James’ album title You’re Stronger Than You Know is also about Gill.

The Rugby-born singer explained: “Gill went through a period of feeling down about herself.

“I thought: ‘You’re on fire, you’re awesome’ and tried to write a song to make my missus feel that.

“And Gill really loves its lyrics!”

Although he’s primarily known for romantic songs, James wants to write some fun songs next.

He said: “I don’t want to be seen as just a romantic balladeer.

“I want my music to have some guts, be a bit faster and rockier.

“I find it hard to connect with playful songs, but I want to broaden my lyrics and have some fun!”