Pop/Soul singer and American Idol runner-up Clark Beckham has announced the upcoming release of his new album, Light Year.

The announcement comes two years after Beckham’s international tour and highly successful release of his EP Year One. For Light Year Beckham has crafted a full-length album of original songs, including collaborations like the recently released single “I Hurt Too Much,” a stunner reminiscent of the soul ballads of the ‘70s.

The Light Year title seemed a natural successor to Year One and a nod to seminal events that have propelled Clark’s career. When his soulful, bluesy voice caught the attention of iconic producer Quincy Jones, who would become a mentor to Beckham, even the iconic Jones took a moment to gush about Clark’s talents. “I think God leaves His hand on a select few just a bit longer than the rest,” Jones said, “and there’s no doubt (Clark) is one of them. He is an absolutely unforgettable talent.”