“The idea of merging Diane’s world with island reggae and the artists that we work with at Island Empire is a dream come true for both sides, and so I’m happy that we were able to accomplish that. I love it, and hopefully everybody likes it.”
-Steven Rosen
With 450 artist recordings—including Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Cher, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Taylor Swift, Gwen Stefani, Angelique Kidjo, Common (and many others)—Diane Warren ties Lionel Ritchie for the most No. 1s penned by a single writer. The sole owner of one of music’s most successful publishing companies (Realsongs) with placements in over 150 films and a catalog worth an estimated half a billion dollars, Diane Warren (17-time nominee) is also the first songwriter in history to win an Honorary Oscar Award.
2021’s The Cave Sessions Vo. 1 first personal artist release, and last year’s Relentless documentary share a new level of vulnerability, and Warren’snew 13-song project, Songs in the Key of Diane takes things a step further. With existing credits for Aswad (“Don’t Turn Around,” “Give A Little Love”) and Ziggy Marley (“The Good Good” under Snoop Lion moniker), this is the first full reggae collection, built around reimagined pieces, unreleased works, and new songs.
Partnering with Regime Music Group, Steven Rosen (Regime President and prominent industry executive) provided curation and executive production. Rosen began at Jobete Music Publishing and moved to Peermusic, and began signing bands and getting them record deals. Working with Guy Roche, who had produced some Diane Warren songs, Rosen says, “35 years later, Diane and I are still working together.” Adds Rosen, “the impetus was to get our artists exposed to Diane and her world because they’re great singers. It’s a great spin on songs nobody would think of.”
Artists presented song demos, and Warren would select their song. “I hope all these songs get a chance,” she says, “get promoted the way they should. I love to work in every genre. It’s not just a bunch of fucking old songs. ‘Hey Haters’ is this fun, happy, fuck you song. It worked even better with reggae than just a straight pop record,” she says (of Pia Mia’s previously unreleased single). “I love ‘Haters’—the bullying makes you stronger or knocks you down—it’s your choice.”
Save Ferris brings ska flavor to “Kiss Me Tonight” (2012’s Sugababes’ renamed “Too Lost In You,” unreleased for a decade), while reggae-dub Boostive and quartet Through The Roots (featuring Divina) shift “She’s Fire” from G-Eazy/Carlos Santana’s slinky-pop original. Sammy Johnson renews “I Heart U” with thicker, fuller male vocals and Gramps Morgan (son of Denroy Morgan of the Morgan Heritage Band) lends timely and poignant, rich sound to “I Wish That” (originally by 12-year-old Bianca Ryan of America’s Got Talent).
Common Kings’ remake of Warren’s 1985 career-defining DeBarge hit “Rhythm of the Night” adds thicker guitar and an updated pop-reggae feel, while Eli-Mac brings a modernized version of “I’ll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me” (originally by Exposé). Late legend George “Fiji” Velkoso adds “You Kind of Beautiful” (Jimmie Allen song from The Cave Sessions). Says Warren, “it was written as a ballad. Fiji loved it and did this great record. I hope that gets to see the light of day as a single.”
Further reinventions include “Can’t Fight The Moonlight” (2000’s Coyote Ugly LeAnn Rimes version) by Anuhea, with higher BPM and mellower guitar, (son of North shore surfer Eddie Rothman) Makua’s upbeat cover of Bad English’s “When I See You Smile” (1989), and Aerosmith’s Billboard No. 1, “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” (from 1998’s Armageddon) as a fast reggae-pop by Analea Brown. Epitomizing ‘80s synth-pop, “Blame It On The Rain” (No. 1 on 1989’s Billboard 100 before a lip-sync scandal) re-emerges 37 years after famously not being recorded by Milli Vanilli, with NomaD (alter-ego of GRAMMY-winning music producer-songwriter-composer Damon Elliott). Says Warren, “Shoutout to Damon. He produced a lot of this.”
Juggling schedules and finding the right song fits took three years. “Putting out a compilation is not the easiest thing in the world,” admits Rosen, “but because it’s island music, is fun, and Diane was such a great partner, it was a lot easier. Everybody was really enthusiastic.”
“Island reggae is different than typical Jamaican [music],” says Rosen. “It’s much lighter: let’s party, have fun in the sun, be at the beach.” With modern reggae dominating streaming, classics capturing billions of global plays, rising crossover popularity, and international fan hubs popping up (including in Kenya and Brazil), the new record presents Warren’s songwriting genius to a new group of music lovers. Frequently referred to as the ‘frequency of love,’ reggae uses 432Hz tuning, often with deep drum and bass rhythms mirroring the human heartbeat, promoting deep relaxation and a compassionate state of mind. Says Warren, “I hope people embrace it; it’s a great record. Put it on after you watch the news (which will depress anybody), if you’re having a shitty day, or the world’s too much for you—it feels good. These are all songs from my heart, so enjoy it.”
2025’s Diane Warren: Relentless (with “Dear Me,” performed by Kesha) brought GRAMMY and Academy nominations and the Johnny Mercer, GRAMMY, Emmy, Golden Globe, ASCAP and Billboard Award-winning Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee has no plans to slow down. Finalizing songs for a Coyote Ugly musical (for London’s West End), Warren says, “I’m dipping my toes into different worlds, not just different genres.” A Dionne Warwick project (with Cynthia Erivo and John Legend), work with Ty Dolla $ign, David Guetta, and Nicole Scherzinger are also in the works. Songs In the Key of Diane is out July 31.
