Daniel Caesar is back with a new song, “Waiting In Vain,” a cover of Bob Marley & The Wailers’ 1977 classic.
Caesar’s self-produced version is from the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack. The seven-track project will release Feb. 14 via Tuff Gung/Island Records.
Speaking on his connection to Marley’s music, Caesar recalls: “My dad used to sing around the house a lot and play the guitar and one of his favorite songs to play was ‘Redemption Song’ – That was one of the first songs I remember learning how to play as well.”
Caesar also notes how Marley has inspired his artistry: “I love the idea of music where…if you’re going to say something, say something. It’s not all about aesthetic, he had something to say. Similarly, I have things to say – a lot of my music centers around expressing my emotions, but I have moments where I like to say something that is important and take a stance.”
“Waiting In Vain” is the second offering from the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack.
The EP will include additional contributions from Skip Marley, Leon Bridges, Jessie Reyez, Wizkid, Bloody Civilian and Kacey Musgraves. According to press materials, “The Marley family had a hand in choosing and approving all selections for the EP.”
Per the movie’s logline: “Bob Marley: One Love celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.”
The movie, produced in partnership with Paramount Pictures and the Marley family, stars Kinglsey Ben-Adir as Marley and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.
Bob Marley: One Love hits theaters Feb. 14.
Circling back to Caesar, “Waiting In Vain” is his first taste of new music since releasing his third album, Never Enough, on April 10, 2023. The project debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart and No. 14 on the Billboard 200.
Never Enough (Bonus Version) includes features from Summer Walker, Ty Dolla $ign, Rick Ross serpentwithfeet, Omar Apollo, Mustafa, and BADBADNOTGOOD.
Stream Daniel Caesar’s new song “Waiting in Vain” below.
