Paul Heaton Announces Album Jenius and UK Autumn Tour

Paul Heaton, the acclaimed songwriter known for his work with The Housemartins and The Beautiful South, has announced a new solo album and a major UK arena tour for autumn 2026. The album, titled "Jenius," will be released on August 21 and marks his 23rd album overall.

The 15-track record was produced by Ian Broudie of Lightning Seeds and recorded at Blueprint Studios in Manchester. It features Heaton's band and regular live vocalist Rianne Downey, with Irish singer-songwriter Declan O'Rourke providing additional vocals on the track "The Whisky Did." The album's title reflects Heaton's characteristic modesty. He explained that if anyone calls him a genius, he jokes by asking if they mean "with a J," noting the spelling would be wrong.

The lead single, "Favourite Kind Of Idiot," is now available. Heaton described it as a love story about two people who bond over shared imperfections and daftness. He said the song points out the niceness in not being perfect and celebrates the charm of idiotic people, adding that he considers it likely the most romantic song on the album. Thematically, the album's songs will touch on love and loneliness, pubs and booze, community, counsel,...