Pop icon Paul Heaton has returned with his latest solo album, Jenius, featuring 15 new songs that showcase his trademark storytelling, wit and warmth.

Released less than two years after The Mighty Several, the album continues a remarkable career that began with The Housemartins. This summer marks 40 years since the band released their debut album, Hull: 0 London: 4, which peaked at No. 3 in the UK.

Produced by Lightning Seeds’ Ian Broudie and recorded in Manchester, Jenius features Heaton alongside his band and regular vocalist Rianne Downey. Irish singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke also provides additional vocals on The Whisky Did.

The album explores everything from love and loneliness to pubs, football, community and kindness. Its lead single, Favourite Kind Of Idiot, is an upbeat love song celebrating imperfection and the quirks that can bring people together.

With Jenius, Heaton once again proves why he remains one of British music’s most distinctive and enduring songwriters.