Toby Gad Revisits His Reign: “PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS (Deluxe)” Unveils Stripped-Down Magic

The name Toby Gad resonates through the very fabric of modern pop. This GRAMMY-nominated songwriting titan, the creative force behind anthems like John Legend’s soul-stirring “All Of Me,” Beyoncé’s powerful “If I Were A Boy,” and Fergie’s defiant “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” is inviting listeners on an intimate journey through his legacy with the expanded release of PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS (Deluxe). Following the warm reception of July’s PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS, which has already clocked over ten million streams, this deluxe edition adds eight new tracks, further enriching a collection that reimagines Gad’s chart-topping discography.

With a career boasting an astonishing nineteen billion streams, Toby Gad isn’t resting on his laurels. Instead, he’s channeling his enduring creativity into this deeply personal project. PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS (Deluxe), also available in immersive Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio, strips away the layers of studio production, presenting his iconic hits in an emotionally raw piano-vocal-strings setting. This approach not only gives these radio staples a timeless quality but also serves as a platform for a fresh wave of vocal talent.

Gad isn’t just looking back; he’s actively looking forward, passing the torch to a new generation of artists. The deluxe album features compelling performances from rising stars like Jerub, Elijah Blake, Justin Jesso, Antonique Smith, Shuba, Mae Mae (Gad’s own daughter), Alex Kinsey, and the uniquely charismatic Casey Abrams.

The eight newly added tracks on PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS (Deluxe) are a carefully curated selection of timeless classics, each imbued with a fresh perspective:

• “Living for Love” feat. Jerub: Originally a high-energy collaboration with Madonna and Diplo, this reinvention transforms the dancefloor anthem into a deeply soulful ballad, showcasing Jerub’s remarkable vocal delivery.
• “Here’s to Us” feat. Elijah Blake: Famously a #1 Rock hit for Halestorm, Gad’s rework elevates this anthem of resilience and unity into an even more uplifting and celebratory experience.
• “Fire Under My Feet” feat. Justin Jesso: Leona Lewis’ Top 40 hit takes on new emotional depth through Jesso’s dynamic vocal range, highlighting the song’s message of self-empowerment.
• “Love Song to the Earth” feat. Antonique Smith: Originally a star-studded charity single for the United Nations’ Climate Change initiatives featuring the likes of Paul McCartney and Fergie, Gad’s rendition alongside Smith’s powerful vocals gives this environmental anthem a renewed urgency.
• “Don’t Hold Your Breath” feat. Shuba: Nicole Scherzinger’s empowering #1 hit gets a surprising and liberating rap makeover, with Shuba’s sassy vocals injecting a fresh energy.
• “No Matter What” feat. Mae Mae: Calum Scott’s poignant coming-out ballad is reinterpreted with delicate and airy vocals by Gad’s own daughter, Mae Mae, adding a personal touch.
• “Year Without Rain” feat. Alex Kinsey: Selena Gomez & The Scene’s dreamy track is stripped back to its core, revealing a timeless arrangement that perfectly complements X Factor winner Kinsey’s smooth delivery.
• “I Do” feat. Casey Abrams: Colbie Caillat’s wedding classic receives a standout jazzy reimagining, showcasing Abrams’ signature vocal charm and the impressive bass-playing that propelled him through American Idol.

Following captivating live performances in Los Angeles and London, which garnered enthusiastic standing ovations, Toby Gad is set to continue bringing the PIANO DIARIES experience to audiences worldwide. These performances feature various collaborators and offer a unique glimpse into the untold stories behind his iconic songs.

PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS (Deluxe) serves as the complete edition of Gad’s legacy project, encompassing sixteen of his greatest hits reimagined with seventeen distinct and talented new artists. It’s a testament to the enduring power of these melodies and lyrics that have become the soundtrack to countless lives.

Adding another layer to his creative endeavors, Gad also hosts the engaging weekly podcast, ‘Songs You Know.’ This insightful show features candid conversations with the songwriters, artists, and producers behind some of the world’s biggest hits, offering listeners a rare peek behind the curtain of the music industry.

PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS (Deluxe) Tracklist:

About Toby Gad:

Diamond-selling, GRAMMY-winning Toby Gad is a songwriting and production luminary whose work has not only earned accolades but has also shaped the landscape of modern pop music for over two decades. With a staggering nineteen billion career streams and a catalog boasting hits for iconic artists such as Madonna, Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, John Legend, Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, and Donna Summer, Toby Gad continues to be an influential force in the music industry through his innovative and deeply resonant compositions. With his recently unveiled album project, “PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS,” which reimagines his most iconic songs with a diverse array of today’s most compelling singers, Gad’s journey as an artist is clearly just beginning, with exciting and original releases on the horizon. Stay connected to Toby on Instagram at @tobygadmusic.