Diane Warren, Renowned US Songwriter, on A Reggae Musical Journey 

Legendary songwriter Diane Warren is taking her music in a bold new direction with the upcoming release of a reggae-inspired compilation album, Songs in the Key of Diane: A Reggae Compilation of Diane Warren Songs, set to drop on July 31.

The 13-track project reimagines Warren’s extensive catalog through a Caribbean lens, featuring reggae and Pacific Island artistes performing fresh interpretations of her classic hits, deep cuts, and previously unreleased material.

Among the featured acts are Common Kings, Fiji, Pia Mia, Lea Love, and Gramps Morgan, highlighting a diverse blend of talent rooted in reggae and island influences.

Warren, an Academy Award honoree and multi-award-winning songwriter, expressed her long-standing connection to the genre. “I’ve always loved reggae, it’s music that just makes you feel good,” she said, noting that her songwriting has often carried a subtle Caribbean influence, dating back to hits like Rhythm of the Night.

The album is the result of a decades-long collaboration between Warren and music executive Steven Rosen, who curated and co-produced the project alongside Warren and Regime/Island Empire co-founders Ivory Daniel and Kevin Zinger.

“What makes a song great is its ability to stand on its own and work across genres,” Warren explained. “If the melody, lyrics, and rhythm are strong, it can live in any style, even reggae.”

One of the standout contributions comes from Gramps Morgan, who performs I Wish That. Reflecting on the collaboration, Morgan described the opportunity as both surprising and rewarding.

“Working with Diane Warren and her team was exceptional,” he said. “For her to embrace reggae and have me be part of that is truly a blessing.”

The album also carries emotional weight, featuring one of the final recordings by the late Fiji, who passed away in 2025. His rendition of You Kind of Beautiful adds a poignant note to the project.

Other highlights include Sammy Johnson performing an unreleased track, I Heart U, as well as reinterpretations of globally recognized hits such as I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, originally recorded by Aerosmith, and Can’t Fight the Moonlight, made famous by LeAnn Rimes.

Warren emphasized that pairing her songs with reggae and Pacific Island artistes was central to the project’s appeal. “I write songs without knowing who will eventually perform them,” she said. “This album brought together voices that fit the music perfectly.”

With a career spanning decades, Warren has penned numerous chart-topping hits for global stars, including Celine Dion, Toni Braxton, and Cher. Her catalog includes nine No. 1 singles and more than 30 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

This reggae compilation represents not just a reinterpretation of her work, but a celebration of its versatility, proving that strong songwriting can transcend genre, culture, and time.