Soul man Bobby Womack is confident his comeback album will be a big hit - because it features tracks producer pal Damon Albarn was holding back for a Gorillaz project, which now may never happen.
The 68-year-old Across 110th Street singer returned to the studio with Albarn in 2011 for his first proper album in 18 years, and he admits he was more than impressed with the songs the British star brought to the table.
Womack, who joined Gorillaz for two tracks on what could be the band's final album Plastic Beach and then toured with the supergroup, tells Rolling Stone magazine, "I knew he (Albarn) was serious, because he was holding a lot of these songs for the Gorillaz's next album. He said, 'I'm giving you everything I got and more.'"
Albarn recently revealed he and bandmate Jamie Howlett had fallen out - and he feared there would be no more Gorillaz collaborations.
Meanwhile, Womack admits he thoroughly enjoyed recording with Albarn at his Studio 13 in London.
He adds, "It reminds me of a little house. They have beds and showers - you don't have to leave."