Although wanting to explore a career in country music, Joshua Ray Walker ended up taking a short break after being diagnosed with colon cancer. While staying positive about his treatment, the singer never lost his love for music.

And to the surprise of many, Walker recently announced he was dropping a new album in a few weeks called Tropicana. Using his recovery to write and record music, it appeared that Walker was ready to continue his pursuit of country music fame. 

On June 13th, Walker will release his latest album with Tropicana. As the name suggested, the theme of the new album focused on the beach. Speaking about his inspiration, the singer said, “I was at home for a year, without the ability to play shows or even take a vacation. Since I couldn’t leave town and go see a palm tree in real life, I started writing about them.”

With Walker constantly focused on his recovery, he used music to help him escape the stress of colon cancer. He explained the album was “the sort of place where you can order a piña colada at the pool bar and go wander down a nondescript beach. I couldn’t go to the beach, so I decided to bring the beach to me. Music has always been an escape for me.” He continued, “We did that on purpose. We didn’t limit it to one specific space, because Tropicana is wherever you want it to be.”

Joshua Ray Walker Goes From Cancer Free To New Album

As for Walker’s cancer, the singer announced a few months back that doctors couldn’t find any cancer in his body. For some time, the doctors claimed the cancer spread to his lungs, but when undergoing more tests, Walker was given the wonderful news.

Although beating cancer, Walker was still considered in remission. For the next few years, the singer would need to undergo routine tests and scans to make sure the cancer didn’t spread. But for now, Walker was simply thrilled to share new music with fans.

Looking at the tracklist for Tropicana:

1) Tropicana

2) Keys to the Tacoma

3) Laguna

4) Dance With Who You Came With

5) I Don’t Wanna Be Alone

6) Heavy Stones

7) Dirty Laundry

8) Whiskey to My Heart

9) Novella

10) I Hope I Have Fun Dying

(Photo by EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)