The American R&B singer and actor Tyrese speaks to Reem Buhazza about his comeback album <i>Open Invitation</i>, his return to music and his new self-help book.<br/><br/> <b>Congratulations on the success of your new album <i>Open Invitation</i>. What does this album mean to you?</b> Thank you. <i>Open Invitation</i> is the best album of my career, the best of me. I just wanted to get in the studio, sing songs from my heart and hope that people could relate and identify with what I was doing. I wanted to do things my way, and it really turned out to be the best thing I've ever done in my life. I didn't come back to outdo or be bigger and better than anyone; I'm not competitive. I'm grateful that other artists such as Usher, Trey Songz, Chris Brown, and R Kelly are keeping music alive. <b><br/>It's been five years since your last album. Tell me a bit about your return to music.<br/><br/></b> I just really wanted to come back and do things a little differently. I think sometimes as an artist you can find yourself feeling like you're one of many when you're signed to a major label. You've got executives, A&R, the president, all of these different people; everybody has an opinion about what clothes you should wear, what type of songs you should sing, what type of videos you should shoot. I wanted to get away from all those things, really focus on the music and get back to what I really love to do. I did my album independently, and for this to be my first number one album and single ( <i>Stay</i> ) of my career, I just can't believe it. It's all just unreal to me right now. <b><br/>In the Middle East you're best known for your roles in films such as the <i>Fast and the Furious</i> and the <i>Transformers</i> series. Do you have any forthcoming film projects we can look forward to?<br/><br/></b> There are other movies coming down the pipe, but right now I'm just focused on my music. I just want to spread the music love. In the eyes of the world overseas I'm seen as more of a movie star than a singing star, but this is my fifth album and music is my first love. <b><br/>You've recently added writing to your growing list of achievements. Tell me a bit about your new book, <i>How to Get Out of Your Own Way</i>.<br/><br/></b> I felt like the time was right to put some motivational and inspirational stuff out there. Wherever people are in their life or career they can get hold of this book. I call it the mirror effect. I just want people to look at themselves in the mirror and decide "am I really stopping all of my own opportunities? Am I really in my own way?" that was the motivation for doing the book. <b><br/>Do you plan to come and visit your fans in the Middle East anytime soon?<br/><br/></b> I go where I'm invited (laughs). I would love to come to Dubai! It's all about the fans and the energy. <i><br/>Open Invitation is now available at record stores.</i>