John Roberts, the Emmy-nominated actor, comedian, and recording artist best known as the voice of Linda Belcher on the hit animated series Bob’s Burgers, has announced his new album I Am, arriving November 20. The 11-track project marks another chapter in Roberts’ longtime connection to electronic and dance music while bringing together electro-pop, house, indie, and the ’80s pop and R&B influences that have shaped his sound.
Roberts has also released the album’s new single, “Never,” along with an accompanying lyric video. Built around a brooding beat, the track captures the rush of finding someone special as Roberts delivers the declaration, “I never had a love like you.”
Roberts will celebrate I Am with a special album release and birthday show at DROM in New York City on November 12.
Music has long run parallel to Roberts’ work in comedy and television. Before becoming the unmistakable voice of Linda Belcher on Bob’s Burgers, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance, Roberts was immersed in New York City’s downtown music scene. His connection to electronic and dance music stretches back to the city’s ’90s rave culture, while the synths, hooks, and larger-than-life choruses of ’80s pop have remained a lasting influence on his creative work.
On I Am, Roberts works closely with Chris Wallace, the songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose credits include Meghan Trainor, Madison Beer, Tinashe, Keith Urban, and 24KGoldn. Together, the pair created 11 original songs that continue Roberts’ fusion of electro-pop with house and indie influences. Deep grooves built for the dancefloor meet the synth-driven melodies and hooks of the ’80s pop and R&B Roberts grew up loving, drawing inspiration from artists including George Michael, Madonna, and Depeche Mode, as well as the production work of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Beneath the album’s dancefloor pulse, I Am explores heavier themes surrounding loss, change, connection, and existence. Written in the wake of his mother’s passing and another period of personal transition, the album developed from Roberts’ desire to continue creating rather than become overwhelmed by the world around him. Its themes move through grief and self-examination toward what Roberts describes as “the recycling of matter and mystical oneness.”
“I hope like any good album it takes them out of their life for a second and is in some way therapeutic,” says Roberts.
Roberts and Wallace wrote and recorded I Am throughout 2026 at The Cutting Room in New York City, working quickly and instinctively. Wallace would bring Roberts tracks either in advance or directly into the studio, with Roberts developing lyrics and melodies around them. The process continues the spontaneous songwriting approach that has helped shape Roberts’ music throughout his career.
Roberts made his solo debut with 2019’s “Looking,” produced by Big Black Delta, after previously joining Blondie on “Love Level” from the band’s 2017 album Pollinator. His 2021 album Lights Out, produced by Junior Sanchez, pushed further into electronic and club music, featuring collaborations with Debbie Harry and Beth Ditto, as well as remixes from Felix da Housecat and Harry Romero.
Across his music, Roberts has described songwriting as an instinctive process, often beginning with a rhythm track before improvising melodies and building the song around them. Last year, he released Outside is a Clown, a 13-track collection featuring production from Kevin Rudolf, Big Black Delta, and Junior Sanchez. The album included “Ain’t Too Tough To Dance,” “Get Around,” “Without You,” and “Hotcore,” with the latter receiving a remix from Italian dance music icon Benny Benassi.
Beyond his music career, Roberts continues to balance recording with his work in television and comedy. Bob’s Burgers recently aired its 16th season and will return for Season 17 in early 2027. Roberts has also opened for comedy icon Margaret Cho and appeared in the comedy-drama Stress Positions (2024) and romantic comedy Fire Island (2022).
With I Am, John Roberts continues to connect his background in New York’s dance and electronic music scene with a deeply personal approach to songwriting, creating an album that places introspection and emotional themes alongside music built for movement. The project arrives November 20, with “Never” offering the latest preview of what’s to come.