'This is my bulls---,' Terrence Howard said as he introduced his album in an exclusive Spinner listening session. The Academy Award-nominated actor and self-taught guitar player glided into our New York office and previewed seven tracks off his upcoming album, 'Shine Through It,' which he finished, along with his 13 piece band, in six days.

"I'm no singer; I sing the way I talk," Howard admitted before pushing Play on the stereo. His raspy singing voice -- which can be easily compared to that of Seal or Ben Harper -- belts out introspective lyrics over horns, flutes and his own guitar riffs. "Every song is a different story for me," explains the actor turned musician, who was heavily inspired by beautiful women and precious love stories.



Moved by the romance between Seal and Heidi Klum -- the courtship tale of which was told to Howard by Seal -- Howard was inspired to write 'Sanctuary,' a soulful, rhythmic ballad. Howard expresses his passion for instrumentation -- and an unnamed Latin woman -- on 'Spanish Love Affair,' one of two instrumentals featured on the record. The seductive track features Howard strumming a Spanish guitar, which he blended with horns.

Serendipity comes to mind when attempting to sum up the actor's foray into music (omitting his performance of Three 6 Mafia's Oscar-winning 'It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp' ), and the album's dramatic title track, which Howard says is about "finding your strength to be you," holds the project together. 'Shine Through It' hits stores Sept. 2.

Buy 'Sanctuary' on iTunes.