Album review: Myles Kennedy – The Art Of Letting Go

Back in 2015 when Myles Kennedy fronted Slash’s band at Download, a few of us were hoping he’d stick around to front Mötley Crüe and headliners KISS as well, such is the man’s talent.

On this latest solo album, that skyscraping voice, alternating from broody warning to unbridled celebration, continues to be an immediately identifiable calling card. This time however, his generally overlooked guitar-playing talent is every bit as full frontal. On his previous two solo offerings, Myles understandably sought an alternative sound to the one that has shone so brightly on his seven albums with Alter Bridge. This time, as the title suggests, he has simply gone for what feels right.

Thus, we have songs like the title-track, Mr Downside and Saving Face, all of which might conceivably have become Alter Bridge songs had the mood and timing been different. The latter sees Myles at his huge-chested best, planting sparkling vocal peaks over thunderous and eloquent guitar work; all his own. In Say What You Will, there are even subtle reminders of Alter Bridge classic Metalingus within the framework’s rumbling tumult and tension.

Above all, this is a mature album, one in which its creator assesses his place in the world and resolves to make the best of it. ‘What’s done is done, so let it be / Let solace come through melody,’ he emotes in Eternal Lullaby, an exquisite ballad that invites repeat plays.

There’s wisdom here that comes from being a successful artist in his 50s. Miss You When You’re Gone might be about a broken relationship but could just as easily be about a teenage daughter leaving for university. Significantly, this is music that has the power to speak to you as an individual. It soothes as much as it rocks – and rest assured, it rocks harder than any previous Myles Kennedy solo album.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: Those Damn Crows, Halestorm, Evergrey

The Art Of Letting Go is released on October 11 via Napalm