Album Review — Myles Kennedy
Myles Kennedy — The Ides Of March
Myles Kennedy is a busy guy. If he’s not fronting Alter Bridge or Slash’s band, he’s releasing solo records. His latest solo release, “The Ides of March”, is out this week and Kennedy shows his versatility. He not only sings but plays guitar throughout the record.
The album starts with “Get Along”. Kennedy says it was originally written about the 92 LA Riots but has become even more timely with the events of the last year. It’s not a super heavy track but it works as an album opener.
“A Thousand Words” has an acoustic intro but kicks in and sounds very much like the recent Alter Bridge record. It’s a great track and has me excited about what’s to come.
“In Stride” begins with some bluesy slide guitar which maintains through the track and gives the song a bluesy feel to it.
“The Ides of March” starts with a simple acoustic guitar and then Kennedy singing in a lower register. The first minute serves as a bit of an intro and then the song kicks in and almost has a Spain-like sound to it. An interesting track.
“Wake Me When It’s Over” is one of multiple tracks that are in response to the pandemic. It’s a upbeat rocker with a catchy chorus around a slightly depressing situation.
“Love Rain Down” is another track that starts with an acoustic guitar and Kennedy’s voice. This time the tempo stays constant but the rest of the band joins the acoustic guitar.
“Tell It Like It Is” brings the slide guitar back for another bluesy romp. This one has an older Aerosmith type of feel to it. I really like the variety that Kennedy displays on the record. He can do it all.
“Moonshot” is another track in response to the pandemic, this time looking back at how the world once was and will hopefully be again. Another track that I could have seen on an Alter Bridge record.
“Wanderlust Begins” is another acoustic track at the start, but this time a little more upbeat. According to Kennedy, many of these tracks are older but have found new life in these present times. A great vocal on this track.
“Sifting Through The Fire” has an Allman Brothers-type guitar riff from the start. A lot of cool influences on this record. This has that 70s feel without sounding dated.
“Worried Mind” closes out the record on a positive note even though it’s presented in a bluesy way. I like that the record takes on some serious issues but offers hope and positivity.
Myles Kennedy is obviously super talented but he has delivered a timely record. It offers hope for the future without glossing over the serious issues of our day. The songwriting and musicianship are stellar with plenty of variety without sounding disjointed.
I’ve only spent a couple of days with this record but it keeps getting better with every listen. Even though it’s early I can say that it’s already one of my favorite records of the year so far.
If you are a fan of anything Myles Kennedy has done you probably already have this record, but if not, get on it.
95 out of 100
Track Listing
- Get Along *
- A Thousand Words *
- In Stride
- The Ides Of March
- Wake Me When It’s Over *
- Love Rain Down *
- Tell It Like It Is
- Moonshot *
- Wanderlust Begins *
- Sifting Through The Fire *
- Worried Mind
*Best Songs