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Napalm Records Album Review: Myles Kennedy-The Art of Letting Go

 


Words by Anselm Anderson


Singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist Myles Kennedy released his third solo album, titled "The Art of Letting Go," through Napalm Records last Friday.The follow-up to the critically acclaimed "The Ides of March" in 2021 was a contemplative piece by the rock vocalist, best known for fronting Alter Bridge and teaming with Slash and the Conspirators. This time around, Mr Kennedy seems to be in a reflective mood, as he muses over some key elements of his life thus far.

"The Art of Letting Go" is a guitar-driven record that delves into the artist's influences with post-grunge rockers and the man in a hat. Kennedy, along with bandmates drummer Zia Uddin and bassist Tim Tournier, has created a spiritual album filled with wisdom and grace. Producer Michael Baskette oversaw the recording of this release at Studio Barbosa in Florida.

Photo Credit: Chuck Bruekmann

"The Art of Letting Go" opens the album with a captivating charm. Kennedy offers timely advice over a slick, roots-influenced riff. "Say What You Will" follows with tantalizing fretwork and blues-tinged rhythm that may sound familiar to fans of a certain fuzzy-haired individual. Kennedy continues to mature with each release, expressing personal subjects with his silky vocals. I believe this release is probably his most personal to date, in contrast to his earlier works, which were more biographical in nature.

It has always been a strength of Myles Kennedy that he hasn't taken for granted. Instead, he chooses to develop his range and tone, showcasing this with softer tracks like "Mr Downside" and "Miss When You Are Gone." The arrangements and inclusion of skilled musicians contribute to making this an easy-listening album, true to its rock essence. Meanwhile, "Saving Face" stands out as a bold rock track, starting with a smooth blues lick and then bursting into powerful guitars and robust harmonies. The album features "Nothing More to Gain," which has swinging rhythms and is the darkest on the release, with pounding drums, dark cadences, and introspective lyrics. "Dead to Rights" is the heaviest track on the album, while "How The Story Ends" concludes with a personal message about standing up for one's interests, accompanied by eerie orchestration, dissonant riffs, and another powerful outburst of emotion from Myles Kennedy.

Myles Kennedy and his band deliver another mesmerizing rock performance of soul-searching and well-written rock songs that show the vocalist may have learned the art of letting go, but he isn't quite ready to leave yet.

Rating: 8.5/10




LINEUP:

Myles Kennedy - Vocals, Guitar
Zia Udin - Drums and Percussion
Tim Tournier - Bass

MYLES KENNEDY Online:




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Copyright: Anselm Anderson ©

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