ALBUM REVIEW: Myles Kennedy - The Art of Letting Go

It’s highly likely that you’ll have heard of Myles Kennedy. The 55-year-old singer and songwriter has been frontman of Alter Bridge for over 20 years, the voice of Slash’s solo project Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators as well as a successful solo artist. He’s also by all accounts a genuinely lovely guy. Perhaps a little too pearly white for those who want the grittier side of hard rock and heavy metal, but certainly possessing one of the finest and recognisable voices in the rock and metal world, I have a sneaking admiration for his colossal talent. 

As with all vocalists with a distinctive style, Kennedy’s music often merges. Like his bandmate Mark Tremonti, I often find their solo work presents more of an extension of their Alter Bridge music, rather than a defined distinction. That’s not to say that Kennedy’s solo work isn’t of high quality, for it truly is. 2018’s Year of the Tiger and the sophomore release The Ides of March were both fine albums, if a little bit routine, yet both have had regular plays with me. The follow up to The Ides of March, which achieved high critical acclaim, is The Art of Letting Go, and it continues the high bar that Kennedy has set in the previous solo releases. He is joined once more by Zia Uddin on drums and Tim Tournier on bass, with Kennedy handling vocals and guitars. 

There’s a heavier feel to this record, with more riffs, and a tighter, guitar driven sound that wasn’t so prevalent on previous albums. Maybe an approach which takes him back to basics, avoiding the need to reimagine arrangements for the live setting. A strong opening with the title track is followed by lead single Say What You Will, which possesses a thick and heavy groove. Mr Downside follows, another hard rocking pleaser which establishes the intent on the whole album. Kennedy’s ability to build atmosphere and intensity comes to the fore on the brooding Behind the Veil, a smouldering burner which is crushingly heavy in atmosphere whilst retaining the hooks and anthemic qualities that the man appears to be able to craft with ease. 

His view on the album is very much one of providing listeners with an escape, empowerment, healing and the comfort that we are all in this together. “I’ve realized you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone but you. Do the best you can, remember you’ve got a gift, and use it”. Inspirational words from someone who has many gifts, including some driving guitar, as seen on Saving Face which also features some neat bluesy tones. Inevitably, as with all music that follows the formula, there’s a more restrained, laid-back track, which arrives in the shape of Eternal Lullaby. A track that features the stripped back vocals and acoustic guitar, it’s a counter to the heavy edge that features in most of the album. 

It’s where Kennedy and band cut loose that the pulse is set racing the most. Nothing More to Gain has a swagger of confidence that is both catchy and endearing, whilst closing song How the Story Ends is a fitting finale. Uplifting throughout and benefiting from the skills of long-time producer Michael ‘Elvis’ Baskette, The Art of Letting Go proves that once more, there is more to Myles Kennedy than meets the eye.

The Art of Letting Go is released today via Napalm Records

Review by Hutch