The Accidental by Francis Rossi, releasing by earMUSIC on January 30 on CD, LP, and Digital formats, comes as something of a surprise.
It was certainly a surprise to Francis, who had no plans to record an album. "This truly came out of nowhere," says Rossi. "I spend my life in and out of the studio, rehearsing, tinkering, but something happened earlier this year and, before I knew it, we had created something special."
While Rossi's previous solo albums explored his love for acoustic ballads, vocal harmonies, and the blend of British rock with country influences, this album, his first in seven years, marks a true return to the energetic, guitar-driven sound that made him a legend with Status Quo.
The Accidental sees Francis Rossi playing to his strengths, but taking risks, cutting loose, and exploring new territory — this album is all about old bones and fresh blood.
The fresh blood in question comes largely from Hiran Ilangantilike, a guitarist who was originally a school friend of one of Francis' children, and co-producer Andy Brook. What became the sessions for The Accidental was initially born of just plugging in and making some serious noise, but something clicked in the studio. Lightning was indeed bottled: There was a swing and a groove, and the songs started pouring out. With John "Rhino'"Edwards and Leon Cave later laying down the bass and drums parts, and Amy Smith again bringing an extra dimension on back-up vocals, this became a project with a bite and DNA all of its own; albeit Francis' playing is a distinctive as ever. Almost all of the songwriting credits reflect this fresh and collaborative ethos, though there are two that bear the classic Quo hallmark: Rossi/Young. Rossi produced The Accidental; co-producer Andy Brook recorded, mastered, engineered, and played on the record, and co-wrote three tracks.
Kicking off with a flourish "Much Better" segues into the ebullient "Go Man Go," teeing up future classic "Push Comes To Shove" and the plaintive yet strutting blues singalong of "Back On Our Home Ground" [who will be the first sports team to adopt this one?]. By then the engine is well and truly running, and the highlights keep coming. The chug and chant and choppy chords of "Something In The Air (Stormy Weather)" give way to the cantering "Picture Perfect," which could only be a Rossi number. The long strides of "November Again" distill a melancholy refrain into a catchy chorus, and the epic "Beautiful World" channels vintage era Quo with enough guitar to get the balcony of the Glasgow Apollo bouncing again. "Time To Remember" is built around a piano line and swaying melody and serves as a poignant and powerful coda to an extraordinarily strong set of new songs.
Pre-order The Accidental here.
Today’s announcement coincides with the launch of the first two songs: "Something In The Air (Stormy Weather)" and "Go Man Go" are available for streaming and download now.
Listen to the digital 2-track single below.
"For anyone who liked any of my solo albums previously, well, I've no idea what you'll make of this one because it's a real departure, but I love it," Rossi says. "It's loud, the guitars are right to the fore, and there are some great songs there."
This new album finds Francis Rossi once more at the top of his game, with a searing yet thoughtful collection of rockers that will please anyone who likes their dose of heavy cut with melody and verve. Mark Twain said that the accident is "the greatest of all inventors" when there are no rules, expectations or preconceptions, anything can — and will — happen. The Accidental proves that amazing things unfold when an artist with an unrivaled track record is inspired to create new music — even after more than 50 years of success — by the sheer love of playing. That unbridled joy is where the elemental magic that animates The Accidental is conjured.