There’s a surprise lurking at the heart of “The Accidental.” Based on Francis Rossi’s more recent solo outings, you might reasonably expect something largely acoustic, gently Americana-leaning, reflective in tone. That isn’t this record at all.
“For anyone who liked any of my solo albums previously,” Rossi says, “I’ve no idea what you’ll make of this one because it’s a real departure… it’s loud, the guitars are right to the fore, and there are some great songs there.”
He’s not wrong.
Track one, “Much Better,” makes that clear straight away. This is a rocker. Mid-paced, solid, built on organs, guitars and harmonies, and stamped unmistakably with Rossi’s DNA. Te’s nothing tentative about it, either, and guitarist Hiran Ilangantilike proves a huge asset throughout, adding bite, colour and real class to the arrangements.
“Go Man Go” sounds exactly like what you’d expect given that Leon Cave is on bass and Rhino Edwards is on drums – a Quo engine room in all but name – and it rolls along with that familiar, reassuring authority. Elsewhere, “Push Comes To Shove” leans into classic British songwriting, recalling the likes of The Kinks in its economy and melodic confidence, while “Back On Our Home Ground” carries a welcome bluesy swagger.
There are lovely touches throughout. “Dead Of Night” kicks in with some tasteful horns, “Going Home” nods gently toward the feel of Rossi’s earlier solo work, and “Be My Love” could only be written by him – that effortless-sounding boogie that almost certainly wasn’t effortless at all. If this ever gets played live, it’ll go down an absolute storm.
But the emotional and musical centrepiece is the superbly grandiose “Something In The Air (Stormy Weather).” This is the sort of thing Rossi simply couldn’t have done within the confines of the day job, and it justifies the whole project on its own.
There’s real care taken with atmosphere too. “Picture Perfect” creates a vivid, almost cinematic soundscape; “November” brings a subtle Latin tinge; and despite its ominous opening, “Things Will Get Better” lives up to its title, full of hope, fun and a pleasing daftness that feels very Rossi indeed. And yes, whatever you think “Oh So Good” is going to sound like… it does.
The longest track here, “Beautiful World,” earns its runtime, finding joy and then exploding like a confetti cannon. Closing track “Time To Remember” reflects quietly at first, its piano tinkle gradually building into a classy, end-credits flourish.
While making notes for this, it struck me that Francis Rossi has pretty much always been there. From childhood TV appearances on “Going Live,” to buying “Ol’ Rag Blues” when I was barely eight years old, he’s been a constant presence. I’ve loved Status Quo ever since.
This isn’t – and couldn’t be – a Quo record. But it also couldn’t have been made by anyone other than Francis Rossi. Tinkering away in his studio, he says he found something special. He really did. It’s only his trademark self-deprecation that makes him call it “The Accidental.”
Rating: 8.5/10
