Famously recognized as the co-founder, lead vocalist, and lead guitarist of the British Rock band Status Quo, Francis Rossi is a songwriter with a long, rich history. A cornerstone of Status Quo, Rossi assisted them in achieving 25 UK top-ten albums and over 100 singles, but beyond this, he has also craved a very nice solo career. After releasing his debut solo album, King of the Doghouse, in 1996, he has also collaborated with other artists, creating his own legacy and becoming a major influence on other musicians.
In short, the resume for Rossi is indeed quite long. As a solo artist, he has released four full-length studio albums, but now, in 2026, he puts out his fifth, The Accidental. Titled accurately, it was not really planned; it happened ‘on accident’ during a studio session, so to speak. A pleasant surprise, it arrives on January 30, 2026, via earMUSIC and features fourteen amazing songs, full of Rossi’s signature guitar sound and brilliant arrangements.
What is Rossi’s first solo album in 7 years, The Accidental, finds him turning back the clock to a time of energetic guitar-driven tracks that also sprinkle in other textures along the way. It all begins with the catchy, melodic “Much Better,” which grabs your attention right away. From here, “Go Man Go” remains smooth and easygoing, evoking the’ 70s and ’80s Rock style, while the rhythmic single “Push Comes To Shove” pushes you forward, deeper and deeper into the album. Continuing to be engaging, “Back On Our Home Ground” gets you swaying back and forth and even adds some Soul to the Rock, as “Dead of Night” has a very motivating flair.
Shuffling in other elements, you have the piano-driven “Going Home,” before the thriving “Bye My Love,” and the even more upbeat “Something In The Air (Stormy Weather)” with lyrics that create images in your mind and prompt your thoughts to wander. Then “Picture Perfect” pushes you along, and the arrangements of the single “November Again” are rhythmic and hypnotizing. However, what really stands out about The Accidental is the positive sensations it evokes, as in “Things Will Get Better,” “Oh So Good,” and “Beautiful World,” before “Time To Remember” gives the album a beautiful, heartfelt closing.
Overall, all songs for this new Francis Rossi collection are absolutely relatable, with a melodic sensibility that is easy-going and memorable. Making you feel at home, each song has its own style and addictive quality, while the charming voice of Francis Rossi guides you, warms your heart and joints, and carries you to the very end. So, while this album may not have been exactly planned, it is a 55-plus-minute listening experience worth having. A happy accident, The Accidental is a timeless Rock album that Cryptic Rock gives 5 out of 5 stars.
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