The thirteenth album from Welsh rockers Stereophonics is the first album in 20 years solely produced by singer and bandleader Kelly Jones. The band does not save the best for last with first track, “Make It On Your Own” being a highlight. Strings swell over a terrific (potential) radio single that includes just a touch of country guitar. “There’s Always Gonna Be Something” sees Jones sing, “I leave nothing for death but bones” on another country-ish rock song.
A synth adds a bit of an 80s flair to “Seems Like You Don’t Know Me”, a track that contemplates a relationship where “your lie is really my truth”. Jones’ raspy voice sounds the most like Rod Stewart here. From there, the record mostly plays out with catchy but fairly non-descript country songs. The band amp up the banal lyrics to match the mainstream country sound. While this is certainly a criticism, overall, the 30-minute album is a batch of unchallenging yet catchy MOR songs – perfect for unwinding with a domestic beer after work.
7/10
The Light Appears 