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Today, Francis Rossi releases his brand-new solo album ‘The Accidental’ through earMUSIC.

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, Francis Rossi’s first in seven years, marks a true return to the energetic, guitar-driven sound that made him a legend with Status Quo. ‘For anyone who liked any of my solo albums previously’, says Francis Rossi, ‘…well, I’ve no idea what you’ll make of this one because it’s a real departure, but I love it. 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. ‘The Accidental’ was born from spontaneous studio sessions with guitarist Hiran Ilangantilike and co-producer Andy Brook, resulting in a vibrant album that sounds immediate, alive and free of expectations.

Kicking off with a flourish ‘Much Better’, the album 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’. 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’ distil 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.

‘Much Better’, says Francis Rossi, ‘was the first track that we did, on that very first day, and maybe it set the positive tone for the whole album. There’s a happiness and joy here.’

Access the album HERE

‘The Accidental’ proves that amazing things unfold when an artist with an unrivalled track record is inspired to create new music – even after more than 50 years of success – by the sheer love of playing.