Tom Meighan’s new album, ‘Roadrunner’, offers a perfect mix of rock energy, reflective moments, and his unmistakable charisma. This release follows the success of his solo debut, ‘The Reckoning’, and marks a new chapter for the former Kasabian frontman. This new album blends the sound we’ve come to expect from the solo rocker with deeper introspection.
The album kicks off with “Use It Or Lose It” and it sets the stage with a hypnotic backdrop. Meighan keeps on repeating “hey ya hey ya” in the background, echoing like a mantra. This opening track feels like a rallying cry, pulling listeners into a high-energy journey right from the start. The artist immediately establishes that this record is about making choices – an idea that runs throughout the album.
“White Lies” follows, with another powerful mantra: “I don’t care what any anyone else says”. This defiant attitude is something of a theme here, a reminder to stay true to oneself despite external pressures. The repetitive nature of the line drives the message home, almost asking listeners to join in the rebellion.
Things take a turn with “Silver Linings”, a quieter track that allows Meighan’s voice to shine. The minimalistic instrumentation draws attention to his lyrics, which reflect a more contemplative mood. It’s a nice contrast to the rock force of the previous tracks. It offers a moment to reflect before the energy picks up again.
“We Can Do It”, one of the album’s already-released singles, is another anthem-in-the-making. The repetition of “We should do it, yeah yeah” feels like a motivational push, urging listeners to break boundaries and push forward. It’s clear this track was designed for the stage, with a stadium-ready vibe that will likely have crowds chanting along at his live shows.
Then, we find “Better Life”, an acoustic-driven ballad that delves into themes of longing and self-realization. The lyrics, with lines like “always looking for another life, a better life“, capture a universal desire for more. Meighan pushes us to realize what we have before we lose them. This track, my personal favorite, reveals a more vulnerable side to Meighan and serves as a beautiful midpoint to the album.
In the second half of the album, “Headcase” is a hard-hitting track filled with heavy guitar riffs and booming drums. The song’s aggressive nature is softened by harmonies in the chorus, giving it an almost choir-like effect. It’s a powerful song that stands out both musically and emotionally, pulling the listener into a whirlwind of sounds.
Finally, the album closes with “Would You Mind”, an emotionally charged song that strips away the alt-rock sounds to reveal a heartfelt plea. “Would you mind if I lean on you for a little while / It’s good to help each other”, reflects a deep desire to seek support, but the song carries an underlying sense of hesitation. While Meighan expresses the need for help, there’s an acknowledgment that he -by extension us, listeners- may never dare to ask for it. This inner conflict makes it easily relatable to all listeners.
In summary, ‘Roadrunner’ is a bold return for Tom Meighan, blending his signature rock sound with more introspective moments. Fans of his previous work will find plenty to enjoy, while new listeners will appreciate the blend of emotions and rock intensity.
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