Passionate genius

Myles Kennedy released an 11-track solo album titled The Ides of March, just three years after his debut solo album Year of the Tiger. Kennedy is the lead vocalist in Alter Bridge and is also known for other acts such as The Mayfield Four and Cosmic Dust. Kennedy’s impressive and extensive guitar skills landed him an invitation to join Guns N’ Roses lead guitarist Slash in a bad-ass rock group named Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators.

The Ides of March launches with some smashing drums and raging guitars that blow the listener away in “Get Along.” Kennedy is known to be a multi-talented legend, but his songwriting shines through in the opening track. Originally, Kennedy had written “Get Along” as a narrative inspired by the 1992 Los Angeles riots pleading for unity and tolerance. However, a few months after writing the song, the United States relived a similar experience during the summer of 2020. “I still remember just like it was yesterday the moment the gavel brought the fires and the rage/ Now it stands to reason that in time we’d see a change, but more things keep on shifting round the more they stay the same,” sings Kennedy.

Only great artists such as Kennedy can turn something so simple, such as people hoarding toilet paper during the first wave of lockdowns and turn it into a kick-ass rock song. In a near four-minute track, “In Stride,” Kennedy speaks directly to fans who may have a panicked survivalist mentality and asks to keep calm and live life—“just take it all in stride.”

The title track, “The Ides of March,” is a nearly eight-minute song that can be broken down into two halves. It begins with a slow, soft guitar melody and whispering vocals from Kennedy, warning of a dark future. The track escalates to heavier guitars and percussions with soulful vocals. The track falls silent for a few seconds until a marching drum kicks in, and fans are gifted raging vocals alongside some climactic guitar riffs.

“Wake Me When It’s Over” is a groovy rock and roll track that will have people dancing and singing along. The rhythmic song sums up how many felt during the pandemic: “you can wake me when it’s over when the nightmare finally ends,” signs Kennedy.

“Moonshot” is a slower track off the album and channels some Chris Cornell vibes, with huskier and soulful vocals. The song is incredibly passionate and straightforward with the meaning behind every lyric. It is about Kennedy reflecting on the final days of doing live shows and considering all the things he took for granted before the world went on lockdown for nearly a year. This song is well written, and everyone is able to relate to regrets and taking things for granted; it is a very understandable track.

The final track of the album is a soulful blues and jazz mix titled “Worried Mind.” Kennedy showcases his incredible talent demonstrating his jazz skills and creating a mix of genres that have inspired him over the years.

The Ides of March is a masterpiece suitable for everyone’s enjoyment. It’s without a doubt that Kennedy carries an immense amount of talent as a singer, songwriter and legendary guitarist. The album contains a range of musical genres from hard rock to jazz and blues, creating a perfect work of art that will move people.