ALL MUSIC MAGAZINE UK – ALBUM REVIEW – TOM MEIGHAN – ROADRUNNER

 

 

WORDS HARRY K

 

 

 Tom Meighan

Roadrunner

Release Date: January 24, 2025

Blue Rocket Recordings

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Tom Meighan’s second solo album, Roadrunner, is a introspective work that cements his place as a powerful solo artist. Best known as the former frontman of Kasabian, Meighan has crafted an album that reflects both his personal growth and musical evolution. The 11-track record, released on January 24, 2025, via Blue Rocket Recordings, offers a blend of swaggering rock anthems, emotionally charged ballads, and experimental electronic touches.

After leaving Kasabian in 2020, Meighan’s solo career has been about carving out a new identity. Roadrunner is the follow-up to his 2021 debut The Reckoning, and it finds him more assured in his sound and storytelling. Where The Reckoning was raw and cathartic, delving into personal struggles and redemption, Roadrunner feels more celebratory, confident, and musically diverse. It’s the sound of an artist not only finding his feet but sprinting forward with purpose.

Thematically, Roadrunner touches on themes of self-reflection, hope, and transformation. Meighan has been open about his personal challenges and journey toward sobriety, and while those struggles were more explicitly laid bare in his debut, this album shows the aftermath: a man on the other side, looking ahead with clarity.

The album kicks off with “Use It Or Lose It,” a rousing opener driven by punchy guitars and Meighan’s unmistakable vocal swagger. It sets the tone for a record that doesn’t shy away from big rock hooks and catchy choruses, while still maintaining a sharp lyrical edge.

The lead single, “Better Life,” stands out as one of the album’s high points. with its gentle strumming guitar and sweeping instrumentation evoke the grandeur of Meighan’s former Kasabian days, but there’s a personal touch here that gives it an added weight. The lyrics speak to finding redemption and moving forward, themes that resonate throughout the album. 

 

 

“We Can Do It” is another standout track, with its driving beat and uplifting message its has a really early Kasabian feel.. There’s a sense of urgency and optimism that runs through the song, making it an energetic and infectious.

“White Lies” sees Meighan exploring more vulnerable territory. The song has a slower groove, softer more contemplative.  With its stripped-back instrumentation, it allows the message of the lyrics to shine through.

“Silver Linings” brings an experimental twist to the album, incorporating electronic elements and atmospheric soundscapes. It shows Meighan’s willingness to step outside of traditional rock structures, creating something moodier and more layered. This track highlights his evolving sound, blending his love for gritty rock with more modern, ambient textures.

One of Roadrunner’s strengths lies in its diversity of sound. While Meighan’s roots in rock are still very much present, he branches out into other genres, incorporating electronic beats, synths, and more nuanced production techniques. The album’s production, handled by regular collaborators and seasoned producers, strikes a balance between polish and grit, allowing Meighan’s raw energy to come through without sacrificing the album’s overall cohesiveness.

The sonic experimentation is particularly evident,  while electronic flourishes add depth and a modern edge to the record. Meighan’s ability to blend these elements with his signature vocal style is impressive, and it gives the album a fresh, dynamic feel.

 

 

While the album ventures into new territory, there are still moments that will remind listeners of Meighan’s Kasabian days. Tracks like “Better Life” and “Use It Or Lose It” carry the same big, stadium-sized energy that made his former band so beloved. But even in these more familiar moments, there’s a sense of personal evolution and growth that sets Roadrunner apart from his past work.

Lyrically, Roadrunner is both personal and universal. Meighan’s journey to sobriety and self-reclamation has been well-documented, and while those struggles provided the foundation for his debut, this album focuses more on the aftermath—the rebuilding of a life, the search for hope, and the celebration of personal victories.

In songs like “Better Life” and “We Can Do It,” the lyrics reflect a renewed sense of optimism and resilience. There’s a feeling of triumph in overcoming adversity, but without losing sight of the challenges that came before. Meighan strikes a balance between acknowledging the past and looking toward the future.

Roadrunner is a triumph for Tom Meighan, showcasing his growth as both a musician and a person. It’s an album that captures the energy and swagger of his rock roots while also delving into more personal, introspective territory. The blend of rock anthems, experimental elements, and vulnerable ballads makes for a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

For fans of Meighan’s previous work with Kasabian, Roadrunner offers plenty of familiar energy and attitude. But it also marks the next chapter in his career—one defined by personal growth, musical experimentation, and a newfound sense of purpose. With Roadrunner, Meighan proves that he’s not only survived the challenges of the past but is thriving as a solo artist with something meaningful to say.

Rating: 9/10

 

 

TRACK LISTING

1/ Use It Or Lose It

2/ White Lies

3/ Silver Linings

4/ We Can Do It

5/ Better Life

6/ High On You

7/ Headcase

8/ Exorcist

9/ Sneaky One

10/ Do Your Thing

11/ Would You Mind

 

 

 

 

 

 

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