It’s been a while since Tyketto released a new album. Danny Vaughn and his bandmates released “Reach” in 2016, and I saw them perform live in Zoetermeer, NL, a year later. They delivered a great rock show, and since then, Tyketto has played numerous live shows. However, they haven’t released a studio album since. Ten years later, Danny Vaughn is back with a new album, “Closer to the Sun,” featuring ten songs, plus “Harleys and Indians (Riders in the Sky),” which is not included in the vinyl edition.
“Higher Than High” opens the album and introduces a well-crafted rock sound. It is a throbbing rock song. It’s a groovy gem that portrays music as a healing force that makes you feel euphoric. “Starts with a Feeling” is next, and the acoustic guitar makes you think of a ballad. It’s a semi-acoustic song that generates a good vibe without compromising its harder edge. This harder edge is even more present in “Bad for Good,” a song that spreads a positive vibe. Tyketto’s rocking roots are also reflected in “Donnowhuddidis.” The piano adds a special groove to this pulsating rocker.
The title track alternates between a rocking chorus and soulful verse, and it can be described as AOR. This song showcases Tyketto’s musical range and is a fitting namesake for the album.
The album includes a cover version of “Harleys & Indians (Riders in the Sky),” and if you think the sound of this song feels familiar, you’re right. It’s the Swedish pop icons Roxette who released the song on their hugely successful “Crash! Boom! Bang!” album. Vaughn’s choice of this song shows his affinity for good melodies and catchy hooks, and his interpretation is actually quite good. It’s a solid interpretation of this pop anthem.
The heavier edges break through with “Hit Me Where It Hurts.” The latter is a pulsating rock song bursting with energy. Then, Tyketto presents “The Picture,” a fine ballad with an ’80s vibe. An acoustic guitar introduces “Far and Away,” which has an Irish folk edge highlighted by a violin that comes into focus in the second half of the calm song. The finale is “The Brave,” a rousing song that combines energy and emotion.
To sum up: “Closer to the Sun” is Tyketto’s first studio album in ten years. It is a carefully crafted rock album with music that comes straight from the heart. Love, loss, and passion are the main themes of the lyrics, and the music strengthens their emotional impact. “Close to the Sun” might not revolutionize rock music, but it is a fine example of the genre. It showcases great craftsmanship and a strong rock ‘n’ roll spirit. It’s the perfect soundtrack for the current spring season, and listening to “Closer to the Sun” is a great way to have a good time.
Tracklist:
- Higher Than High
- Starts with a Feeling
- Bad for Good
- We Rise
- Donnowhuddidis
- Closer to the Sun
- Harleys & Indians (Riders in the Sky)*
- Hit Me Where It Hurts
- The Picture
- Far and Away
- The Brave
*Not included on vinyl formats
Label: Silver Lining Music
Genre: Rock
Release Date EU: March 20th, 2026
AFM Records Alternative Metal Alternative Rock Black Metal CD Review Century Media Classic Rock Concert Dark Metal Death Metal Doom Metal earMUSIC Extreme Metal Frontiers Music Hamburg Hardcore Hard Rock Hardrock Heavy Metal Inside Out Music Live Live Album Live Report Melodic Death Metal Melodic Metal Melodic Rock Metal Metal Blade MHMB Modern Metal News Nuclear Blast NWoBHM On Tour Power Metal Prog Metal Prog Rock Punk Punk Rock Rock Speed Metal Thrash Metal Tour Tour Dates US Metal
Markus' Heavy Music Blog 