Hey! We recently let y’all know that Kyle had been writing and producing for John Waite’s new album Rough & Tumble. Well, the album is now available! Seen as I download anything that moves, I got myself on iTunes and clicked away. I have to tell you, these songs are good, really good. 
The album is good mix of rock (with classic rock touches), country and ballads and on the whole, it’s a good album. To be honest it was a lot better than I was expecting. There are some good tracks like ‘Rough & Tumble’, ‘Skyward’ and ‘Sweet Rhode Island Red’ but – and I’m not just saying this – it’s the songs Kyle was involved in that stand out. 
If you’ve kept up with Kyle’s MySpace and have The New Left EP, then you will hear Kyle all over these songs. From the obvious backing vocals and style of guitar playing to the country influences that make an appearance, these tracks could be Kyle’s. 
Let’s be honest with ourselves, were all here for what Kyle’s had his hands on, so let’s go: 
‘Evil’ is a great track. It starts off with a Dire Straits style intro that evolves into a ‘70s funk, dance floor groove. For anyone familiar with Jamiroquai, you’ll know what I mean. It will have your head nodding that’s for sure. 
‘Love’s Going Out of Style’ is probably the hardest first listen out of the four songs but is worth sticking with. It has that same disjointed feel that The New Left could do so well. If you have Let Go then listen to ‘The Dotted Line’ and ‘Tease Me’ and you’ll know what I’m getting at. Great song with a great a hook that you might need to warm up to but once you do, you’ll be singing that chorus all day. I think I can hear The Beatles in there too. 
‘Better Off Gone’ is another chameleon of a song. Starting off with an intro similar to ‘Life In The Fast Lane’ by The Eagles, it morphs into a song that would play easily on country radio. It also has that nice end of summer, Counting Crows feel to it too. For all Counting Crows fans that like Hard Candy, you’ll like this. 
But for me, ‘If You Ever Get Lonely’ is where it all happens. If you need a reference point think, The Difference, These Hard Times and Wind Up Girl (The New Left). Plus, if you’re a Train fan, get this song! It’s a beautiful ballad about a love that was lost but nowhere near forgotten. For anyone who has lost someone who you’ve not stopped loving and who you’ll never give up on, this song is for you. We talk a lot about Rob being able to get to the heart of the matter, and it’s for sure that he does, but this song gives him a run for his money. Out off all the songs on the record, it is the most emotionally driven song and it’s the one that hits the nail right on the head. Great music, great melody and the most easily accessible song on the album, it’s easily a single and one you’ll all love I’m sure. 
If you are only interested in the songs Kyle has been involved in, then you should get these tracks because you won’t be disappointed. But if you really like what you hear and want to hear more, then the whole album’s worth getting. Just keep in mind that John Waite and Kyle Cook aren’t Rob Thomas, so don’t expect Cradlesong! 
It’s available now on CD and download, so spent a few bucks (if you have it to spare that is) and get some great songs!