John Waite is an old-timer. And an old timer that made some sensation way before he got into the supergroup business or other 80s band projects. With quite some work in his past, No1 hits and supergroup status with the Bad English, Waite got demoted into a secondary plane of existence when his music was not the trend anymore. However, his unique, melodic voice rigged out five solo follow-ups and accompanied Ringo Starr and his All-Star band for a number of years.

This sixth solo album is nothing more than a sequel to a musical opinion that may not be mainstream anymore it is, however as agreeable and entertaining as it always was. And since he is an old-timer, he really knows how to keep his music fresh. This time he “neglects” to build up impressive vocal arrangements and flashy keyboards and presents a more “basic” rock view with clear sounds, always melodic but much easier to be digested by an audience that grows tired of hackneyed melodies.

Songs that are frank and absolutely defined, a music palette with intense colors from California that is his home and inspiration, nice, simple melodies and restrained but omnipresent rush. American rock ’n roll, bluesy caresses and a southern blink. These are the main ingredients in Rough & Tumble and they prove absolutely enough for a very agreeable and, at points , a very high spirited album.