Status Quo, for any British teenager in the seventies and eighties, was a soundtrack that you couldn’t be unaware of. From opening Live Aid with “Rocking all over the World” to filling out arenas they were regularly top 20 in the British charts with their three chord boogie style. I always felt that particular comment was somewhat unfair. There was depth in their catalog from hits such as the dreamy acoustic “Living on an Island” to the slower “You’re in the Army Now” to the sixties jam “Pictures of Matchstick Men” (their biggest hit in the US when it reached number 12). In Rossi’s words with the Observer the success of Quo over the decades was a surprise, “I always thought Status Quo, even in the ’60s, was the band least likely to make it and if they did, least likely to maintain it (interview link here).” And yet successful they certainly were and I still enjoy a dip into their back catalog now and again.
Rossi is now one of those elder statesmen in the music scene here in the UK, he has released some solo material in recent years, and I have played through his 2019 album “We Talk to Much” with Hannah Rickard in the past – now that album was interesting (“Waiting for Jesus” for example, I liked that one)! I approach this one with the hope that it connects to me just as well.
I will share the press release with you before I come on to the review:
“The Accidental” by Francis Rossi, released by earMUSIC on 30th January 2026 on CD, LP and Digital formats, comes as something of a surprise… It was a surprise certainly to Francis, who had no plans to record an album. “This truly came out of nowhere”, says Rossi. “I spend my life in and out of the studio, rehearsing, tinkering, but something happened earlier this year and, before I knew it, we had created something special.”
While Rossi’s previous solo albums explored his love for acoustic ballads, vocal harmonies, and the blend of British rock with country influences, this album, Francis Rossi’s first in seven years, marks a true return to the energetic, guitar-driven sound that made him a legend with Status Quo.
‘The Accidental’ sees Francis Rossi playing to his strengths, but taking risks, cutting loose, and exploring new territory – this album is all about old bones and fresh blood.
The fresh blood in question comes largely from Hiran Ilangantilike, a guitarist who was originally a school friend of one of Francis’ children, and co-producer Andy Brook. What became the sessions for ‘The Accidental’ was initially born of just plugging in and making some serious noise, but something clicked in the studio. Lightening was indeed bottled: there was a swing and a groove, and the songs started pouring out. With John ‘Rhino’ Edwards and Leon Cave later laying down the bass and drum parts, and Amy Smith again bringing an extra dimension on back-up vocals, this became a project with a bite and DNA all of its own; albeit Francis’ playing is as distinctive as ever. Almost all of the songwriting credits reflect this fresh and collaborative ethos, though there are two that bear the classic Quo hallmark: Rossi / Young. Francis Rossi produced ‘The Accidental’; co-producer Andy Brook recorded, mastered, engineered, and played on the record, and co-wrote three tracks.”
My Review: 14 tracks here, so you definitely get your value for money! It is coming out on all platforms and on vinyl/CD physical copies, meaning there is a clear Side 1, Side 2 demarcation.
“Much Better” opens things up, and I thought ‘I know that vocal’ – of course, I’m listening to Francis Rossi of Status Quo! This one has some neat harmony singing around the chorus and it delivers an upbeat and engaging late night rock sound, confident and gets neatly into the driving gear.
“Go Man Go” opens with a Quo style riff all the way! This is straight out of their playbook sound and it has that little kickback boogie. I enjoyed it, it was like a lost song from the radio and had that rolling boogie style that you would love on the Juke Box while you played a game of pool.
“Push Comes To Shove” continues with an upbeat tempo – in fact each of the tracks have moved at a pace so far, certainly not overstaying their welcome. The heartbeat of this track works very well, as does the melody that is infused throughout. I liked it and would happily listen to it again, it has almost a sing-along quality that has a built-in smile.
“Back On Our Home Ground” is a ‘blues sing along.’ It does change direction a bit, its a slower track with a solid drum beat. I wasn’t as taken with this one, although I did like the mid-section and the vocals work very well (as they have throughout the album so far to be fair).
“Dead Of Night” is a poppy rock number, it rolls along and has that sing-along feel to the chorus again. It is one of those numbers that is a confident addition to the album, not a filler, but not as attention grabbing as some.
“Going Home” introduces a bit of that honky-tonk sound. It is almost timeless, I could be listening to this now or back in the eighties or whenever! The backing vocals in the chorus give it a chant-like feel. A bit of fun, it’s fine.
“Bye My Love” returns to remind us of those Quo days in the bedroom with the vinyl record player. It’s safely in a lane, but driving happily along and with the roof down on a sunny day. I’m still a happy passenger.
“Something In The Air (Stormy Weather)” has a strong, powerful opening, grabbing attention. It’s my favourite song so far, strong guitar sound, great hooks and some vocal interchange that makes for a blast. It is a layered track and you can rock along to it.
“Picture Perfect” builds up in a classical style, hitting a fast and exciting rhythm. This is another very good track that I liked a lot. Yes, I really enjoyed the listen and I would like to hear it again. It does a lot musically, I was picking up on the different instruments and it was another highpoint of sound montage.The sound here is modern as well, it’s shouting out.
“November Again” changes tone, a slower beat, harder drum feel. It keeps up the interest for the listener, more of a stripped back sound but the beat is infectious enough and the song leaves a shadow that you want to return to.
“Things Will Get Better” has a rougher rock edge. It’s maybe not one that I was into as much, the chorus was fine but I didn’t connect to it as I have the last few tracks. I was ready to move on, it’s not a bad track, just not for me.
“Oh So Good” is stylish, and tells a story of its own, whether you believe it or not! It’s a doo-wop rocky track that has some neat guitar work.
“Beautiful World” at 6.07 is the longest track on the album by some margin. It returns to the Quo sound and has that signature guitar sound. I could imagine this one live with the crowd of denim clad fans all having a blast. Those were the days lol.
“Time To Remember” closes with a piano led ballad. I would have placed this a little higher in the running order. It’s a neat number, reflective, uplifting and a little different in terms of this album.
The Accidental isn’t about Francis Rossi chasing relevance — it’s about instinct, groove, and a lifetime of knowing exactly who you are with a guitar in your hands. There’s warmth, swagger, and just enough risk here to keep things interesting, with flashes of classic Quo energy sitting comfortably alongside fresher textures. It’s an album that doesn’t shout for attention, but quietly earns it track by track. Older bones, fresh blood — and proof that Rossi still knows how to make the speakers smile 🎸
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Stream music from Francis Rossi here
By Anna-Louise Burgess