Tyketto have always lived in the long shadow of their 1991 debut, ‘Don’t Come Easy‘, an album whose melodic brilliance and emotional punch set a standard that even the band themselves struggled to match in the decades that followed despite strong consistency and multiple moments of melodic brilliance on albums like ‘Strength in Numbers' and 2016's Reach.' Their new record, ‘Closer to the Sun,' arrives more than ten years after that release and, remarkably, feels like the long-awaited sequel to that classic. It fizzes with energy, huge melodies and the same sense of optimism that has always defined vocalist Danny Vaughn’s songwriting. Far from sounding like a nostalgia act revisiting former glories, this is a vibrant, confident album that captures the spirit of classic melodic rock while sounding invigorated and purposeful.
The album opens in thunderous fashion with first single, ‘Higher than High,' a riff-driven blast that immediately recalls the muscular confidence of classic Tyketto tracks like ‘Strength in Numbers.' It’s a bombastic opener built on pounding guitars and soaring melody, and Vaughn sounds phenomenal as he reaches for the song’s big notes while singing about “feeling the earth fall away” and chasing everything life has to offer. There’s a brilliant moment where a harmonica solo is woven directly into the guitar lead, giving the track a unique texture before a second explosive guitar solo arrives in the final third. It’s the sort of grand, uplifting opener that reminds you exactly why this band still matters.
‘Starts With a Feeling' (co-written with Survivor legend Jim Peterik) shifts gears into the catchiest moment on the album. Driven by a bouncing bass line reminiscent of ‘Livin’ on a Prayer' by Bon Jovi, the track carries a lineage that stretches back to Vaughn’s more commercially minded solo work, particularly albums like the From the Inside project. It works perfectly here, building steadily toward an immensely catchy chorus that feels like it could have blasted out of late-80s rock radio. “It feels like I’m falling, like destiny calling,” Vaughn sings as the song barrels forward with melodic joy and another superb guitar solo.
‘Bad for Good' delivers a huge throwback moment. A thunderous drum roll and serious riff kick things off before Vaughn’s clear, uplifting voice cuts through the mix. “Sometimes you’re the mountain, sometimes you’re the climb,” he sings with a sense of seasoned wisdom, before the chorus explodes and a cowbell-laced rhythm sends the track straight back to the glory days of ‘Don’t Come Easy.' The guitar solo is pure melodic hard rock theatre—powerful, emotional and bursting with notes.
‘We Rise,' which was released ahead of the album, begins with one of Vaughn’s trademark acoustic intros before blossoming into a full-blown rock anthem. Lyrically it reflects on lessons learned through time, before the second verse explodes with a call for change as Vaughn sings about “drawing fewer lines into the sand.” Again, the spirit of ‘Don’t Come Easy' hangs proudly over the song, but in the best possible way. The track builds beautifully toward a keyboard solo that seamlessly transitions into a searing guitar lead, reinforcing the band’s knack for dramatic melodic arrangement.
‘Donnowhuddidis' explodes out of the speakers next with a dirty late-80s riff and a frantic honky-tonk piano hammering away beneath it. Vaughn spits out lines about feeling “as high as a satellite,” delivering another anthem about ambition, positivity and refusing to let go of dreams. “Whatever it is, it makes me feel alright,” he sings with infectious conviction. It’s rawer than much of the album but still bursting with the melodic confidence that defines Tyketto’s best work.
The title track, ‘Closer to the Sun,' might be the album’s purest distillation of the band’s sound. It opens with a classic melodic Tyketto guitar figure before dropping into acoustic passages as Vaughn sings about love, bliss and a woman who “shines for everyone.” The song swells back into pounding drums and huge melodies, carried by Vaughn’s sharp, soaring vocal tone. “All the best things in life are a little bit broken,” he concludes—a classic hard-rock sentiment about embracing imperfections and simply being yourself.
Streaming-only bonus track ‘Harleys and Indians' provides the album’s curveball. More reminiscent of Vaughn’s solo explorations than traditional Tyketto territory although it is actually a cover of a Roxette song, ‘Harleys and Indians' is a funky, groove-laden track driven by a gritty guitar riff and playful harmonica lines. “When I go to heaven, hog, hog heaven, I’ll have a drink with Elvis,” Vaughn sings in a tribute to motorbikes and a bygone rock-and-roll spirit. A blazing guitar solo eventually bleeds into a harmonica break, creating a loose, barroom feel that stands out from the album’s more polished rockers.
‘Hit Me Where It Hurts' brings the attitude roaring back. Vaughn spits “I’ve had it up to here” before the band crashes in behind him on a song about betrayal and adultery that recalls the biting tone of his solo standout ‘Is That All There Is?' There’s righteous anger in his delivery as he rails against broken promises and deceit, culminating in an extended guitar solo that powers the song into its final section. The bitterly funny closing line—“I want my records back”—lands like the perfect punchline.
Late in the album comes its emotional centerpiece, ‘The Picture.' Opening with solitary piano, Vaughn sings about the empty space beside him and a love that’s gone. When the chorus arrives it’s enormous, allowing him to prove that his voice has lost none of its strength since 1991. The song’s themes of love lost, divorce and starting again will resonate deeply with the band’s now-mature fanbase. It’s the closest Tyketto have come to matching their iconic ballad ‘Standing Alone' and while that remains a towering classic, this comes remarkably close.
‘Far and Away' continues the reflective tone with acoustic storytelling reminiscent of the gentle opening of a song like ‘Seasons.' Vaughn weaves imagery of oceans, mountains, myths and legends into a folk-tinged arrangement that carries a subtle Gaelic influence. A violin solo adds a haunting beauty to the track, reinforcing its message of peace, tolerance and shared humanity.
The album closes with the magnificent ‘The Brave,' a track that feels like the perfect final statement if this were ever to be the band’s last word. It blends the melodic spirit of a song like ‘Wings' with the driving heartbeat of Bruce Springsteen. Vaughn sings, “For everyone that sees a stranger as a friend… I call you the brave,” delivering his signature message of compassion and unity. Midway through, the song shifts into a Beatles-like passage before a soaring guitar solo and pounding drums drive the anthem home in spectacular fashion.
Ultimately, ‘Closer to the Sun' achieves something that once seemed impossible: it stands shoulder to shoulder with ‘Don’t Come Easy.' Thirty-five years after that defining debut, Tyketto have delivered a record bursting with energy, towering melodies and the uplifting spirit that has always defined their music. With Vaughn’s huge vocals, searing guitars and lyrics filled with resilience, positivity and empowerment, this isn’t just a strong comeback—it’s one of the finest melodic hard rock albums released this century. Yes, it’s that good.
Tracklist: 1. Higher Than High 2. Starts with a Feeling 3. Bad for Good 4. We Rise 5. Donnowhuddidis 6. Closer to the Sun 7. Harleys & Indians (Riders in the Sky) 8. Hit Me Where It Hurts 9. The Picture 10. Far and Away 11. The Brave Record Label: Silver Lining Music Release Date: 20th March Buy ‘Closer to the Sun' here
