Album Review: Robin Trower - Shine (Provogue Records, 2026)
11 minutes ago
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Written: 22nd September 2026
At eighty-one years old, Robin Trower is a man on a mission. In the past decade his output has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down and has yielded eight studio albums. Discussing this late-period creative burst, the legendary British guitarist states, “I think you’ve either got to keep pushing – or give up.”
Shine is a ten track, forty minute album that makes the most of each available second. Lively, bluesy and groove-laden, The Missing Piece opens the album in fine style. Alongside Trower, long-time drummer Chris Taggart and vocalist Richard Watts handle the material with a buoyant confidence. Trower has plenty of praise for Watts and explains how the vocalist is often on his mind when he is developing new material. “The strength of his vocals, the beauty of his vocal tone – he’s so musical,” considers Trower. “I usually write with Richard in mind. I can hear it all in my head.” Trower’s signature guitar also features heavily, but as ever, his contributions are about the emotion, shade and colour he can add to a song rather than simply the number of notes he plays.
The title track follows and takes a reflective direction but one that still embraces the positivity within the lyrics, a feature of much of the album. “I agree with people that it’s a very dark time. But I don’t want to make gloomy music. I think that most of these songs are positive.” Trower’s exquisite phrasing is a pleasure to immerse ourselves within and his thoughtful basslines give the track a rich, full sound, the low-end presence adding another layer to an already beautifully restrained piece of music. Love By Any Other Name is, in places, more stripped back and highlights Watts’ moving vocals. At different moments, it feels like the song is about to ignite, but Trower’s short but dynamic injections of power add real tension without ever fully letting go, while the ending solo is one of the best on the album. There is also a feeling of time passing through the almost ticking-like rhythm. Darker in nature, it fulfils Trower's desire to bring a variety of character to his albums.
First single Live Your Time is something of which Trower is rightly proud. “The opening riff is one of the best things I’ve ever come up with,” he says. “It's always very loud in the studio and that's how you get the tone, by cranking the amp.” Lyrically, it invites us to keep calm and get the most out of life. Days of shadow filling every space / Never will show what cannot be replaced / Change is gonna come, no need to worry your mind / Learn to love yourself and live your time. With an undeniably catchy hook and soul-funk-style rhythm, it is a foot-tapper for sure that will bring a smile to the face of long-time fans. Interestingly, placed after the slightly brooding Love By Any Other Name, it adds an effervescent quality to Shine.
With further evidence as to the well considered flow of the album, Faith is a slightly wistful number that adopts a more introspective approach and demonstrates just how tight the band sound. In contrast, Driving On Through has an enthralling groove while also bringing the blues to the forefront. As with much of the album, it is a perfect late-night track, full of Trower’s lamenting but irresistible guitar licks.
At a time when he would be forgiven for resting on his laurels, it is clear as the album progresses that Trower is not simply content with going through the motions. New music is still as important and enjoyable to him as it ever was. “It’s great to get that energy back off an audience,” he considers, “but I just love recording too. It's always fun, you know? Playing guitar: that's what I do, and that's what I love.” He still starts each day the same way, stood in his workroom hunting down the magic note that will spark his next song. “Then I’ll wake up in the middle of the night with a line for the lyric,” he smiles.
Truth offers something quite different thanks to the vocal performance of British singer Jess Hayes. Her soulful inflections are the perfect fit and it makes for one of the highlights of Shine. While there are some delightful guitar-led sections, Trower is happy for Hayes to take centre stage for much of the track. As the album heads towards its conclusion, the funky The Race and the sumptuous blues of Without You continue to emphasise the compelling diversity.
The six-and-a-half minute It’s Not Time is a slow-burning conclusion that draws us closer with each passing note. It is a masterful example of allowing a song to evolve naturally. The first half finds a mournful Watts intertwining with Trower’s poignant, yearning riffs, with the singer giving one of his most heart-rending performances from any album. You must believe / Baby I believe in you / I’ll take you to a special place / Protect you while you sleep / And kiss you when you wake. The second half is a gloriously understated instrumental section, almost hypnotic in its steady, almost stately pace, with Trower’s guitar taking on an almost weightless quality. Unhurried and evocative, it allows the music to breathe, gradually building in emotional weight, bringing the album to a stunning close.
What makes Shine such a rewarding listen is the breadth of ideas Trower continues to bring to his music and the ease with which they are woven together. There is an abundance of warmth, blues, soul and groove. The band give the songs a solidity that allows the quieter moments to sit comfortably alongside the more muscular passages. Trower himself puts his recent productivity down to a desire to keep pushing. “I think, over the past few years, I have set quite a high standard. Now I’m determined to keep that going. To still have the energy to work, that is a real blessing.” Shine shows that the energy is not the only thing still there; the ideas, the instinct and the ability to turn them into something this good are still very much intact.
Shine is released on 25th September 2026
Robin Trower Online
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