It has been 33 years since Bill Wyman, former bass player with The Rolling Stones, released his last solo album. Back To Basics is a stripped back album which does exactly what it says on the tin.

Obviously inspired by the work of Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and JJ Cale, Wyman throws all manner of genre tracks at the listener. There are Blues based tracks, upbeat uplifting songs and a little taste of indie pop.

Those that know Wyman's style will already be familiar with the fact that he's not the world's most pitch-perfect vocalist - or anywhere near close. But that's not really an issue. Over the course of this album's 12 songs (43 min, 22 sec) you'll slowly fall into synch - maybe even in love - with his soulful, raw sound.

While it was certainly worth the wait, let's hope we don't have to wait another 33 years for Wyman's next project.

8

Nick Smithson