Review | Tyketto – Closer To The Sun

Silver Lining Music

Although Tyketto has been around since the late eighties ‘Closer To The Sun’ is only their sixth studio-album and their first in ten years (‘Reach’ was released in 2016). But the band around the prolific vocalist Danny Vaughn (the only remaining musician of the original line-up) has been a regular on the European stages. In 2023 Vaughn put together a new line-up adding guitarist Harry Scott Elliott, drummer Johnny Dee (ex-Doro) and bass player Chris Childs (Thunder) to the group together with long stayer Ged Rylands (keyboards).

CLOSE TO PERFECTION

With their new album Vaughn and his companions have come close to perfection. Danny’s voice is even after 35 years plus in the business completely intact and more recognizable than ever. The music is a well-crafted mix between AOR and melodic heavy rock packed with catchy melodies, excellent arrangements and structured background choirs, adding power and color to the proceedings. And Tyketto have become masters in producing a sensitive ballad or two. ‘Closer To The Sun’ has one on offer that is second to none. ,,The Picture’’ is one of the finest rock ballads you will hear in 2026, a must hear track.

ROCKING HARD

Although the bulk of the songs are rocking quite hard (,,Harley’s & Indians (Riders In The Sky)’’), a song originally by Swedish pop-rock band Roxette, ,,Bad For Good’’, ,,Higher Than High’’) there are also plenty of memorable other songs such as the intriguing title-track with its acoustic guitar interludes or ,,Far And Away’’, that also has tasty acoustics parts and is beautifully sung. Not a typical hard and heavy song perhaps but it gives the album a welcome portion of variation  with its Irish sounding folky violin. But then Tyketto is not a straight forward band. They have multiple musicals cards up their sleeve and they are on display here.

TYKETTO – THE CONCLUSION

The album might not have a song like their hit ,,Forever Young’’ but has a constant quality of songs, sound and extraordinaire musicianship. Danny Vaughn’s voice has matured naturally over the years and is the beacon on which this album thrives. ‘Closer To The Sun’ is made by a bunch of experienced musicians who left no stone unturned to achieve the best possible outcome and they have succeeded in that with this record. A fine and lasting album.

Release date: 20 March 2026