“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.” Wise words indeed. The legendary Robin Trower shows no sign of slowing with Shine, his eighth studio album in the last decade.
Robin Trower – Shine
Release Date: 25 September 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
But Robin Trower is not content with churning out the same stuff. Yes, there is a distinction about his playing that makes him instantly recognisable, but Shine is another beautifully crafted and performed release that resonates deeply.
Distinctive also is applicable to long-standing vocalist Richard Watts, whose husky, smoked delivery alongside Robin’s effortless guitar (and bass) and drummer Chris Taggard’s chilled anchoring combine to make Shine another record to admire and enjoy.
It is incredible to think that Robin has, as the accompanying bio reminds us, lived through most of the rock ‘n’ roll era. Raised in Southend-on-Sea in the ’40s and ’50s, he was there for Elvis and his sideman Scotty Moore, as well as icons like B.B. King. “I just remember hearing the bends and vibrato on 3 O’clock Blues and thinking, ‘How the hell is he doing that?'”
His career is well documented, and I have had the pleasure not only of speaking to the man but reviewing several of his recent works, including the recent One Moment In Time: Live in the USA and 2025’s Come And Find Me.
You could just read those reviews. The superlatives that I chose then are applicable here on Shine. There is a swell of blues that mixes up with the funk and soul that is always part of Robin’s playing and compositions.
Opener The Missing Piece smoothly introduces just short of 40 minutes of music that simply washes over you. There is no rush, no high-impact shredding, just the classic style of Robin and his Fender Stratocaster.
Cool, relaxed, yet somehow still vital and relevant. “The lyric is about looking back as an older person – or in my case, a very old person – and missing what was so wonderful about being young,” he says. “You know, the sweet bird of youth has already gone.”
Time may be passing, but Robin and his band can still make music that makes you smile. Reflections of his career are laced throughout the album. Occasionally you are drawn back to 1974’s Bridge Of Sighs, the stadium-filler of an album that I still play regularly. Such is his playing that it is impossible not to drift back to that classic release.
Yet Shine is as contemporary as it needs to be. The title track is superb, a bit of his magnificent playing in the shape of his ‘power-soul’ style. He describes it as the most positive track on the album, something desperately needed in such dark days.
But Robin is determined not to be brought down. “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”.
Love by Any Other Name goes a bit darker without getting too deep, whilst there is a deep funk riff on Live Your Time, a message about making the most of your life. Both are gloriously delivered, with some of Robin’s best riffs on the latter (his words, not mine).
Faith hangs in the air, a gentle and mellow piece that once more allows Watts to show his quality. And Truth sees rising British vocalist Jess Hayes take the mic with ease. “I heard Jess some years ago when she opened up for us, and she’s an absolutely dynamite singer,” says Robin.
The longest track on the album closes things down. It’s Not Time procures a slow, instrumental section as it eases to a close. It is the final opportunity to experience a master at work and a fitting final song on an album that once again is full of gems.
For now, it’s time to appreciate another stunning body of work. “Really, if I have a gift,” Robin says, “it’s probably that I come up with ideas. Ideas for songs, ideas for lead work. Certainly, that’s what keeps me going. It’s just so exciting to see something blossoming into a new song.”
Long may it continue.
Robin Trower releases Shine on 25 September 2026 via Provogue/Artone Label Group. For more details, visit lnk.to/RobinTrower
