Albums: Paul Rodgers - Midnight Rose

Paul Rodgers must surely rate as one of the most iconic voices in rock music. As the founding member of English supergroup Bad Company along with guitarist Mick Ralphs, Rodgers has sold more than 125 million records worldwide in his 55-year career.

In addition to Bad Company, Rodgers formed and led two other legendary English bands to international success: Free with guitarist Paul Kossoff and The Firm with Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page.

With this new album, his first new solo album in almost twenty-five years, Rodgers appears to have ignited his passion for music again, which is confirmed on the opening track, Coming Home. Mixing a touch of the blues with classic rock, Rodgers sounds in fine voice as the track rightfully confirms that Rodgers has returned home to the house of rock ‘n’ roll.

The twin electric guitars of Trouble Shooter propel the song along, though that blues influence is still there in the background.

Midnight Rose slows down the pace on this Bob Dylan-inspired track, which reveals that Rodgers is just as comfortable singing in a softer voice as opposed to the harder and more upbeat songs you will discover on this fine return.

Melting closes the album for what is probably one of his best solo albums of his career. "I will keep the fire burning," he sings. It appears that the early sparks of the album have developed into a raging fire.

This is the album all his fans have been waiting for; they and others will not be disappointed.