Rob McNelley looks at life from another perspective in his soulful, smouldering new single The Other Side — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The Nashville singer-guitarist and in-demand session musician truly hits his stride with his third solo release. Displaying the maturity, taste and discipline that come with years of experience, McNelley plays it simple and low-key, crafting a potent, magnetic track from basic musical elements: Gently chugging guitars that crunch and twang amid layers of slapback and reverb; a slow-grooving rhythm fashioned from a quietly growling bassline and tom-tom-heavy drums; twinkling keyboard flourishes; and an arrangement that flows freely even as it inexorably builds and evolves. As he deftly balances his understatedly superb fretboard skills with finely sandpaped vocals and philosophical lyrics, McNelley emerges with a nocturnal slow-burner about personal growth and the importance of embracing the simple beauty of empathy in our hectic modern existence:
“All the stars in the sky
Give light to the darkest night
Some say they’re a sign
And who knows, they might be right
Oh, but I have looked at the sky my whole life
Wondering what’s on the other side…
“In a car or a plane
Running on empty from place to place
After a while you might be changed
And you see that we’re all the same…
We’ll look at the sky tonight
Wondering what’s on the other side.”
“The Other Side is a song about learning how to see another point of view and expanding your mind to other possibilities,” McNelley shares. “It’s about leaving the possibility open that you may be wrong about things you’ve always thought, and that that is OK. It’s about evolving around a point of view and getting your ego out of the way so that you can truly see the other side of any subject matter. Plus, there’s some more focus on the guitar playing side of what I do with this one.”
And rightly so. After all, McNelley is an acclaimed guitarist known for his collaborations with icons like Bob Seger, Dolly Parton and Luke Combs. His career is steeped in a deep respect for finely crafted songs, which has made him one of the most sought-after guitarists in country music. Known for his unique tone, feel, and melodic sense, he has contributed to numerous chart-topping hits, earning multiple ACM Guitar Player of The Year awards and CMA Musician of The Year nominations. His work spans albums by an array of iconic rock and blues artists, including Lainey Wilson, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams Jr., Lady Antebellum, Joe Bonamassa, Buddy Guy and Delbert McClinton.
As a solo artist, McNelley channels his experience into crafting dyed-in-the-denim roots rock, blending country’s economic lyrics, the blues’ urgency, and the anthemic hooks of ’70s and ’80s album-oriented radio. His initial single Right Back To You showcased his ability to blend Americana and pop-rock, highlighting his soulfully emotive vocals and expert guitar work. Produced alongside Justin Francis and multi-instrumentalist Russ Pahl, the song resonated with audiences, bringing a fresh yet familiar sound that balances modern radio sheen with classic rock scruff. The followup, Circus Is Leaving Town, added another layer to his artistry with its driving acoustic guitar, evocative organ, and lyrics that explore manipulation and deception. The Other Side takes this series to a more introspective level, combining McNelley’s insightful lyrics with a focus on the power of personal evolution.
As he continues to release singles, McNelley is building momentum towards an EP slated for later this year. He remains committed to his dual role as a world-class sideman and solo artist, performing regionally and sharing his unique musical voice with a broader audience. Reflecting on his journey, McNelley states: “I’ve been fortunate to play with artists who have the Mount Rushmore of songs. When I play one of their songs, I always say to myself, ‘how do I write a song that good?!’ It inspires me!”
Check out The Other Side above, hear more from Rob McNelley below, and follow him on Instagram.
