Kelly Jones: Stereophonics frontman’s new album ‘Inevitable Incredible’ is soulful, piano-driven journey

Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones has a good track record of producing top music. For decades, he has been the voice of a band that has taken fans on a journey of discovery. 

In 2024, Jones is back but with only his second solo project. His album ‘Inevitable Incredible’ brings his iconic sound back to fans both old and new. Heavy with piano play, the record is a gentle quest during which Jones delves deep into his soul. 

In an exclusive for NationalWorld, Jones earlier this year wrote a heartfelt letter that gave a deep insight into this album. There was a particular piano in a painting that was an eye-opener for him, and it seems to have had some inspiration on how the new record has played out. 

On this magical piano, Jones said: “It was a mysterious piano set against a teal bluey green atmosphere which could look like it's underwater or floating in space, or wherever you wanted it to be. Soft and dream-like. A black piano with a pink stool. I was mesmerised by it. It was called Nocturne. A thought came to mind, l'll make a piano record one day.”

The record gets under way with the title track. A firm piano-led intro and the sound of waves rolling up a beach paints a particularly tranquil image. Jones is able to weave his voice into the ensemble seamlessly, and as a track to kick off a first solo project  in 17 years, you couldn’t ask for anything more powerful.  

Time’s Running Out is a deeper, more soulful contribution from Jones. The blissful tones paint a poignant picture, and a wider expanse of vocal range is portrayed by the Welshman. There is some contrast to this in Echowrecked, a track that brings a bit more energy and life to the middle of the record. A cool, vibey number, this is Jones coming back with a bit of an anthem that will make you sit back and give long contemplation to. 

The reflective feel to this album returns with Sometimes You Fly Like The Wind and with it, Jones is back giving us a spiritual reflection on what it’s all about. Gentle guitar play and casual percussion instrumentals complement the track to no end. 

May I Come Home From My War is a song which has Jones asking several questions starting with ‘May I?’ and has suggestions that a rough situation has occurred. There are themes of sanctuary and salvation, and bracing the storm, and these powerful images are clinically addressed by Jones. 

The album is brought to a soulful conclusion The Best Will Be What The Beast Will Be, and wraps up this ensemble nicely. We’ve had Kelly Jones as a feature of the music scene for a long while now, but his impact has not been lost. Fans old and new will be able to take plenty away from ‘Inevitable Incredible’.  

Tracklist for Inevitable Incredible

• Inevitable Incredible
• Turn Bad To Good
• Time's Running Away
• Echowrecked
• Sometimes You Fly Like The Wind
• Monsters In The House
• May I Come Home From My War
• The Beast Will Be What The Beast Will Be
• Echowrecked (Radio Edit)