Kevin Steele One Thing Left To Do Review
Kevin Steele
One Thing Left To Do
Steele Records
2026
It has been a long time since we’ve heard new music from Kevin Steele, long enough, perhaps, that some listeners may not immediately recognize the name. That’s understandable. Steele is best known as the lead vocalist of Roxx Gang and Mojo Gurus, two bands that occupied very different but equally compelling corners of his career. Roxx Gang’s debut, “Things You’ve Never Done Before”, remains a high point of late ’80s Metal and notably stands as one of the earliest Metal releases on Virgin Records. It’s a record that has aged remarkably well and still deserves a place in any serious collection.
Steele later found success with Mojo Gurus, a Southern-fried Rock outfit that released several albums through Perris Records. Looking back, there’s a consistent thread running through all his work: an unfiltered emotional honesty. Steele has always worn his heart on his sleeve, and that sincerity has been a defining strength throughout his career.
In late February, Steele will release his first, and possibly only, solo album, “One Thing Left To Do”. The title feels deliberate, even reflective. For longtime fans, this release feels especially meaningful, not only because of the time that has passed, but also considering Steele’s health scare a few years ago. Simply put, it’s good to have him here, still creating.
On this album, Steele leans confidently into his influences and his own musical history. Elements of Roxx Gang and Mojo Gurus surface throughout, but there’s also a pronounced swagger that recalls the New York Dolls and Johnny Thunders, an influence that feels more prominent here than in his previous work. That gritty, loose-limbed energy runs through much of the record, balanced by the Southern Rock sensibilities longtime listeners have come to expect.
The album is co-produced by Billy Summer, whose work has appeared across numerous television soundtracks. Summer also handles guitar duties and background vocals. While none of Steele’s former Roxx Gang bandmates appear on the record, the “solo” designation feels appropriate. Steele has always been the centerpiece; his distinct Southern snarl and conversational songwriting are what drew many of us in from the start.
If there’s one area where the album might benefit from a bit more refinement, it’s in the production of the rhythm section. The drums don’t always hit with the force one might expect. The overall sound evokes the looseness of a late ’60s Rolling Stones recording, hardly a flaw, but it does invite curiosity about how these songs might land with a firmer, more driving backbeat production.
That said, the larger point remains: Kevin Steele has finally delivered a true solo album. For those of us who’ve followed his journey over the years, it’s something to be thankful for. “One Thing Left To Do” isn’t about chasing trends or rewriting history, it’s about showing up, once more, with heart, grit, and a voice that still carries its own unmistakable character.
Standouts – “Snake charmer” “Sad Sad Song”, “The Bedspring Boogie”, “The 9 Lives Blues” and “Fingers Crossed”.