Album Review: Tyketto – Closer To The Sun (Deluxe Edition)
Silver Lining Music – November 27th, 2026
Reviewer – Jason Hopper
Around two weeks ago, I purchased the 20th anniversary of the My Chemical Romance album The Black Parade. It was my favorite album of 2006 and did not mind buying an album I already had with some additional bonus tracks. The price was very reasonable as well.
I bring this up because I have no problem with albums being re-issued. What I do take umbrage with is a re-release that happens EIGHT MONTHS after an album was released. All physical media fans have already purchased the album, and I’m one of them. I can’t help but feel this is fleecing the fans.
So let’s break down what one gets when they buy the deluxe album of Tyketto’s fabulous release ‘Closer To The Sun‘. This album was highly regarded by longtime fans, and for good reason (review here).
First the positives. The album has a second disk with eight additional tracks. It features the piano version of ‘The Picture’, which was originally a Japan only bonus track. It also has live versions of some of my favorite tracks from the band (‘End of the Summer Days’ and ‘Burning Down Inside’). The band sounds great on all the live tracks, as would be expected. They are one of the few old school bands that have not lost a step in a live setting.
Now the negatives. Three radio edit songs from the album. How are radio edits even a thing these days? It’s been an outdated concept since the turn of the millennium. No one asked for these or needs these.
While all the live tracks sound stellar, there’s an issue with ‘The Run’. Danny Vaughn opens the track telling a personal story regarding his uncle surviving the Vietnam War and his attempts to recover upon coming home. It’s a powerful story, but it’s also a momentum killer. Danny talks for nearly three minutes before the song begins. It’s great for a live setting. It does not translate well as a recording. I dig the song but will be editing out the beginning.
Finally, while not a negative, the piano version of ‘The Picture’ is nowhere near as powerful as the original recording. There’s really no way one can top a song that is already perfect. It’s highly regarded as one of the best songs the band has ever recorded.
The album should have been released in a standard and deluxe format at the same time, giving the fans the option to pay one price for the standard and a few dollars more for a deluxe. I respect a label giving their customers that choice. One can argue that this was done to tie in to Christmas and boost some sales for the album. For myself, this release has me feeling jaded. I would not have bought the initial CD having known this was coming just a few short months later.
To end on a positive note, if you have not purchased the album or it has passed you by, this is one of Tyketto’s strongest releases. Put this version on your Christmas list. You’ll get a great album along with some excellent live tracks.
Track List:
Disc 1
- Higher Than High
- Starts With A Feeling
- Bad For Good
- We Rise
- Donnowhuddidis
- Closer To The Sun
- Harleys & Indians (Riders In The Sky)
- Hit Me Where It Hurts
- The Picture
- Far And Away
- The Brave
Disc 2
- Higher Than High (Radio Edit)
- We Rise (Radio Edit)
- The Brave (Radio Edit)
- The Run (Live at Stonedead Festival 2025)
- End of the Summer Days (Live at Stonedead Festival 2025)
- Burning Down Inside (Live In Newcastle)
- Reach (Live in the UK)
- The Picture (Piano Version)
Line-Up:
Danny Vaughn – Lead & Backing Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Harmonica, Keyboards & Percussion
Chris Childs – Bass Guitar, Percussion, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Johnny Dee – Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Harry Scott Elliott – Lead And Rhythm Electric Guitars, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Ged Rylands – Keyboards, Percussion, Backing Vocals
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