Pat Metheny - Side-Eye III+ (2026)
There’s no doubt about the craft here. Metheny still writes melodies that breathe naturally, and the ensemble colors give the record a polished, almost orchestral feel.
But the tension rarely tightens enough to create real urgency. The improvisations unfold gracefully, yet they rarely feel like they’re pushing toward something irreversible. Instead of risk, the album leans into refinement.
I admire the clarity and the musicianship. I just don’t feel the structural pressure building across the record.
Elegant, thoughtful, and controlled —
but a little too comfortable.
Pros
Strong melodic clarity
Metheny’s guitar themes are immediately recognizable — lyrical lines that anchor the compositions.
Rich ensemble palette
Additional voices, percussion, and harmonic layers give the trio format a broader sonic dimension.
Seamless blend of composition and improvisation
The pieces flow naturally between written material and solo sections.
Cons
Limited emotional urgency
The album favors warmth and polish over tension or risk.
Structural escalation is modest
Improvisations develop smoothly but rarely build toward decisive peaks.
Familiar stylistic territory
It refines Metheny’s established sound more than expanding it.
Genre: Jazz Fusion
Country: US
Final Verdict: 64% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 101th / 216
Highlight: Don't Look Down
Made me think of:
John Scofield
Brad Mehldau
Herbie Hancock
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