Only to Rise
George Lynch · 2015
51 min · 13 tracks · hard rock
A hard-hitting blend of melodic riffs and introspective lyrics that showcase Lynch's signature guitar prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
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Rescue Me — This track stands out for its compelling narrative about vulnerability and support, highlighted by an emotive guitar solo that captures Lynch's style.
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Time Will Tell — With its reflective lyrics and dynamic arrangement, this song illustrates Lynch’s ability to combine melody with hard-hitting guitar work effectively.
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Only to Rise — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of resilience, featuring powerful vocals and a driving rhythm that showcases Lynch's guitar mastery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends strong guitar work with personal lyrics, though it doesn't significantly reshape its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features driving guitar riffs and mid-tempo tracks, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
- The lyrics often reflect personal themes, with a focus on resilience and introspection, particularly in tracks like 'Dying Rose' and 'Me Without You'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- emotional depth in each track
- gritty introspection with hard edges
- thoughtful listening during quiet times
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced songs
- seek immediate catchy hooks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Only to Rise' was released in January 2015, George Lynch was transitioning from a long-established career in heavy metal, previously known for his work with Dokken. This album marked a return to solo work after several years focused on collaborations and side projects, presenting a fresh perspective on his musical evolution.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dokken· Ratt· Ozzy Osbourne
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Wish 3:38
- 2 Dying Rose 3:41
- 3 Love Stays 4:34
- 4 Time Will Tell 3:51
- 5 Rescue Me 4:13
- 6 Me Without You 4:02
- 7 Recover 3:42
- 8 Divine 4:18
- 9 September 4:17
- 10 Strength in Numbers 3:18
- 11 Hero-Zero 4:11
- 12 Only to Rise 3:45
- 13 Me Without You (alternate version) 3:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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