For two decades, Kyle Cook spent the bulk of his musical life as the lead guitarist of Matchbox Twenty. He co-wrote some of the songs and invented many of the instrumental riffs that have become distinguishing parts in such radio staples as “ Real World,” “Unwell” and “Bent.” But plenty of his creative persona was held in check as he collaborated in a team effort.

With Wolves, his solo debut, Cook invests so much of himself in the project that a discerning listener can get a good idea of who the guitar player really is. He’s a studied musician with an all-American Midwestern background, a guy who has a penchant for classic rock with just enough classical training to make him dangerous, and an adult whose experiences with the cycle of love and loss are extraordinarily familiar.