Pat Monahan, lead singer of the band Train is working on recording his first solo album that he hopes to release later this year. In a recent post on Train’s website, Monahan wrote “We’ve all been taking time to do some of the things we don’t get to do while we are touring. As we are all catching up on the personal aspects of life, I have found myself writing a number of songs that are ready to be recorded for a CD. I am planning to record these songs right away and release them on a solo record that I hope to be released in late summer.” Monahan made it clear that he planned to return with his band mates after he tours in support of the solo release. “My plan is to release my solo CD, tour a bit and then return to Train. I’m very appreciative that Jimmy, Scott, Brandon and Johnny are so supportive of me and my solo project.” This was a move that has been expected for sometime, as Train’s last release “For Me, It’s You” struggled to gain any national attention. Monahan’s solo project is likely to restore interest in the band and hopefully lead to strong sales on future Train albums. Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas has taken a similar path with his solo career, but has been so successful on his own he has yet to set a timetable to return to his band. Time will only tell if Monahan’s decision could lead to the same situation.