The Great Western is the debut solo studio album by the Manic Street Preachers vocalist-guitarist James Dean Bradfield, released on 24 July 2006 by Columbia Records.

Bradfield's lyrics feature a theme of looking to the past and are largely personal rather than political.

[3] Manics bass guitarist-lyricist Nicky Wire contributes lyrics to the song "Bad Boys and Painkillers", and two songs feature lyrics co-written with writer John Niven.

The title refers to the Great Western Railway, which is reflected in the album's artwork.

[5] He refers to his journeys between his home in South Wales to London on the GWR in the song "Émigré".