I feel that I spotted a minor change in Mr Bonamassa’s demeanour in this latest album – there is a feel of great positivity and possibly even happiness.
From the opening track ‘Breakthrough’ he is driving hard, throwing out classic solos all over – even a touch of wah wah – and celebrating with a strong chant and handclaps. It’s a great way to open his 17th solo album and leaves the listener heartened and raring for the rest of the album
And, inevitably, the rest of the album is a great listen too. From the Stevie Ray -esque riff of ‘Trigger Finger’ with a powerful and driving rhythm section, to my personal favourite ‘Drive By The Exit Sign’, funky, soulful and with a great country feel to it and loaded with slide. (I’d love to hear Elles Bailey singing this one)
‘Shake The Ground’ is a gorgeous ballad, Joe on acoustic for once, a lovely, whispery keyboard and Joe’s dark vocals against some lovely backing vocals.
This is Joe Bonamassa being Joe Bonamassa. Not paying tribute to other artists or doing albums in a particular style. Every track was either written or co-written by Joe and Kevin Shirley’s production is everything you normally expect.
It feels like a welcome back to Bonamassa and a bloody delight it is too.
