- Band: Joe Bonamassa
- Release: Driving Towards The Daylight
- Release Date: Out Now
Joe Bonamassa has, for over a decade, released quality album after quality album. In an industry where albums seem to be delayed or rushed, this man manages to go against the grain and write soulful and meaningful music with almost perfection. ‘Driving Towards The Daylight‘, Bonamassa‘s latest release, is no exception. It sees the blues man return to a more raw sound, reminiscent of his earlier work, but not without breaking new ground.
Songs such as ‘Heavenly Soul‘ and ‘Lonely Town Lonely Street‘ showcase fantastic new riffs that will capture the attention of seasoned blues fans and new listeners alike. Bonamassa has, without fail, kept his sound constantly fresh and these tracks display that perfectly. Undoubtedly the roots of these songs can be traced right back to the start of his career but every note he plays not only reflects the past but also sheds light on the future.
For a more refined blues sound you need to look no further than ‘Who’s Been Talking’ and ‘I Got All You Need‘. These tracks are blues in its purest form. Each wailing note tugs at the heartstrings and leaves you longing for more. As mentioned though, the album is not without experimentation. ‘Stones In My Passway‘ demonstrates Bonamassa‘s increasing vocal range. The notes are higher and he holds them for much longer. It’s not the voice you’re used to hearing from him but the change isn’t a bad thing.
Every track on the album is top drawer and anybody with an inkling of interest in this type of music will be beside themselves after the first playthrough. Maybe not an automatic classic like some of his other albums, namely ‘Dust Bowl‘ and ‘Sloe Gin‘, but an absolutely solid blues album.
The standout track on the album has to be ‘Lonely Town Lonely Street‘. With its catchy riffs and stunning vocals, it’s hard not to listen to it again and again.
8/10
Reviewer: Adam Frost
