Albums
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Posted on1 day ago
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Reviewed by Taf Rock for MPM
Joanne’s ninth studio album finally sees the light of day on June 7th when the completeHeavy Soulpackage becomes available for the first time as a physical product via Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman record label.
Consisting of ten compositions – seven original and three covers – avid followers of Joanne will have heard most of the material on offer prior to this release given that all bar one of the tracks have been previously released as singles reflecting the consistency and strength of tracks contained on a release which fuses Joanne’s traditional blues style together with elements of rock, soul and pop resulting in an album drenched in commercial appeal.
Produced by Kevin Shirley the Grammy Award winner also selected the session musicians who accompany Joanne on the ten tracks – Anton Fig (drums), Alison Prestwood (bass), Jimmy Wallace (keys), Rob McNelley (guitar) and Doug Lancio (rhythm guitar).
I’ve no regrets… I’m so damn tired of yourSweet ‘Lil Lies‘. The very first single released way back in September 2023 tells the story of a partner fed up of being taken for granted, Joanne puts her thoughts on the line as she prepares to pull the plug on a sour relationship.
A common subject matter when you are dealing with the blues but this is no simple blues song, instead Joanne delivers the message in an upbeat rocky manner with her unique smoky sultry and sensational vocal style underpinned by the solid heavy drum beat of the South African ‘Thunder From Down Under’ Anton Fig. Once you hear this song – unlike the cheating partner – you won’t be leaving as the memorable hookline becomes a classic earworm.
A single which is still receiving plenty of airplay some eight months after its initial release.
In complete contrast Joanne’s take on the Joan Armatrading trackAll The Way From Americaopenswith an acoustic intro.Originally released on the 1980 albumMe Myself Ithe lyrics relay the concerns of a woman in a long distance relationship with someone on the other side of the pond. Joanne’s rocked up version blends her soulful vocal with beautiful Wallace keys whilst the guitar maintains the hints of country exhibited on the Armatrading original.
Joanne boogies back to her blues roots withBlack Magicand showcases her versatility as both acoustic and electric guitar feature on this track. Jimmy Wallace keyboards share the limelight in this snappy radio friendly number which features choral backing vocals from Jade MacRae and Dannielle DeAndrea.
Down one time, down two times’ Joanne isDrowningIn A Sea Of Loveas she provides her interpretation of the Kenny Gamble/Leon Huff composition made popular in 1971 by Joe Simon. But it’s the Eva Cassidy version of this song (from her posthumousAmericanTunealbum released in 2003) which Joanne’s cover is most influenced by.
Previously unreleased the track features an exhilarating lead break from Joanne amidst the funky refrain and smoky vocal before ‘it’s time to admit we were wrong’ as beautiful blues guitar provides the basis for the break-up songA Good Goodbye, a co-write with Carmen Vandenberg.
Trust me when I tell you … I can love me so much better than you’. Joanne delivers the ultimate putdown in the nicest most pleasant manner possible as she punctuates the verses with the silky smooth excellence of her guitar.
Devonne Fowlkes and Kim Fleming provide the vocal accompaniment on this occasion.
Featuring heartfelt, heavy and profound intense lyrics Joanne pleads ‘Brother won’t you tell me how to stay on the road I’m on’ as she leaves no stone unturned on our album’s title track. This blend of soul, pop, rock and blues rhythms is packed to the brim with luscious guitar as the weight of emotional burdens create aHeavy Soulwhich Joanne transforms into some of the finest guitar she has ever produced. Anton Fig provides a thunderous drumbeat throughout this track in keeping with his aforementioned nickname.
As soon as she enters the room’ Joanne’s guitar creates a catchy and infectious edge during the funky keyboard infusedWild Lovewhilst the lyrics provide a contrasting dark and intimate environment before our third cover emerges asSomeone Like Youreceives a Shaw Taylor style makeover. Jimmy Wallace once again grabbing his share of the limelight with an extensive display of sterling keyboard work.
Joanne provides an extra dimension as she combines her trademark blues guitar with the soul of this well known Van Morrison number which features on the soundtrack to several movies including 2001’s Bridget Jones’s Diary.
Joanne and the band rock the joint as a darker side is revealed with the pacyDevil In Meduring which she focuses on relationship struggles, turning the tables and launching a ferocious attack on a wrong doing partner who claims to be an innocent victim.
If the vitriolic lyrics don’t hit the target then Joanne’s intense lead guitar break is sure to cut like a blade and eventually floor the true guilty party. Jade MacRae and Dannielle DeAndrea make a return on backing vocals.
We complete our journey through the emotional rollercoaster ofHeavy Soulwith an uplifting and joyousChange Of Heart.
Joanne goes out on a limb as she ‘lets her guard down’ on this celebratory song co-written with Beth Nielsen Chapman, forgets the hurt of past relationships and puts her heart on the line as she meets a new love. Jade and Danielle join Joanne in pronouncing her new found emotions.
There’s just time for one final intense guitar break to bring a wonderful album to a triumphant conclusion
The new album is released byJoe Bonamassa’sJourneyman RecordsonFriday June 7thand is available to order from –https://shop.joanneshawtaylor.com/
