Customer Reviews

Don't Look Back

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD recorded in 1997 by John Lee Hooker, was his last real recording. There was a CD released in 1998 called THE BEST OF FRIENDS, however it was just a re-release of classic tracks recorded by John Lee Hooker and friends. This CD, DON'T LOOK BACK, is the closest thing that you are going to find to the voice of this gritty blues man before his death four years later.

This CD won two Grammy awards in 1997. The first for, Best Traditional Blues Album and the second for, Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, on the song, "Don't Look Back" with Van Morrison. However, if you were to ask me, the first track, "Dimples," is the best track on this disk.

The last song on the CD, "Rainy Days" seems to sum up John Lee's long and difficult life: "Rainy day in my heart...ain't gonna rain no more in my heart...it's all over baby...the pain is gone...you can't hurt me no more...it use to rain both night and day...teardrops raining from my eyes...you can't hurt me no mor!e...the pain is gone...it don't hurt no more...it ain't gonna rain no more in my hurt...my eyes...it's all over..."

The back of the CD also shows a picture of John Lee walking down the sidewalk with his back to the viewer, waving his hand as if to say goodbye. The man is gone, but his music lives on, and this CD is the closest thing out there to how he sounded before he died.

This is Hooker's latest original recording and the last one before he died in 2001. I have to say it's quite different from most Hooker recordings I've heard. It is very important to note that this CD is one big collaboration with Van Morrison, and the blues you'll hear here (with the exception of the first track) are mellow, laid back, and smooth. It's an excellent recording, although more mainstream than the real raw Hooker that can be heard on earlier recordings. He's aged like fine wine, and at about 80 years old, I'd say he's holding his own with amazing class :)

If you're new to Hooker, start either with this CD or "Healer". Healer is also an excellent recording (it does, however, have a lot more guest musicians). On this disk, you hear a more diluted Hooker, but you need to hear this before you hear the real raw Hooker.

The first track with Los Lobos is excellent - makes you want to get up and dance. Second and Fourth track are duets with Morrison and are both excellent work. Red House is a take on a Hendrix classic, and while the guitar work can't compare to the Hendrix guitar, the vocals, I thought, are a lot better, grittier, more bluesy than Hendrix's own version.

Get it - you won't regret it.

If you're a fan of Van Morrison and his mellow style then you'll love this blues album. Of all the distinctive voices out there, John Lee's has to be the most unique. His almost-mumble singing plays well with Van's high pitched repetative style. An excellent collaboration produced by Van. A must have by fans of both musicians. Standout : "Don't Look Back".

As a late convert to JLH's music, I like this a lot. More than the Healer actually.

To sound this good at his age is like sipping a fine vintage wine.

Long live Hooker!

This CD is worth buying for the first track alone--John Lee with Los Lobos doing Dimples--definitely a "crank it up and hit repeat" kind of tune.

ONE OF THE BEST THAT JOHN LEE HOOKER HAS PUT OUT. IAM GOING TO MISS HIM.

This is definitely an album for your colllection or if you like extended play blues music during a long social event or just hanging around the house. The music selection is very well balanced and John Lee's vocals are sure to impress.

A classic John Lee Hooker recording. The "real" John Lee. With Van Morrison added to make the CD even better.

this is A great modern day blues record from the best blues man in the buisness.John lee Hooker sings great and all songs are very cool.Don't be spooked by these other reviews.They are way off on this one.Trust me on this one and for the price it's a steal.

I recommend this cd for all John Lee fans. It is full of energy that you would think he was younger. Love the songs with Van Morrison. I hope they continue doing songs together.