Customer Reviews

Slow Down

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After seeing Keb' Mo' at various blues concerts over the last few years I finally got enough determination to buy several (3) of his CD's simultaneously at Amazon.com. This was- by far!- the best of all three. In short, this album is a virtual flawless blues expression capturing the full range of Keb's multiple ablilities.

The vocals are extremely soulful on a level that can be compared to Muddy Waters. And they seemed to be recorded more "up front" then the other Keb' Mo' CD's I bought having exceptional clarity and intonations. The music tracks recorded quality seems to be above the other 2 as well. They are more mature and complex with weaves of slide guitar with accordians, harmonica's, banjos, mandolins and back up vocals totally complimenting and underlining this unique blues artist's intrinsic musical abilities. On this CD his acoustic guitar is played with more pronounced deliberate rhythms as well.

I can not stop listening to this album for the last week playing it several times a day. I feel so darn priveledge to being living at the same time as this artist. It's like all young blues fans out there get another chance to experience the likes of a seasoned blues master like a Muddy Waters and Johnny Lee Hooker (who may have never had a chance appreciated them while they were still living).

Being a blues fan for over 20 years and having over 200 blues CD's I can confidentaly say that on this album all the ingredients seem to come together to put Keb Mo on a plane of those great blues masters. You got to buy this! Its not only the best Keb' Mo' album I've heard -it's definitely in the top 5 of all my blues CD's. Period. (2/2003)

I never heard of this guy until he landed in Amazon's Recommendation list to me. And am I happy it did. What a great album. Not a bad song on the entire CD. Keb plays the blues like they were meant to be played - with feeling and depth. He reminds me of a throwback to the early days of blues - 40's and 50's to be exact. Muddy Waters basically invented the current blues lineup that you see in many blues bands today. That is one that has a guitar, bass, drums, piano and harp, with the guitar palyer either doubling on vocals or the use of a second guitarist. Keb goes back even further, before Muddy changed everything. He uses simple production values combined with even simpler arrangements. There is nothing fancy on this album whatsoever. But the beauty, and this is what makes this an outstanding album, is that it works. All of it. He uses subtle chord changes and progressions that remind one of Hooker and T-Bone Walker. Both of whom relyed on simple melodic figures to display both emotion and depth in both their playing and singing. The guitar never overpowers the singing and vice versa. If you are seeking blues the way they were meant to be played pick this up!

Keb' Mo' is one of my favorite new Blues artists. He's proven during the past few years that he can play Delta Blues with the best of them while maintaining a level of production quality that is enviable. He can add acoustic style Blues to urban beats and sound equally well in both at the same time. he has immense musical integrity.

this recording is a shining example of what Keb' Mo' can do. The Cd contains mostly original compositions with a smattering of classic Blues. He sounds great on both, playing guitar and harmonica like one of the greats from the old days. His singing is fresh, yet never sounds out of place.

keb' Mo' proves that Blues has a future, that it can hang onto it's roots, yet still remain fresh and vital. I definitely recommend this album.

Keb' Mo' has crafted an eclectic set of songs for this album. All share the elements that make the blues great; story telling lyrics that cut a slice from life, foot-tapping rhythm, a deep, rich bass line and a little bottle neck guitar.

The cuts range from soulful ballads like "Henry" and "I Don't Know" to funky numbers like "I Was Wrong" and "A Better Man." All share clean lyrics and positive messages - there is no need to put the kids to bed before you put this one on.

If you like contemporary blues, done well, by an artist who is a leader in the genre, get this album. I think you will appreciate every song.

I have enjoyed seeing Keb' live at the House of Blues in Orlando and have enjoyed his first two C.D.'s. This third C.D. was a delight as well. It combines a great mix of smooth, classy, melodic blues tunes and throws in some new Mo' like lyrics that make you grin i.e. "Sittin' here in my problem, what am I gonna' do now.?" It's a must have for fans and a great intro for those who've never heard him.

The general theme of the few negative reviews on this website of "Slow Down" seems to be that the music on it isn't blues. It's too bad for the blues purists that the music they listen to has to fit strict criteria before they'll permit themselves to enjoy it and appreciate it. Would it really make Keb'Mo'a better, more enjoyable musician if all he did was recycle Robert Johnson, Elmore James, et al? This is a recording that deserves to be listened to and evaluated on its' own terms. It shouldn't have to pass some bogus litmus test to determine whether the music on it will please the hard core blues listener.

OK blues fans. And I am talking to REAL blues fans, not this so-called blues garbage that some folks think pass as blues. But the real deal blues thang. This is it! It is absolutely refreshing to listen to great blues music, not only played well but sang well too! Keb is the man. The cuts on this album starting with "Muddy Waters" and going to "When I Get Paid" are all little gems. This is great driving in your car, hanging with your mate, chillin' by the pool with the headphones on kinda blues. Anyone who thinks that blues music makes you sad don't know nuthin' about da blues. Listen to this stuff and I guarantee a toe tappin', smile on your face grinnin' good time!

I heard a friend rave, so I bought the CD. This music is so romantic and his voice is so soothing. I used to listen to Van Morrison when I had a "hot date" at my house, now I've replaced him with Keb. To boot, he sounds just as good in concert. "Henry" is by far my favorite.

The soothing melodic tones of Keb Mo set the mood for most any special evening. His voice is pure, strong and soulful to the bone. His slide technics are mesmorising and his acoustic work rich and flavourful. I have seen Keb live and he is even more talented than the CD's allow for you to hear. He captures the nature of the Blues and delivers it to your own soul as if by magic - you gotta get it, you gotta listen....more importantly you gotta feel it!

This CD is fantastic. Every song is wonderful. I bought one as a gift for a friend and I have other friends requesting copies. I never get tired of listening to it.