Customer Reviews

Truth Be Told

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What could be, quite possibly the best CD of 2003, could also go quite unnoticed. Debuting at number 147 on the Billboard Charts, it's a shame more people didn't stick around with Blues Traveler after the release of "Four" almost some 10 years ago. This CD marks the official "new lineup" for the band (adding Ben Wilson on keyboards and Tad Kinchla replacing the great Bobby Sheehan on bass).

"Truth Be Told," the follow up to 2001's "Bridge" is an amazing listen from front to back - a true epiphany for a band who seemed to be in the 'rebuilding stage' in recent years.

The CD opens with "Unable To Get Free," where a Pink Floyd-esque sway compliments John Popper's harmonica stylings (which throughout this CD seem less the forefront of the music compared to earlier releases). "Free" is followed up by the bluesy "Eventually (I'll Come Around)" and then by, what could possibly be Are You Blue's song of the year, "Sweet And Broken." This track is an amazing song with a "Hook"-like quality (their 2nd hit from "Four"). The harmony-laden sing-a-long chorus is accompanied by beautiful lyrics that seem to be a staple of Popper throughout the CD.

Other standout tracks include the infectious "Let Her And Let Go" where popper laments "It's easy to remember, but it's better to forget, you never get the one you dream of, you get to dream with the one you get," and the jumping upbeat rhythm of "Thinnest of Air." Rounding out the CD is "Partner In Crime" a upbeat rocker that shows BT has much more to offer then one would imagine.

I would recommend this CD to anyone and everyone. It's not often a band releases a CD that is worth what Record Stores charge now-a-days, but "Truth Be Told" is worth every cent and then some. Blues Traveler is back and better then ever, and I truly hope more people pick up this CD. Those who don't are certainly missing out.

As soon as you're hit with the raunchy opening notes of track 1, "Unable To Get Free", it's clear that this album is a healthy return to form after the slight departure of BRIDGE. Songs like "Unable to Get Free", "Eventually I'll Come Around", and "Can't See Why" (which features an outstanding chorus) are as meaty as "Carolina Blues" or even "Sweet Talking Hippie".

The album's most similar cousin is probably STRAIGHT ON TILL MORNING, but there is less over-production here than on that album. TRUTH BE TOLD thankfully doesn't seem to contain a "forcefully manufactured" attempt at a hit single (like BRIDGE's "Girl Inside My Head" or STRAIGHT ON's "Most Precarious"). As such, many of the songs are stronger and flow more naturally than most of the songs from the band's last several albums.

Digging a little deeper, there seems to be more of a focus on song structure on this album. For the most part, this is a good thing. Many of the songs feature bridges that change the song's direction (most notably "Sweet & Broken" and "Unable To Get Free").

Having said that, overall this album contains many things we've grown to expect from a BT album. A couple of the songs feature some of John Popper's classic "fast talking". Nothing is quite as eloquent as the legendary final verse in "Hook" mind you, but parts of "Thinnest of Air" are reminiscent the vocals in "Reach Me", and "This Ache" feels a little like a heavier (and better) version of "Felicia". And of course, many songs (especially "Can't See Why" and "This Ache") contain some killer harmonica solos.

Overall, this is a very refreshing album and I highly recommend it. I struggle to find any glaring negatives on it, but one problem is its length. The whole album clocks in at only 47:38. And the aforementioned focus on song structure means that there is not a lot of free form jamming (all of the songs are short, ranging from 3:14 to 4:59). However, it is clear that many of the songs (like "Partner In Crime") lend themselves to potential extended live jams. These songs should be very exciting to see live.

Gone are the days of the extensive jams, arpeggiated notes / scale runs and egregious tittering of instruments...

Here today is the new BT album ripe with old and new conventions.

Rather than mire down with my own self analysis or track-by-track, I prefer to provide a capsulated review of this new album, and leave it up to your own interpretation...

This new LP heralds a new 'era' for BT following the unfortunate lineup changes over the past few years -- it's thick with rich blues/r&b/jazz tones and a lot less 'pop-oriented' and radio-friendly than their past fare.

More meaty and less radio-conscious than their efforts since 'Four', this is a TRUE fans album looking to get away from their poppier efforts, and wanting more blues. Travel less for it here (sorry for bad pun!)

Each song feels organic, personal and dirty... confessional at points (track: "Blessed Pain"), romp-pop at others (track: "Let Her & Let Go"), surprising (track: "Eventually" --> John stretches his voice to the higher registers without going full falsetto), among others.

What prevents me from giving it a full-5 stars is the sometimes muddy and overwashed, yet clear production. Melodies, runs and trills are there, just a bit too buried at certain moments.

Give this album the shot it deserves.. BT are truly one of the hardest working "jam/blues" MUSICIANS out there these days.. they warrant your attention and your dollars.

However, if you are looking for 'Runaround' part 2, don't expect it here... Their previous album, 'The Bridge' had closer moments.. and in my opinion, a weaker album than this.

Enjoy.

-CG

ps:
Keypoint of this album and band is John's voice... it's gritty, 'soulful', sad, joyous, elastic, etc... harmonica aside, his voice is truly an instrument.

On Truth Be Told, Blues Traveller seemed to focus on developing more focused songs. There is a noticeable lack of emphasis on the jamming. Whereas there are some good songs, somehow I am a little bit dissappointed. Also, Johnny Popper's harmonica is hardly heard from throughout the record. These guys should know that this is what made Blues Traveller great!

The opening three songs are quite strong. Unable To Get Free has some nice gospel touches. However somewhere by the eighth song, the CD gets a bit tiresome. Many of the melodies seem to be recycled and the arrangements seem identical to one another.

Mount Normal comes to the rescue with some inspiring lyrics. And Partner In Crime has a fairly captivating riff. However, the overall feeling is that this CD is in the 3-3 1/2 star zone due to consistency in the creativity department.

If you like rock, jam bands, or jazz, you will love this CD. Just slightly rockier than Blues Traveler's older CDs, you will be impressed my the great harmony and musicianship displayed on Truth Be Told. This has become the CD that I listen to if something is bothering me. Its upbeat and energized essence, to me, even seems inspirational.

Blues Traveler manages to do something unique on this album: move forward while getting back to what makes them a great band.
Despite line up changes, the band's improvisational spirit, which is at the core of this group's very being, is clearly evident on this album. But the funky new touches - more keyboards, tighter arrangements, make this a compeling listen.
Sweet and Broken, co-written by Spin Doctor Chris Barron, is a particular standout.

This album is funky, upbeat and soulful. I thouroughly enjoyed it from the first listen and enjoy it more every time I listen to it. It is nice to the know that the guys of Blues Traveler are back and better than ever. The writing is rich, the playing is tight and I fully reccomend this album to anyone/

This album is incredible. When I first heard it, I was completely impressed with it-I just did not know it yet. This album has grown on me like no CD I have ever heard before. I am a true to life Blues Traveler fan, and before hearing this album I was convinced that their career had taken a nosedive. "Truth Be Told" is probably the best studio album that BT has ever created. If you are on the fence like I was, pick up this album...you won't be dissapointed.

Blues Traveler has returned. This album reminds me of the meaty and wonderful albums before Straight on til Morning. I thought after the death of Bobby, the addition of a keyboard, and the Bridge BT was done, but this album proved me wrong. I am glad they did. From the first to the last song this album is a keeper.

Maybe long time fans, like me, wasn`t expecting something like this. But we saw this coming from the lasts shows. But when I say that I wasn`t expecting this, is for the good, the elegancy, the style this album have. Is unique. I like to call this BT: the melodic BT. Very nice, easy to listen to. This an essensial recording sincee the day they thought of recording it. No one can say this is not a good album. It has everything... but in the one kind of fusion that just have one name: Blues Traveler.