Customer Reviews

You & Me

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The new album of Joe Bonamassa is very good however, just to point it out from the very beginning, it is not as good as his previous two. In my opinion it remains a couple of steps behind the absolutely marvellous Blues Deluxe and the following Had To Cry Today. Joe, as he explains in the linear notes, wanted to do a blues album this time, and he takes inspiration once again mainly from the sound of the 1970 British blues school. The sound of the album waves from the opening delta blues style of a solid cover of an old Charlie Patton's song, to a couple of Chicago blues, from an acoustic country blues to a jazz tune. Best song of the album is the cover of the classic So Many Roads however as in Tea For One, taken from the Zeppelin repertoire, and in Asking Around For You the use of electronic strings instead of maybe a nice carpet of B3 doesn't do for me. A special mention is deserved by the 12 year-old LD Miller who plays a nice harmonica solo in Your Funeral And My Trial, really very good. Having said that Joe's playing is once again fantastic throughout the entire CD and the band very solid, in my opinion he has also improved his singing. I am looking forward to having the chance to see him playing live in London next September and I am sure that the live version of many of the songs included in his new album will be excellent!

I was extremely lucky to catch Joe live four nights ago in Annapolis, and he played three of the tracks from this CD. He was (naturally) awesome, and this collection shows an even greater maturity -- both in his playing and vocals -- than that heard on from "Blues Deluxe" and "Had to Cry Today." In my mind, there's absolutely no question that Joe's one of the best -- if not THE BEST -- guitarists playing today.

The new album of Joe Bonamassa is very good however, just to point it out from the very beginning, it is not as good as his previous two. In my opinion it remains a couple of steps behind the absolutely marvellous Blues Deluxe and the following Had To Cry Today. Joe, as he explains in the linear notes, wanted to do a blues album this time, and he takes inspiration once again mainly from the sound of the 1970 British blues school. The sound of the album waves from the opening delta blues style of a solid cover of an old Charlie Patton's song, to a couple of Chicago blues, from an acoustic country blues to a jazz tune. Best song of the album is the cover of the classic So Many Roads however as in Tea For One, taken from the Zeppelin repertoire, and in Asking Around For You the use of electronic strings instead of maybe a nice carpet of B3 doesn't do for me. A special mention is deserved by the 12 year-old LD Miller who plays a nice harmonica solo in Your Funeral And My Trial, really very good. Having said that Joe's playing is once again fantastic throughout the entire CD and the band very solid, in my opinion he has also improved his singing. I am looking forward to having the chance to see him playing live in London next September and I am sure that the live version of many of the songs included in his new album will be excellent!

One of the greatest aspects of You & Me is the solid choice of songs. From slow burning blues to heavy rockin' tunes, you really can't go wrong.

The CD starts off with two heavy hitters - "High Water Everywhere" and "Bridge to Better Days". Each song packs a such a strong visceral punch, you really don't know how it can get any better. And then Joe brings out "Asking Around For You". This song is likely to end up one of my all-time favorites. It's quite moving and the back story (should you care to look into it) makes it even more touching. After knocking us out with the first two songs, "Asking Around" becomes even sweeter and more impressive.

The instrumentals are fantastic! There's nothing showy or "overdone" about them. They're straightforward compositions played with sincerity and, of course, much talent.

The slow-burner, "So Many Roads" knocked me out. It's a strong runner-up for album favorite, but then again, so are the rest of the songs.

Even the addition of a guest vocalist works well on "Tea For One". Normally, I hate hearing anyone else sing when I'm expecting the main artist to handle the vocals, but Doug Henthorn's voice blends in seamlessly to the vocals on the rest of the album. He's not a copy of Joe, nor is he trying to duplicate Robert Plant. He simply brings what he has to the table and it's a smokey, savory dish served up warm.

The thing about the blues is the way they bend and flex with the times. Comparing Joe Bonamassa's version of the handful and a half of covers on this CD to versions from other artists, including the originals, you can hear the evolution of each song. This is part of the blues tradition - updating a known song, giving it some personal attention, and creating something a bit unique along the way. Bonamassa does that. And, in doing so, he not only honors a great American music heritage, he teaches a new generation a thing or two in the process.

Pay close attention to this CD, folks. It's one of Bonamassa's best and it takes the listener on a journey through time and incredible music.

Take it easy boys with these superlative reviews. Just because you like your new cd doesn't mean you should throw 5 stars at it. That rating should be reserved only for absolutely
superior music of which this cd isn't. This is a slightly above average cd and not even close to being as good as Blues Deluxe.
Why was I disappointed when I first listened to it? Because I got sucked in by all of the gushy Amazon reviews. Cut 7's nice in a Robin Trowerish kind of way. I'll be nice and give it a 3.5.

The best song is "Tea for one" which is a Zeppelin cover featuring a great singer..Doug Henthorn and Jason Bonham on Drums.

This is a Fantabulous new CD, tight from the very start, his smokin' guitar licks and vocals make this one for the record books! I swear as soon as I opened the CD, it jumped onto the turntable and will stay there for long while! Palm Trees, Helicopters & Gasoline is incredibly hot, as well the first track High Water Everywhere. Tea for One reminded me somewhat of Robin Trower. I'd like to suggest everyone...blues and rock fans pick this one up, you won't be dissapointed! Torn Down as all of cuts are incredibly rockin'!!
Joe is great in concert, got to see him in Jan. for a whole week on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, if you've never been check out BluesCruise.com and say Aidea sent ya! I believe this one will be Grammy material,and Joe is certainly past due for great recognition in America!!!! Yeah Joe!! Great job once again!

Joe B. just between you and me I have to tell you that you succeeded in providing your growing fanbase yet another record that will not dissapoint those of us eagerley awaiting your next release. This appears to be the next step in the evolution of a young artist. More of a step in the direction you were headed with the release of A New Day Yesterday. With that late 60's early 70's nostalgic sound that those of us who came to know the blues through such artists as Cream, Led Zeppelin, John Mayall, Fleetwood Mac identified with. Once again a mixture of covers and originals, acoustic to electric. A montage of styles and influences that range from Beck, Green, Page, and yes even Ry Cooder. Because I like my blues to rock just a little and I like my rock just a little bluesy. I'm going to keep following you down those roads in whatever direction you choose because you and me, have something in common.

If you like guitar driven blues ala Stevie Ray Vaughn, you owe it to yourself to check out Joe Bonamassa.

This cd is a fantastic listen with good tunes abound. Joe's guitar work is very tasteful with sweet hooks and bone crunching riffs. Music doesn't always have to be heavy, to be heavy if you know what I mean and this release proves that point.

From start to finish this release delivers the goods and I for one, can listen to this style of blues all day long!

Check it out!

I am no expert, but this CD is everything the other rave reviews have stated.