King King: Exile and Grace Review
King King is back with Exile and Grace, due out for an October 13th release. In 2016, King King’s album, Live, was voted Blues Rock Review’s top live album of the year and in 2015, Reaching For The Light was voted #1 on Blues Rock Review’s Top 20 Albums of 2015. Obviously expectations were high for Exile and Grace and once again, King King deliver another winner.
The album kicks off with the first single, “(She Don’t) Gimme No Lovin,” a radio friendly track that gets the album off on the right foot. “Heed The Warning” is true King King and the origins of the song came about during a jam when King King was touring with John Mayall. “Broken” is about the troubles in today’s world and features a strong chorus. “Find Your Way Home” is the stand out ballad on the album where Alan Nimmo sings about a past relationship that ended. The track has a powerful chorus with an emotional vocal performance from Nimmo. “Tear It Up” has a really cool riff with a nice a groove and another catchy chorus.
The pace slows down a bit with “Betrayed Me” before picking up again with the latest single, “Long Time Running.” “Nobody Knows Your Name” and the funky groove of “I Don’t Wanna Lie” close out the album.
Exile and Grace delivers everything we’ve come to know and expect from King King, great songs, soaring vocals, memorable hooks, and stellar musicianship. The band’s style has definitely evolved a bit and the songs on Exile and Grace are a bit more compact than previous efforts. Once again, King King shows why they’re one of the finest blues rock bands in the world.
The Review: 9/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– (She Don’t) Gimme No Lovin’
– Heed The Warning
– Broken
– Find Your Way Home
– Tear It Up
– Long Time Running
The Big Hit
– Heed The Warning
Review by Pete Francis
Thanks for this review, and for bringing King King to our attention since the release of their “Standing in the Shadows” album. “Exile and Grace” is pre-ordered…can’t wait to download it this Friday!
Hi, just like to say thanks for the free downloads. I use them on my radio show and I receive many compliments for my choice of music. I always plug Blues Rock Review CDs. Having the free downloads really helps supporting the local community from a community radio station.
Thank you Gypsy