Reviews

Joe Bonamassa: Dust Bowl Review

Dust Bowl is the latest release from the current king of the blues rock scene, Joe Bonamassa. Delivering a new album every year like Bonamassa has for the last decade you would think at some point the quality would begin to go down. That is just not the case here as Bonamassa once again turns in a dazzling performance. The album starts off with “Slow Train,” a great blues number. While the album version is stellar, this is a tune that must be heard live to truly be given justice. The buildup at the beginning with new drummer, Tal Bergman, is really something else as Tal adds new energy to the band. One thing you can expect out of Bonamassa under the direction of producer Kevin Shirley is something new on each album. On Dust Bowl, Bonamassa tries his hand at country and does it flawlessly with guest appearances by John Hiatt on “Tennessee Plates” and Vince Gil on “Sweet Rowena.” Bonamassa also adds a touch of country style guitar in the opening of the ever catchy “The Whale That Swallowed Jonah,” which is the most radio friendly song on the album. Dust Bowl also features a strong performance on the Free classic, “Heartbreaker,” where Bonamassa’s Black Country Communion band mate Glenn Hughes makes a guest appearance. One of the highlights of the album has to be the final track, “Prisoner,” a Barbara Streisand cover. Bonamassa’s vocals really stick out here in what makes for Dust Bowl’s most powerful performance. The Review: 9.5/10 Can’t Miss Tracks – Slow Train – Dust Bowl – Black Lung Heartache – Heartbreaker – The Whale That Swallowed Jonah – Prisoner The Big Hit – The Whale That Swallowed Jonah Review by Pete Francis Buy the album: Amazon | iTunes

Pete Francis

Pete Francis is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Blues Rock Review. Pete founded Blues Rock Review in 2010 because he felt there was a major void in how the blues rock genre was covered. Pete is the host of Blues Rock Weekly and a co-host on the Blues Rock Show.