Joanne Shaw Taylor: Black and Gold Review
Joanne Shaw Taylor’s 10th studio album Black and Gold, releases on the 6th of June, and blues rock fans are in for a real treat this summer. The album features an excellent lineup of backing musicians: Anton Fig on drums, Alison Prestwood on bass, Jimmy Wallace on keys, Doug Lancio and Audley Freed on guitar, Joe Bonamassa guests on “All the Things I Said” and “Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?”, and Savannah Hadigan and Sheridan Gates on backup vocals. It’s a stellar lineup that puts together a very respectable album, continuing the excellent track record of releases for our genre in the first half of 2025.
Black and Gold features 11 tracks that can best be described as eclectic, in a great way. The album features a heavy focus on blending the trappings of blues rock with indie, 80s pop, and Americana. The album’s first third is the least powerful, with “Hold of My Heart,” “All The Things I Said,” and the title track “Black & Gold” being interesting tracks with country, pop, and soul influences (in that order) but they don’t quite reach the heights of the later parts of the record. “Who’s Gonna Love Me Now” stands out in particular, almost sounding like a Kate Bush track with the synths.
The last half of the album is an absolute knockout, tracks five through 11 are all stellar. It’s no coincidence that most of the rock-heavy side of the album is the side with the most impact and dynamic themes. The other genre influences make the record interesting and innovative, but Taylor is really at her best here when she’s rocking out on tracks like “Hell of a Good Time” and “Look What I’ve Become.” While the title track is good and the recent single “Grayer Shade Of Blue” is an interesting pop-infused tune, the real stars of the album are the two closing numbers, “What Are You Gonna Do Now” and “Love Lives Here.”
“What Are You Gonna Do Now” is the the most fun and moving track on the record for my money, while the closer “Love Lives Here” is the best example on the record of blending different genres with blues rock, using lots of keys work and sound landscapes reminiscent of gospel including an uplifting call and response in the chorus.
Black and Gold might take a couple tracks to really get into its groove, but once it gets going, it’s really firing on all cylinders, showcasing some of the best of Taylor’s playing, writing, and style. Listening to Black and Gold, it’s easy to see why she’s among the leading musicians in the genre today. This is a very strong entry in Taylor’s discography, and all of her best qualities as a musician are on display here, perfectly accompanied by a fantastic band and guests.
The Review: 9/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Love Lives Her
-Hell of a Good Time
– Look What I’ve Become
– What Are You Gonna Do Now
The Big Hit
– What Are You Gonna Do Now
Joanne Shaw Taylor’s “Black and Gold” offers a diverse blues rock experience. While the initial tracks explore pop and country influences, the album truly shines later. Tracks 5-11 deliver a powerful, rock-heavy punch. The eclectic mix keeps things fresh, but Taylor excels when rocking out. It’s a rollercoaster of sounds, not unlike the levels in Geometry Dash , some challenging, some smooth, but always engaging. A solid addition to the 2025 music scene.
This is probably the most stylistic diverse album she has done. I actually like the more pop oriented tracks 1-4. It sounds like she wanted to take a stab at the more melodic side of rock and for me it works well. I can understand why most long-time fans will prefer the later songs which is why she probably didn’t want to get too bold and produce an entire album that deviates so dramatically from what fans expect.
Has JST lost her mojo and become overproduced?
Wow, this album sounds amazing! I’ve always loved Joanne Shaw Taylor, and this review makes me even more excited to listen. Definitely adding “What Are You Gonna Do Now” to my playlist based on this write-up! Can’t wait to hear it.
I just saw an amazing show at the Blue Ocean in Salisbury, ma. Joanne loves her guitar as if it were a beautiful lover. She is the incarnation of Stevie Ray on guitar! She sings as though Janice and Bonnie are channeling through her, but with a sound all of her own! She has a black soul that is exposed in her amazing blues style! Watching her love her guitar with a spine tingling,ecstatic experience!
Just read this review of Joanne Shaw Taylor’s “Black and Gold” on Blues Rock Review. Sounds like a solid album, especially the latter half! Definitely gonna give this a listen. I’m really interested in the eclectic blend of blues rock and other genres. I’m excited to experience all the goodness with this blues rock album!