Joanne Shaw Taylor – “Heavy Soul” Album Review: A Triumphant Return to Blue

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Review By Glen Parkes

With the exciting “Heavy Soul,” Joanne Shaw Taylor returns to the passionate sound that brought her fame. It’s great to have her back, delivering a powerful blend of blues and soul that captures the essence of her musical journey. This album is a testament to her growth as an artist, showcasing her talent through a collection of originals and a couple of carefully selected covers.

Track-by-Track Review:

Sweet ‘Lil Lies The album opens with Sweet ‘Lil Lies, that immediately sets the tone with its gritty guitar riffs and Taylor’s smoky vocals. The song’s dynamic shifts between the verses and the chorus create a compelling narrative of deceit and heartbreak, making it a standout introduction.

All The Way From America Covering Joan Armatrading’s “All The Way From America,” Taylor infuses the song with her unique style. Her rendition is heartfelt and raw, blending soulful melodies with a bluesy undertone that makes it her own while honoring the original.

Black Magic “Black Magic” is a sultry and mesmerizing track. The interplay between the pulsating rhythm and Taylor’s fervent guitar solos creates an enchanting atmosphere. This song showcases her ability to weave spellbinding stories through her music.

Drowning In A Sea Of Love This track dives deep into the emotional spectrum, exploring themes of longing and desire. Taylor’s vocal delivery is poignant and evocative, perfectly complemented by the lush instrumentation that ebbs and flows like the tides of emotion described in the lyrics.

A Good Goodbye “A Good Goodbye” offers a more upbeat tempo while still maintaining the album’s soulful essence. The catchy melody and infectious chorus make it a memorable addition, providing a contrast to the heavier emotional tracks.

Heavy Soul The title track, “Heavy Soul,” is the album’s emotional core. Taylor’s passionate performance is at its peak here, with powerful lyrics that delve into themes of resilience and inner strength. The song’s arrangement is both grand and intimate, making it a defining moment on the album.

“Wild Love” brings an energetic and raw edge to the album. The driving beat and fiery guitar work reflect the untamed nature of the love described in the lyrics. Taylor’s spirited performance makes this track a thrilling ride from start to finish.

Someone Like You In her cover of Van Morrison’s “Someone Like You,” Taylor delivers a soulful and tender interpretation. Her vocal nuances bring a new depth to the song, and the delicate arrangement allows her to shine. This cover is a beautiful homage to Morrison while highlighting Taylor’s interpretive skills

Devil In Me “Devil In Me” is a shorter, punchier track that packs a punch with its raw energy and gritty blues-rock vibe. The song’s brisk pace and powerful lyrics make it a compelling listen, adding a burst of intensity to the latter half of the album.

Change Of Heart Closing the album is “Change Of Heart,” a deeply personal track that encapsulates the album’s theme of exploring emotional depths through a blend of blues and soul music. Taylor’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s soulful arrangement make it one of the standout tracks on the album. It’s a fitting end to a journey through love, loss, and self-discovery.

    Final Thoughts:

    “Heavy Soul” is a stunning Blues album that Joanne Shaw Taylor as put together , reaffirming her place in the blues and soul music scene. Her passionate performances, masterful guitar work, and evocative storytelling make this album a must-listen. With a mix of powerful originals and respectful covers, Taylor has crafted an album that is both a return to her roots and a bold step forward in her artistic evolution.

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