Ally Venable – Money & Power: A Fearless Blues-Rock Knockout That Demands Your Attention

Review By Glen Parkes

Ally Venable is back, and she’s not just playing her guitar — she’s setting it (and the status quo) ablaze. Money & Power, her new album released April 18th via Ruf Records, is a bold, blistering statement from one of modern blues-rock’s brightest and most defiant voices.

From the opening notes of “Brown Liquor” to the final feral growl of “Black Cat,” Venable unleashes a storm of swagger, soul, and shred. This isn’t just a record — it’s a revolution in sequins and six strings. Fueled by themes of strength, resilience, and ownership, Money & Power is unapologetically loud in message and musicianship. Brown Liquor (ft. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram)
A gritty, groove-driven opener that hits like a shot of Southern fire. Kingfish adds serious weight with sizzling guitar work, while Venable’s vocals are soaked in attitude. A perfect introduction. Maybe Some Day Laid-back but emotionally loaded, this is a blues ballad done right. Ally’s vocal delivery here is aching and authentic, letting vulnerability take centre stage. Money & Power The title track is a stomp-and-snarl anthem — blues-rock with punk energy. Venable’s message of female empowerment hits like a lightning bolt, and the riffs are razor sharp.

Do You Cry Sleek and sorrowful, this track simmers with tension. Venable trades fire for finesse here, showing off her control both vocally and instrumentally. Heal Me A slow-burner drenched in soul. Lyrically raw and emotionally unfiltered, this one stands tall among her finest work to date. Stopper Back Papa
Swaggering and tongue-in-cheek, this track brings attitude with a funky edge. A throwback feel but with modern fire under the hood. Legends A tribute to blues icons, past and present. Big-hearted and full of reverence, it’s Venable tipping her hat to the shoulders she stands on — while reminding everyone she belongs there too. Keep Me In Mind Bluesy, romantic, and a little haunted. There’s a delicate melancholy here, wrapped in shimmering guitar textures and thoughtful lyrics

Unbreakable (ft. Shemekia Copeland) Two generations of powerhouse women in blues unite, and the result is magic. Shemekia’s fierce vocals pair beautifully with Venable’s grit and soul — a true highlight. Stepping Stone A defiant middle finger to doubters and obstacles. Venable uses her guitar like a weapon here, slicing through the mix with venom and clarity. Feel That Sting Up-tempo and electric, this track is all bite and bounce. The rhythm section locks in tightly, giving Venable the runway to let loose. Black Cat Closing the album with swagger, “Black Cat” is equal parts voodoo and vengeance. With a brooding groove and swampy solo work, it’s a darkly satisfying send-off.

Ally Venable has never been one to hide behind her guitar — but with Money & Power, she commands both the spotlight and the soundboard. Her Les Paul tone is feral, raw, and precise, and her vocal work is more powerful than ever. The album’s production — polished in Nashville but retaining that gritty Texan soul — gives the songs room to breathe without losing the punch.

Guest appearances from blues royalty like Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Shemekia Copeland add texture and weight without overshadowing Venable’s vision. Every track feels deliberate and dynamic, never straying from the album’s core message: strength through authenticity.

Money & Power is a celebration of identity, resilience, and raw talent. Ally Venable isn’t just adding her voice to the modern blues conversation — she’s re-writing the script, amplifying what it means to be a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated genre.

It’s loud. It’s unapologetic. And it’s exactly what blues-rock needed in 2025

Track Listing:

1. Brown Liquor (ft. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram)
2. Maybe Some Day
3. Money & Power
4. Do You Cry
5. Heal Me
6. Stopper Back Papa
7. Legends
8. Keep Me In Mind
9. Unbreakable (ft. Shemekia Copeland)
10. Stepping Stone
11. Feel That Sting
12. Black Cat

Jace Media Music Verdict

9.5/10
Money & Power is a triumphant blend of blues roots and modern grit. Ally Venable cements her place as one of the fiercest forces in contemporary blues. Don’t sleep on this album — this is a future classic.