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"“Breakthrough” is yet another demonstration of Joe Bonamassa's technical mastery, which remains at the service of deep emotions."
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4/5
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As surprising as it may seem, we had to wait four years to hear a new album of original compositions from Joe Bonamassa. Of course, the undisputed master of contemporary blues rock gave us a reworking of his Blues Deluxe to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release, and the fifth installment of Black Country Communion's adventures came out last year (V). And that's not to mention the inevitable live release that follows each studio production by the Utica native. In short, as usual, the guitarist has not been idle, but this is nevertheless the first time he has broken his rhythm of releasing at least one studio album every two years.
Once you get over this surprise, the virtuoso quickly sets the record straight, still accompanied by Kevin Shirley on production and the same musicians as on “Blues Deluxe Vol. 2.” And what is still as breathtaking as ever is Joe Bonamassa's ability to strike the right balance between tradition and renewal. Because, of course, the artist's style is immediately recognizable. Yet the accuracy of the compositions and their interpretation means that there is always something to deeply engage the listener. The best example of this is probably the haunting, twilight blues of the ballad “Broken Records,” where every note seems to count and reveals a finesse that makes your hair stand on end. The overall mood is not exactly cheerful, as confirmed by the poignant mid-tempo 'Life After Dark' and the profound 'Pain's On Me' which convey the pain and suffering, but also the resilience that permeate this work.
For this is no time for despair and, as its title suggests, "Breakthrough" is an encouragement to pick yourself up and keep moving forward despite trials and tribulations. With its hammering chorus, rumbling bass, hoarse vocals and backing vocals, the title track is the best example of this. A few swirling riffs ('Trigger Finger'), train-like tempos marking the inevitability of time ('Drive By The Exit Sign') and blues-gospel with a haunting leitmotif ('Still Walking With Me') are all helping hands to get back up and return to the fray while healing one's scars. Our man is even capable of getting angry during the groovy and edgy 'You Don't Own Me', which completes the palette of emotions that populate the path of a wounded soul.
Finely crafted and demonstrating a variety that never detracts from its flawless coherence, "Breakthrough" is yet another demonstration of an artist at the peak of his art. Detractors will once again have to settle for crumbs in order to continue denigrating Joe Bonamassa, whose technical mastery remains at the service of deep feelings. Here is yet another emotional journey that will leave its mark on those who take it. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Breakthrough - 4:09
 02. Trigger Finger - 4:04
03. I'll Take The Blame - 3:34
04. Drive By The Exit Sign - 4:19
05. Broken Record - 6:57
06. Shake This Ground - 4:06
07. Still Walking With Me - 3:39
08. Life After Dark - 4:53
09. You Don't Own Me - 4:03
10. Pain's On Me - 5:46
LINEUP:
Calvin Turner: Basse
Dannielle Deandrea: Chœurs
Jade Macrae: Chœurs
Joe Bonamassa: Chant / Guitares
Josh Smith: Guitares
Lamar Carter: Batterie
Reese Wynans: Claviers
Greg Morrow: Batterie / Invité
Stephen Mackey: Basse / Invité
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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Top of the page
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(1) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
4/5 (1 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (1 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH JOE BONAMASSA
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA
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