• Registered: 2013-09-06
  • Posts: 21

Topic: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

Well, here it is as I promised, (in a topic that has been deleted do to site maintenance) Joe's entire Studio catalog reviewed by me. My name is Kyle by the way and I chose to do this as 1: I am a big Joe Bonamassa fan, 2: I love to review, rate and comment on things, 3: I genuinely want to see what were my favorite Joe songs and Albums on a very detailed scale, and 4: I wanted this to be a big thread on here and spark some interesting conversations about Joe's Music. Please feel free to ask me why I rated what as I did or why I liked or didn't like a particular song. To save time I just wrote a brief description with some adjectives of how I liked the songs but, I could have written a lot more especially for some of these songs in particular. Also share which songs and albums are your favorites if you want. Thanks for reading this, hope you enjoy this. Also, I will eventually add a description and review of each album as a whole in the future. 

A NEW DAY YESTERDAY (7.708)
Cradle Rock: Awesome Riff, Memorable Slide Solo (9/10)
Walk In My Shadows: Lovely Lyrics, Cool Turn-Arounds, Dark-Blues (8.5/10)
A New Day Yesterday: Heavily Distorted, Raw Vocals, Grunge, A Bit Too Messy (7.5/10)
I Know Where I Belong: Funky, Unique, Great Tone, Great Lyrics. Standout-Track (10/10)
Miss You, Hate You: A Bit Cheesy And Repetitive, Poppy, Just Decent (5/10)
Nuthin' I Wouldn't Do: Not Really Digging It, Cool Solo At The End Though (5/10)
Colour And Shape: Very Interesting, Nice Lyrics, Catchy, Clever Outro (9/10)
Head Aches To Heart Breaks: Not Really Digging This Either (5/10)
Trouble Waiting: Cool Song, Classic Blues Rock Vibe, Nice Outro (7.5/10)
If Heartaches Were Nickels: Great Lyrics, Epic Solo, Emotional Playing/Singing (9/10)
Current Situation: Good Solid Song (8/10)
Don't Burn Down That Bridge: Interesting Solo (With WAH!) Great Riff, Catchy (9/10)

SO IT'S LIKE THAT (6.346)
My Mistake: Forgettable, Emotionless (4/10)
Lie #1: Similar To "My Mistake", Slightly Better (5/10)
No Slack: Well, The Wah Was Pretty Cool, Song Wasn't Very Good (5/10)
Unbroken: Just As Bad As "My Mistake" If Not Worse (4/10)
So, It's Like That: Epic Solo, Memorable, Lovely Riff/Groove (8.5/10)
Waiting For Me: One Of The Few Pop Songs From Joe I Like, Nice Lyrics And Momentum (8/10)
Never Say Goodbye: Super Cliche, Boring, Forgettable (4/10)
Mountain Time: A Diamond In The Dirt, Easily One Of The Best On This Album (10/10)
Pain And Sorrow: Heavy Rocking Tune, Awesome Jam, Impressive, Epic (10/10)
Takin' The Hit: Pretty Solid Rock Song (8/10)
Under The Radar: A Slightly Better One Of His Pop Songs (6/10)
Sick In Love: Corny, Cliche, Bad Lyrics (4/10)
The Hard Way: Decent Song, Nice Groove (6/10)

BLUES DELUXE (8.833)
You Upset Me Baby: Incredible Momentum, Great Blues Jam (9/10)
Burning Hell: A little messy, but very interesting with slide, hard rock blues (8/10)
Blues Deluxe: Amazing Volume Swells, Emotional Performance, Incendiary Solo (10/10)
Man of Many Words: Technically Brilliant Solo, Great Melody/Feel (10/10)
Woke Up Dreaming: Acoustic Master Piece, Impressive Speed, Great Lyrics & Vocals (10/10)
I Don't Live Any Where: Smooth Relaxing, Great Vocals, Nice Lyrics (9/10)
Wild About You Baby: Awesome Blues Song, Love The Tone With The Distortion (9/10)
Long Distance Blues: Solid Blues Number, Little Slow But Picks Up (8/10)
Pack It Up: Lovely Bass Sections, Nice Riff, Funky, Outstanding Solo (9.5/10)
Left Overs: Solid Instrument, Fun Outro (8/10)
Walking Blues: Riff Gets Old Quick, Pretty Solid Blues Tune Overall, Nice Harmonica (8/10)
Mumbling Word: Slides Pretty Cool, Not Crazy About The Lyrics (7.5/10)

HAD TO CRY TODAY (8.150)
Never Make Your Move Too Soon: Nice Riff, Great Movement, Solo Rocks, Melody Is Meh (8/10
Travellin' South: Too Fast, Country Is Not His Strong Suit (5/10)
Junction 61/Reconsider Baby: Wow!!! Everything About This Track Is Brilliant (10/10)
Around The Bend: Awesome Lyrics, Relatable, Emotional, Acoustic Riff Is Great (10/10)
Revenge Of The 10 Gallon Hat: Fast Paced Country Works Well For Instrumental (9/10)
When She Dances: Decent Song, I Like The Lyrics, A Bit Emotional (7.5/10)
Had To Cry Today: Interesting Bass Intro, Epic Riff, Head-Bobbing Track: (9.5/10)
The River: Slide Is Fantastic In This: (8.5/10)
When The Sun Goes Down: Boring, Forgettable, Slide Is Pretty Neat Towards End (4/10)
Faux Mantini: Very Impressive, Unique, Masterpiece Of An Acoustic Instrumental (10/10)

YOU AND ME (8.682)
High Water Everywhere: Love The Intro, Clever, Clear, Interesting Song Structure: (9/10)
Bridge To Better Days: Awesome Riff, Optimistic Lyrics, Badass Solo: (9/10)
Asking Around For You: Emotional, Heartfelt and Sincere Lyrics, Standout Track: (10/10)
So Many Roads: Great Mood, Badass Blues Rock, Epic (10/10)
I Don't Believe: Decent Blues Song, Little Too Much Going On: (7.5/10)
Tamp Em Up Solid: Acoustic Guitar Sounds Great, Nice Melody: (8/10)
DJango: Felt Like A Full Song, Mesmerizing, Engaging, Love It: (9/10) 
Tea For One: Fitting Singer, Great Build Up, Wah Part Is Amazing: (9/10)
Palm Trees Helicopters And Gasoline: Acoustic Heaven: (9.5/10)
Your Funeral And My Trial: Nice Momentum, Harmonica Works Pretty Well: (7.5/10)
Torn Down: Captivating Intro, Lost Me In Chorus: (7/10)

SLOE GIN (7.910)
Ball Peen Hammer: Good Vocals & Lyrics, Acoustic Is Full Sounding: 9/10
One Of These Days: Cool Riff, Slide Works Well, Awesome Outro: 8.5/10
Seagull: Cool Melody & Lyrics(Theme) 8/10
Dirt In My Pocket: Solid Tune, Vocals Are A Little Muddy With Guitar: 7.5/10
Sloe Gin: Get Chills Listening To, Easily A Standout Track: 10/10
Another Kind Of Love: Solid Tune, Solos Are Great: (8/10)
Around The Bend: Lovely Lyrics, Sincere, Emotional, Vocals Are Great: (10/10)
Black Night: Sets Mood Well, Bridge Doesn't Fit Well: (8/10)
Jelly Roll: Decent But Forgettable (6/10)
Richmond: Sweet, A Little Slow/Long Would Probably Be Better As Instrumental: (7/10)
India: Acoustic Alone Would Probably Have Been A Lot Better: (5/10)

THE BALLAD OF JOHN HENRY (8.375)
The Ballad Of John Henry: Awesome Riff, Very Memorable, Superb Slide Solo: (10/10)
Stop!: Emotional, Engaging, Smooth, Very, Very Well Composed Solo: (10/10)
Last Kiss: Good, Not Great: (7/10)
Jockey Full Of Bourbon: Confusing Lyrics, Boring Riff: (6.5/10)
Story Of A Quarryman: Decent Song, Cool Riff, Interesting Chord Choices: (7/10)
Lonesome Road Blues: Fresh Modern Blues, Catchy, Feel Good Song: (9/10)
Happier Times: Emotional/Touching/Relatable Lyrics, Easily Standout Track: (10/10)
Feelin' Good: Song Doesn't Fit Joe's Voice Well, Too Dark: (6.5/10)
Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter: Good Momentum, Interesting Melody: (7.5/10)
The Great Flood: Too Slow/Long, Still A Great Ballad: (9/10)
From The Valley: Beautiful Insturmental, Top Notch: (10/10)
As The Crow Flies: Great Beat, Cool Guitar Effects: (8/10)

BLACK ROCK (8.807)
Steal Your Heart Away: Solid Tune, Consistent Rock Melody: (8/10)
I Know A Place: Does Interesting Things With Vocals, Great Guitar Tone: (9/10)
When The Fire Hits The Sea: Decent Riff, Song Is Kind Of Boring Lyrically And Vocally: (7/10)
Quarryman's Lament: Different, Very Interesting, Engaging, Vocals And Lyrics Are Great: (10/10)
Spanish Boots: Proves He Doesn't Need A Long Guitar Solo To Play A Great Song: (9/10)
Bird On A Wire: Engaging But A Little Slow, Beautiful Song Lyrically And Vocally: (9/10)
Three Times A Fool: Short & Sweet, Really Dig This For Quick Listen: (8.5/10)
Night Life: Dream Collab, Lyrics And Vocals Are Spot On, Feel Good Track: (9.5/10)
Wandering Earth: Loving The Guitar Reverb/Delay And Overall Tone, Song Is Good: (8/10)
Look Over Yonders Wall: Great Pace, Nice Mood, Lovely Melody/Vocals: (9/10)
Athens To Athens: Great Sing Along/Head Bobbing Track, Could Go Without Flute Here: (9/10)
Blue And Evil: Rocking Riff, Zeppelin-Esque, Lyrics Are Okay, Felt A Little Long: (8.5/10)
Baby You Gotta Change Your Mind: Sweet, Cozy, Feel-Good Song, Love The Acoustic: (10/10)

DUST BOWL (8.583)
Slow Train: Everything In This Song Is Working Very Well, Standout-Track: (10/10)
Dust Bowl: Cool Erie Vibe, Vocal Melody Is Very Interesting, Fantastic Solo/Tone: (10/10)
Tennessee Plates: Digging The Country Licks, Don't Like The Collab: (6/10)
The Meaning Of The Blues: Song Is Good, Solo Out-Weights Song: (9/10)
Black Lung Heartache: Great Melody, Tune And Production, Don't Like Effect On Voice: (8.5/10)
You Better Watch Yourself: Good Use Of Wah, Good Song: (8.5/10)
The Last Matador Of Bayonne: Interesting Ballad, Big Solo: (8.5/10)
Heartbreaker: Nice Collab, Rocking Tune, Solo Is Great As Usual: (8.5/10)
No Love On The Street: Very Interesting Vocals/Vocal Melody, Solo Is Ridiculous: (9/10)
The Whale That Swallowed Jonah: Alright Tune, Gets Boring Quick: (7/10)
Sweet Rowena: Nice Collab, Lot Really My Of Tea, Still Good Song: (8/10)
Prisoner: Clear Vocals And Understandable Lyrics, Engaging, Very Nice Track: (10/10)

DRIVING TOWARDS THE DAYLIGHT (8.550)
Dislocated Boy: Great Lyrics, Love The Chords/Chord Melody, Solo Fits Like Glove: (10/10)
Stones In My Pathway: Slick, Great Production, Near The End Doesn't Really Fit Well: (8/10)
Driving Towards The Daylight: Superb Vocals, Very Well Mixed/Produced, Great Lyrics: (10/10)
Who's Been Talking: Love The Melody And Riff, Song Is Good Not Great: (8/10)
I Got All You You Need: Well Interesting Moments But Pretty Standard Blues: (8/10)
A Place In My Heart: Captivating, Clever, Lovely Production, Moore-Esque Solo Melody: (8.5/10
Lonely Town Lonely Street: Interesting Melody, Solo In Right Ear, Too Long: (8/10)
Heavenly Soul: The String Racking/Chord Progression Is Sick, Song Falls Apart A Little: (8/10)
New Coat Of Paint: Love The Errie Tremelo Chords, Nice Solo: (9/10)
Somewhere Trouble Don't Go: Slick, Nice Melody, Nice Momentum: (8/10)

DIFFERENT SHADES OF BLUE (8.900)
Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)/Oh Beautiful!: Awesome Intro, Rocking Riff, Interesting Song: (9.5/10)
Love Ain't A Long Song: Funky Groove, Very Polished Sounding, Interesting Solo: (9.5/10)
Living On The Moon: Cool Song Theme, End Of Solo Is Epic: (8/10)
Heartache Follows Wherever I Go: Vocals Are Really Good, Love The Wah: (9/10)
Never Give All Your Heart: Keyboard Melody Rocks, Solo Is Fantastic: (9.5/10)
I Gave Everything For You 'Cept The Blues: Too Polished Sounding, Cliche, Still Good: (8/10)
Different Shades Of The Blues: Lovely Lyrics, Love The Guitar Melody, Emotional: (10/10)
Get Back My Tomorrow: Joe's Pop At Its Best: (9/10)
Trouble Town: A Little Repetitive, Could Have Used A Little More, Still Good: (8/10)
So, What Would I Do: The Keys Are Great, Emotional, Little Too Much Going On: (8.5/10)

  • From: Moncton, NB Canada
  • Registered: 2013-02-03
  • Posts: 469

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

Well that was an undertaking!  Both to do and to read!  wink

As expected I am in agreement with some things and disagreement with others, but I think that is what this is about.  "Different Shades of Blue" album is your top pick and "So It's Like That" gets your lowest score.  For me they are both closer to the middle of the pack, Shades getting the advantage though.  If "Pain and Sorrow" were not on SILT what a difference that would make to that album.

There are several tracks I specifically looked to see your score, Slow Train and Ballad of John Henry to name two, that I was ready with the flames if your review wasn't good enough.  But we know that just wasn't going to happen.  They are just that good.

What will be interesting for you is to look at this several years from now.  My musical tastes have changed a bit over the years as I'm sure yours will.

Steve

2011 Gibson Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Studio...among others.
Beacon Theater, New York, May 18, 2013/Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea, Feb. 17-21, 2015/3 Kings Tour, Bangor, ME, Aug. 12, 2015
  • Registered: 2013-08-02
  • Posts: 215

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

Be careful with posts like this - I know it can be fun to rate and compare and whatnot, but remember we're also talking about someone's artistic expression that to a certain extent can't (or maybe shouldn't) be rated. What ends up being a matter of personal taste as far as likes/dislikes can be much more personal for the creator. You wrote that some lyrics are cliche and poppy vs. others that are emotional and powerful - but you just know what you hear. The ones labelled cliche could actually be more genuine.

Similar to (using current events) football - I'm from Maine and a diehard Pats fan. I could argue with someone about how I think Tom Brady is the greatest ever until I'm blue in the face, and we could throw barbs back and fourth about Brady/Manning and even get Montana and Unitas into the conversation, their successes and failures, who's better, who's worse, etc. Problem with all that is, they're actual human beings who care passionately about what they do (even though they're overpaid to play a game, but thats a tangent for another time).

Although we're talking about celebrities who seem invincible in alot of ways, and to a certain extent humanly detached as media images, they're people too and rating them, whether carefully or carelessly, can be a dangerous game.

My $.02

jackfossett's Website

  • timb
  • timb
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  • Registered: 2014-05-09
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Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

jackfossett wrote:

...
Although we're talking about celebrities who seem invincible in alot of ways, and to a certain extent humanly detached as media images, they're people too and rating them, whether carefully or carelessly, can be a dangerous game.

Well said. In particular, I think negative terms are disrespectful for the reasons you state, and it belies the subjective nature of it. "Cheesy" and "boring" aren't universal, witness by SILT being one of the CDs I like the best. (I love Lie #1 :-)

timb's Website

  • From: Massachusetts, USA
  • Registered: 2014-04-12
  • Posts: 663

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

I don't like the whole idea of rating an artists material, and I find some of the terms to be disrespectful.

Play some cards & drink black coffee,
How I’d love to see you smile....
JBLP Std Goldtop
2015 R9 LP
  • Registered: 2013-09-06
  • Posts: 21

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

MINI_Zoso wrote:

Well that was an undertaking!  Both to do and to read!  wink

As expected I am in agreement with some things and disagreement with others, but I think that is what this is about.  "Different Shades of Blue" album is your top pick and "So It's Like That" gets your lowest score.  For me they are both closer to the middle of the pack, Shades getting the advantage though.  If "Pain and Sorrow" were not on SILT what a difference that would make to that album.

There are several tracks I specifically looked to see your score, Slow Train and Ballad of John Henry to name two, that I was ready with the flames if your review wasn't good enough.  But we know that just wasn't going to happen.  They are just that good.

What will be interesting for you is to look at this several years from now.  My musical tastes have changed a bit over the years as I'm sure yours will.

I'm glad you mentioned how I rated Different Shades Of Blue the best. I just took the average of all my song ratings and it happened to be the highest. I was surprised I rated it so high, but I still consider Blues Deluxe to be my favorite Joe album. Also Slow Train and The Battle of John Henry are a couple of my favorite Joe tunes!

  • Registered: 2013-09-06
  • Posts: 21

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

jackfossett wrote:

Be careful with posts like this - I know it can be fun to rate and compare and whatnot, but remember we're also talking about someone's artistic expression that to a certain extent can't (or maybe shouldn't) be rated. What ends up being a matter of personal taste as far as likes/dislikes can be much more personal for the creator. You wrote that some lyrics are cliche and poppy vs. others that are emotional and powerful - but you just know what you hear. The ones labelled cliche could actually be more genuine.

Similar to (using current events) football - I'm from Maine and a diehard Pats fan. I could argue with someone about how I think Tom Brady is the greatest ever until I'm blue in the face, and we could throw barbs back and fourth about Brady/Manning and even get Montana and Unitas into the conversation, their successes and failures, who's better, who's worse, etc. Problem with all that is, they're actual human beings who care passionately about what they do (even though they're overpaid to play a game, but thats a tangent for another time).

Although we're talking about celebrities who seem invincible in alot of ways, and to a certain extent humanly detached as media images, they're people too and rating them, whether carefully or carelessly, can be a dangerous game.

My $.02

I mean no disrespect to the artist. These are simply my opinions and while I might find a song cliche or too poppy others may love it. I'm not sure if it was on here or not but, I remember reading something and I believe Joe once said he now uses his "So It's Like That" album as coaster, if this is true he must have not liked it very much himself. Again no disrespect to any of you that love this album, I like it alright myself I just didn't love it and think he has better songs out there. For one to simply state a song(s) of theres is there favorite, that automatically de-ranks every other song(s).

As an guitarist myself I love to receive feedback, good or bad. Criticism strives me to get better while good feedback makes me feel like it's all worth it. Just because there may be something I create that I love doesn't mean everyone will and I understand that and I'm sure Joe does as well. Reviewing something is somewhat of an art itself and I know I don't really posses that art with the words I used such as "good, great, amazing, etc." But I love reading reviews especially after watching a movie and how my opinions compare against others.

  • Registered: 2013-08-02
  • Posts: 215

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

I didn't think you meant any disrespect, and you're clearly a huge fan - I'm just saying its a double edged sword and its important to remember that you're not just critiquing random sounds, its someone pouring their heart and soul out.

Another thing to keep in mind is whether or not its wanted - I know there is the modern objective everyone saying "I'm open to criticism" - personally I don't mind critiques but only if I ask for them - if someone just comes out of nowhere and dissects all my work, I actually find it offensive.

jackfossett's Website

9 Reply by Kmid24 (edited by Kmid24 2015-01-18 18:54:03)

  • Registered: 2013-09-06
  • Posts: 21

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

jackfossett wrote:

I didn't think you meant any disrespect, and you're clearly a huge fan - I'm just saying its a double edged sword and its important to remember that you're not just critiquing random sounds, its someone pouring their heart and soul out.

Another thing to keep in mind is whether or not its wanted - I know there is the modern objective everyone saying "I'm open to criticism" - personally I don't mind critiques but only if I ask for them - if someone just comes out of nowhere and dissects all my work, I actually find it offensive.

Okay, I'll keep that in mind if I think about reviewing something again. I do however believe that criticism and reviews are just to be expected asking for them or not especially with artist of Joe's collaber. I'm sorry if anything I said offended any of you. Please continue to comment jb forum members!

  • From: Massachusetts, USA
  • Registered: 2014-04-12
  • Posts: 663

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

I never liked, or agreed with unsolicited criticism, I find it rude. Messy, Cheesy, Repetitive, Forgettable, Emotionless, Corny, Boring...all in poor taste and rude in my opinion. I see no point to rating music, there is no right or wrong, its all subjective.

Play some cards & drink black coffee,
How I’d love to see you smile....
JBLP Std Goldtop
2015 R9 LP

11 Reply by sally12333 (edited by sally12333 2015-01-18 21:11:19)

  • From: Moved to Maryland
  • Registered: 2012-07-13
  • Posts: 1,961

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

Hi Kmid, you are obviously a big Joe fan as evidenced by your immersion into Joe's catalog in just a year and a half, and especially the effort-laden review project.  You are also now a legitimate member of the Bonafamily and we are all welcome to express our opinions.  Every time Joe releases a new album, there are continuous comments about what we all like and how we feel about it, so this is a common practice and we all welcome that, including Joe.

That said,

1)     I personally appreciate and agree with Jack’s points. Jack is a serious writer, player and performer so he sees this from a slightly different angle – not just from a fan’s perspective but also knowing as an artist what it’s like to sometimes lay yourself bare in your song writing.  Oftentimes the fans are aware of the source/genesis/background of a new song and, even though the lyrics may not end up as lofty as the Gettysburg address, it can still turn out to be a fabulously entertaining and/or meaningful song.   Joe can take the critiques but we fans are sensitive! 

2)    Everyone agrees music is so personal.  No surprise some of your opinions in fact happen to be opposed to mine, and I actually get queasy reading them.  As an example, SILT is towards the top of my list, whether or not you or others on here or even Joe find it lacking – it has given me so much joy.  Even some tunes you think are cheesy still may excite us and inspire us to rock out.  (See #1 above).  Numerous specific pieces of Joe’s work have hit all of us over the head in one way or another, whether strictly from an entertainment value, or perhaps in an extremely personal, healing kind of way.   So to me your list boils it all down to the lowest common denominators, to pluses and minuses on lyrical content or playing technique etc. which really denigrates/disparages/depreciates the ultimate value and purposes – Joe’s expressing his artistry, and the fans’ enjoyment.

Sorry Kmid.  You asked for discussion.

"To repeat a good thing is to sit still; to take a chance is to grow." - Joe Bonamassa
I need some Joe...NOW.
Joe = Joy
  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2010-04-15
  • Posts: 1,373

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

This thread is that it reminded me that "Had To Cry Today" is the only JB album I don't own.  I'll have to remedy that pretty soon.

My music & music blog: https://vincedickinson.home.blog/
New prog/rock album "Atlantis" available everywhere, including:
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  • gary
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  • Registered: 2006-08-25
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Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

Hold on, time out,everyone take a deep breath.
If I am not mistaken in the almost 8 years I have been on the forum every album,DVD and live performance has had "reviews"by forum members here.I would bet if you looked through the posts on those topics there would be a few comments about this song or that which somebody wasn't fond of.So I don't see what the big deal is about posting a review here.
Obviously if done with ill intent or berating is a different story.
Come on all recordings sold to the public have reviews.If they don't that's actually not a good thing for the artist.
Please tell me this is not going to be a problem here .

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Your hard sweet and sticky

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  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

Totally with you on this one. There is no deliberate bashing of Joe or his music. How many times on other posts have opinions on albums been related, I seem to remember Black Rock being the subject of some debate. I don't agree with all views on tracks but I do on most. With the debate on free speech being at the forefront at present surely this forum isn't the exeption.. If it does it will become a select club with new mwmbers scared to join in. sad

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)

15 Reply by ZeyerGTR (edited by ZeyerGTR 2015-01-19 08:50:17)

  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2010-04-15
  • Posts: 1,373

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

PSmith1946 wrote:

Totally with you on this one. There is no deliberate bashing of Joe or his music. How many times on other posts have opinions on albums been related, I seem to remember Black Rock being the subject of some debate. I don't agree with all views on tracks but I do on most. With the debate on free speech being at the forefront at present surely this forum isn't the exeption.. If it does it will become a select club with new mwmbers scared to join in. sad

+1. I didn't think anything was really "out of line" with the original post.   Seemed like a fun way to go through Joe's entire catalog.  Of course I disagree with the ratings on a lot of songs, that's music.  Everyone will have different takes on it.

I'm glad you mentioned how I rated Different Shades Of Blue the best. I just took the average of all my song ratings and it happened to be the highest. I was surprised I rated it so high, but I still consider Blues Deluxe to be my favorite Joe album. Also Slow Train and The Battle of John Henry are a couple of my favorite Joe tunes!

I go back and forth when "rating" albums.  Sometimes a few really, really great tracks can make an album more enjoyable to me than one that's most consistently good.  Sometimes consistently good is stronger than a few great songs with a lot that don't speak to me.   There's no formula for me, depends on my mood and how the collection of songs resonate.

Example: I like Metallica's Load better than the Black Album.  Load has some really awful stuff, but some really great tunes as well - the highs are higher and the lows are lower.  The Black Album is more consistent, but the strongest songs aren't as good (imho of course) as on Load.

My music & music blog: https://vincedickinson.home.blog/
New prog/rock album "Atlantis" available everywhere, including:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/atlantis/1411523163
https://open.spotify.com/album/3InrPujiALJCslZqp9V6e2

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  • gary
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Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

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Your hard sweet and sticky

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17 Reply by jackfossett (edited by jackfossett 2015-01-19 09:27:11)

  • Registered: 2013-08-02
  • Posts: 215

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

Kmid24 wrote:
jackfossett wrote:

I didn't think you meant any disrespect, and you're clearly a huge fan - I'm just saying its a double edged sword and its important to remember that you're not just critiquing random sounds, its someone pouring their heart and soul out.

Another thing to keep in mind is whether or not its wanted - I know there is the modern objective everyone saying "I'm open to criticism" - personally I don't mind critiques but only if I ask for them - if someone just comes out of nowhere and dissects all my work, I actually find it offensive.

Okay, I'll keep that in mind if I think about reviewing something again. I do however believe that criticism and reviews are just to be expected asking for them or not especially with artist of Joe's collaber. I'm sorry if anything I said offended any of you. Please continue to comment jb forum members!

I'm not trying to bust your chops or anything - like I said, just be careful going into things like this, thats all. Everyone loves ratings, top 10 lists, etc. - but its important to remember that there's a human being at the other end of it.

And thanks for the comment Sally - thats exactly what I was getting at. There are many dimensions to music from many angles that most people don't hear or know about and I think sometimes coming out with things like "this worked, this didn't, this could have been stronger" etc. almost cheapens the humanity of it in a way. I'm not in any way trying to come across as an "Everything Joe B does is untouchable" - I don't think thats true of anyone on the planet. But it takes alot of passion and meaning to do what he and other musicians do, so I think that should be respected.

jackfossett's Website

  • From: Cazenovia, NY
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 482

Re: Review of ALL Joe's Studio Songs and Albums

gary wrote:

Hold on, time out,everyone take a deep breath.
If I am not mistaken in the almost 8 years I have been on the forum every album,DVD and live performance has had "reviews"by forum members here.I would bet if you looked through the posts on those topics there would be a few comments about this song or that which somebody wasn't fond of.So I don't see what the big deal is about posting a review here.
Obviously if done with ill intent or berating is a different story.
Come on all recordings sold to the public have reviews.If they don't that's actually not a good thing for the artist.
Please tell me this is not going to be a problem here .

+1

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