Okay, so this isn't a great album. B.B.'s been coasting on fumes for a long time now — his releases tend to be nothing much more than slick blues facsimiles. It hurts to say that, but it's true; his vocals and guitar sound as great as ever, but the overall albums, more often than not, sound like they were assembled for maximum chart impact. 80, another King duets record, is no exception.
On the other hand, he's eighty years old. I doubt I'll be able to stay awake for dinner or remember to button my pants when I'm that age — I can barely do those things now — so the hell with it, 80 gets an automatic A. Good God, does B.B. sound like he's full of piss and vinegar.
His duet partners on this album run the gamut from the expected (Van Morrison, on a nice "Early in the Morning") to the trendy (John Mayer) to the puzzling (Gloria Estefan). Mostly, it's fairly pleasant stuff — blues for people who tell themselves they like the blues because they bought a Jonny Lang CD one time. It isn't a bad tribute to a living legend. There are even a few nice surprises, like "Ain't Nobody Home," B.B.'s duet with Daryl Hall.
For folks like me, who know Hall's a fine vocalist and actually understands blue-eyed soul, but has just been too goddamn lazy to make the most of his talent for the past 20 years, "Home" is an unexpected treat. And "All Over Again" finds King trading lines and licks with Mark Knopfler, a matchup short on pyrotechnics but long on good. Everything bad about the album, in fact, can be summed up in three little words:
Glenn fucking Frey.
Yes, Glenn Frey. What the hell is he doing here? Were his parts recorded in the same studio as B.B.'s? If so, why didn't he whip Frey's ass? Glenn Frey sucks even under the best circumstances, and here — doing what sounds like the world's lamest impression of Dr. John — he super sucks.
God, do I hate Glenn Frey.
But, uh, anyway, except for that one song, 80 isn't bad, and for a guy the same age as the title, it's pretty damn great.
Pub:NB
Article comments
1 - godoggo
Anybody who hates Glenn Frey that much is all right by me.
2 - Jodie
"For folks like me, who know Hall's a fine vocalist and actually understands blue-eyed soul, but has just been too goddamn lazy to make the most of his talent for the past 20 years"
In this youth oriented market that doesnt appreciate what has come before them and a music business that doesnt allow youth to develop their craft, and only looks for the quick dollar, Daryl Hall is part of a dying breed of musicians that have earned their talent. To say he is lazy is unfair. He is still producing music, writing his own songs and performing. Its the music business that is lazy.
3 - jefito
Oh, he's been making music, all right. Just not GOOD music. And his vocals, though still as technically flawless as always, tend too often to fall back on annoying tics. "Ain't Nobody Home" is the best I've heard him sound since the "Change Of Season" album.
4 - Shawn Parker
I'm a huge BB fan, don't think too much of Gloria Estafan, but I think her duet on this album is smoking! But then again, Rolling Stone has been wrong before!
5 - Mark
BB Kings new cd is a 10 plus, it kicks ass on so many levels! I love it. My only question is, where was Elivn Bishop on the cd and why is it only a single disc? I can only imagine all the great players who could've shared a track with BB. What about an all star tour? with a TV show too damm it! Plus a follow up DVD/CD combo of the concert. All players pro & amatur owe BB King a debt because the blues and rock n roll would'nt be what they are today, they would be a lot less. Long live MR. BB King
6 - mike
WHAT KIND OF REVIEW IS THAT. ITS NOT A GOOD ALBUM, WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU AT IN THE MUSIC SEEN, YOU WONT BE ABLE TO BUTTON YOUR PANTS OR STAY AWAKE AT DINNER, ITS GREAT THAT YOU CAN DO THAT NOW YOU TASTELESS PRICK
7 - For me to know only
Swearing isn't very tolerable for the eyes of kids is it? Do not swear. One of my 7th grade students came across this in class while doing a blues report on the internet. Please EDIT THIS OUT IMMEDIATELY.
8 - IgnatiusReilly
Teacher, if you don't like swear words maybe you should go teach in another country where they restrict freedom of speech.
I highly doubt that this is the first time a 7th grader has read/heard such words before.
9 - Scott
Good review. Enjoyed the humor. It is a great CD and B.B. continues to amaze everyone with his talent at any age. I agree with Mark's commment from October 8. This should have been a two CD set and where is the concert DVD and tv show? Mainstream radio and tv should take a chance on playing some blues for once before the King of all the blues players is no longer with us.
10 - Fast Eddy
Well this lucky listener is going to see BB King on his farewell UK tour!! Any kid who wants to get into blues should buy this CD and then buy the back catalogue. 80 years old and still entertaining in his unique way. Most of us would sign up to that...wouldn't we? 10 outta 10!