Reviews (page 5 of 8)
pretty good but not rlly big on this genre
I kinda liked it. I think learning about blues and how important it was in class has helped me appreciate the genre more
Nice and relaxing, time just flew by
non è malvagio, molto caldo e graffiante, ma nemmeno memorabile
Smooth
Helt solid elektroniskt blues album, underhållande men inget speciellt
I’m sure he has much better stuff, and his once in a lifetime talent shines through. liked this a lot more than I thought I would bc of my history with listening to a LOT of mediocre blues
Oof
Good sound. Like the blues
That first song with Santana...whew, that was nice. Also liked the George Thorogood feature. I'm not really the biggest blues guy, so I found the rest of the album just ok. Solidly a 3 in my book though.
A solid wistful blues album with exceptional guest artists. I'm In The Mood and Substitute are 2 really good songs.
Couple good jams and hooks. Nothing mind-blowing.
This album feels very safe and calculated for most of the time. It's very well produced and polished, which kinda ruins blues for me. Ideally it should be driven by emotions and lacking in polish, coming together naturally. And reading about the album, it was very much the plan to drag in as many guests as possible to help him reach a wider audience. I'm not mad that it apparently worked in his favor, but no matter how well arranged the songs are or how much talent there is making the music, there's nothing here that pulls me in and makes me want to listen to it over and over. I'll have to dig into his earlier stuff at some point, I suspect it'll be more rewarding to listen to.
I guess the purists will hate it for the collaborations and for the lack of authentic Hooker. The casual listener in me enjoyed it. I guess I know enough of early Hooker to see where it is coming from and probably I'd prefer the authentic to this.
3.5
Rating: 6/10 The first two songs are amazing, the rest of this was just decent blues.
Yes!!!
Not my favorite from the blues genre. It had that 80s production on some of the early songs I noticed. Did enjoy a lot of the collabs and there were a bunch. High 3 as nothing really stood out too much but was still enjoyable.
Solid blues 3.5
INTERESTING
John Lee Hooker was one of the all time great blues musicians, without a doubt. However, this album featuring contributions from Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt and Los Lobos didn’t really grab me. It felt a little bit too polished and well produced, and left me yearning for the rough and ready sound of Hooker’s early recordings. However, he was in his 70s when this was released, so you can’t really begrudge the old fella his pension plan.
First track sort of comically misleading. Overall the collaborators do a pretty good job of not ruining John Lee Hooker's blues, but it does pick up a lot when the guests go away. Worth a listen just for these last three tracks. 2 stars for the first track, 3 stars for the middle, 4 stars for the last three.
I’m sure there’s a lot of John Lee Hooker that I’d like more. Does he have a whole album with Santana, for example? (Just kidding, I would like that less)
Like a lot of blues, sometimes less is more. I like the genre but due to its nature it can get repetitive quick. Love some good blues riffs and this album has it in spades, and Santana, so points for that. It just gets to be too much by the end of it, great guest spots though.
Look… I’m just not going to become a fan of the Blues. It’s just boring and uninteresting to me. But this album had Santana and Los Lobos so that bumps it up a star from my usual 2 for Blues
John Lee Hooker and a bunch of all-star bands. Right artist ... wrong album.
Not much memorable here. Lots of good features but nothing that particularly stands out. Just bang average blues. 5.25/10 (2.625/5)
Album has more collaborations than the average Gorillaz album. And with tracks like the title track it works really well as it encompasses what you want in a Santana song, you seriously cannot deny this one is good. You also get ones like baby lee which just sound really cool with it’s drumming. I’m in the mood is also a very interesting collaboration. But the problem with blues is that there is honestly only so much you can do. The genre started in the 1800’s and this is 1989, that combined with the fact that blues by nature is generally a restrictive genre, it makes it very difficult to remain interesting. Also this is a super late career album for John lee hooker. It’s an album I believe in theory should have the odds against it so having something kinda good here warrants it’s inclusion. Thing is though I just prefer my blues rockier and not a full album. I respect the fuck out of this one 3/5
I wonder if the guest musicians were as bored as me. Basic blues, too basic. 2.75
Noice...
I like this very much, but the thing about the blues to me is that it really sounds like the same track, over and over.
I've never been a fan of collaboration albums. The Healer features several well known musicians who side themselves and pay tribute to a true Blues legend. I don't have a problem with this concept, it does give extra exposure for the fans of the musicians to Hooker and it adds to the cred and acknowledgement of his influence in their music. With the collaborations, the music of John Lee Hooker gets watered down and it's more a Bonnie Raitt or Carlo Santana performance, with Hooker putting in an appearance than a true duet. The songs are okay, but an old 73 year old Hooker is not "prime Hooker" and fans should seek out his influential and essential works from decades past.
Did not grab me
Good album. Felt there was probably better from JLH tho.
I didn’t even know they made blues albums in the 1980’s, let alone near the 90’s. I am not familiar with John Lee Hooker or his music. From what I could gather this is pretty late into his career, and was successful enough to provide him with money for his late years. To be real, I agree that the most common problem is that there are too many songs that contains a special guest that doesn’t really amount to anything. I don’t really hear Los Lobos on Think Twice Before You Go and there is no sign of George Thorogood on Sally Mae. (Though for me personally, that’s a good thing) The only guests that work are The Healer with Carlos Santana and I’m in the Mood with Bonnie Raitt. These actually feel like they add to their respective songs. As for the rest of the album… I don’t know, dude. It’s a typical blues album where most of the songs have a similar vibe for its duration. The 80’s production is hit-or-miss and I found myself drifting into boredom too often. This was honestly only ok. Two stars feels harsh, so I give it three. Favorite track: The Healer Other hits: I’m in the Mood, Think Twice Before You Go, Cuttin’ Out, The last 3 songs where John plays alone (Rockin’ Chair, My Dream, No Substitute)
Limited variety across the tracks, though still a good listen
I feel like this is not the most representative work from Hooker to have on the list. That does not mean I'm surprised it's on here.
Good stuff. Solid blues from an expert.
Top tier string pluckin’. Sick voice.
Realizing the more I get blues albums back to back that they’re just not for me. Another solid blues album. Standouts: The Healer, Think Twice Before You Go, and My Dream.
Solid blues but nothing spectacular
If you've ever wondered what a blues album would sound like with the reverb-drenched '80s production style, this album is your chance to experience that. In a word, the glossy production feels antithetical to the blues. The "perfect" production makes the music lose grit, and feel pre-packaged. However, the production does lend the album a unique sound. As for the music, the performances, both from JLH and his guests, are excellent, and only a few of the songs overstay their welcome. That said, it's diffcult to give this album more than three stars given the plethora of much better blues albums out there.
🎧Solid, somewhat boring at times blues record
5/10
The best song was The Healer. I really liked Cuttin' Out as well.
I didn't know original Bluesman John Lee Hooker produced this late in his career, but the stories surrounding it are heartwarming. A man that changed music finally getting the recognition he deserves with a stellar lineup of guests and styles.
I like John Lee Hooker, but I didn't really like this album. I prefer him without other artists that dilute his power.
Some of it worked, some of it didn't. An interesting experiment that was novel at the time but kind of out of style by today's standards. Still decent enough to earn a passing grade.
Elevator blues and jazz for the first song, but everything else on the 1st side was pretty good. 2nd side falls off, but the last two songs are a nice subtle goodbye. Overall solid.
It's basically the template of Santana's Supernatural from a decade later (Hooker + another artist/band). Well-produced but it's not really my type of music. Highlights: "The Healer" (interesting juxtaposition between the Latin grooves of Santana and Hooker's deep bluesy voice), "Cuttin' Out" (Canned Heat plays a cool chugging boogie)
Tof blues album op zich. Zijn oudere albums zijn beter, maar deze is ook wel oké. Toffe collaborations en heerlijk vettige solo's. 3.1
enjoyable
Wel chille blues
I don’t know JLH at all but I imagine this album isnt representative of the man. Most of the album is collaborations and I can’t really hear any bluesy musings which defeats the point a bit. That said it was an enjoyable album, just seems a strange choice for this list 3/5
Laid back, easy going listen however doubt I’d rush back to it
This made me really sleepy, not necessarily in a bad way, it's all very soothing. I think Hooker's voice was created at the beginning of time with the universe, it's one of those things that has always been among the fabric of the world. So soothing, I need naps.
There is only so much Blues music I can handle on one album, and this is too much. The Healer is probably the best track, but the remaining began to wash into one another. 2.5/5
Pretty standard blues for the era. Only song that really stands out from the rest of the album is the title track and that's entirely because of the Santana feature, he just comes out and punches you in the face as if to say "Hey! Santana is here!". The rest of the features do bring that artists' signature touch, but none of them as prominent as Santana's signature guitar tone and band. All in all, this album is just okay, nothing spectacular, just middle of the road blues.
Not a huge fan of blues but good tunes
Nice and bluesy, I enjoyed this
Some nice tracks like Sally Mae and I’m In The Mood. Rest is ok 3/5
Ok
I'm not a big fan of blues so maybe I couldn't appreciate this album. To me it was just background music, nothing special. Nothing wrong with it but I wouldn't listen again
I like the blues, this didn’t especially grab me.
Fine, not great. I think when he’s able to do his own thing it’s better than when other artists collaborate.
Boy, did I not like the opening track. The rest of the album was run of the mill electric blues. Nothing remarkable. I know Hooker can get up to 4 and 5 stars, but he didn’t in this album. The rest of it was at a 3, though.
Love John Lee, but this felt overproduced and by virtue lost it's edge. Weird with music but smoothing out all the bumps and cleaning doesnt make it better. Not up to the raw screaming and screetching we normally get.
This was satisfying to listen to, but a lot of it sounded the same. It was really well put together though.
This is about as blues as blues gets. I don’t know if it’s a controversial take or not, but I often like blues when it’s combined with something else. To listen to a full album of it in its most pure form isn’t really my cup of tea. Everything is pretty solid here, regardless. And I can at least respect it on an artistic level. The collaborations are strong, particularly ‘I’m In The Mood’ with Bonnie Raitt, ‘Cuttin’ Out’ and Canned Heat. The three solo tracks that end the LP are also worth checking out. The problem for me is that things just sort of blend together as the album goes on. I seem to have had very little reaction to ‘The Healer’. It just kind of zipped by and I was left underwhelmed. Totally get why people would like it, but it’s not really my vibe at all. As I said above, I like blues when it’s fused to something else. But I find it hard to get through when it’s the only flavour on offer. An appreciative 3/5.
Irrespective of collaboration life’s still too short for blues.
Can’t go wrong with a bit of classic blues
It’s reminding me of Glen Iris, Camberwell and the club 571 days
Maybe worth a second chance
This sounded like Bonnie Raitt, Santana, and friends were in the middle of doing a JLH tribute album when the man wandered in on the sessions. Most of the side 1 tracks feature the guests way more prominently than Hooker (hell, on the title track we have Santana off on his second guitar solo before Hooker even starts singing). Odd choice. Gets way better on the non-"featuring" tracks on side 2.
The Healer (of my insomnia lol) Wow this one was a letdown for me, I was excited to finally see some blues on this list but good lord nothing here stood out... ...With the exception of that first song with Carlos Santana holy shit the title song is a legitimate 5/5 track, it's pretty cheesy but I love the atmosphere it sets, the way it just introduces different elements of sound throughout its opening really set this apart and left me hoping this album would have more tracks like this that really sought to stretch what they could do with the genre. Though you could even argue this was a Santana song that Hooker was featured on, given this is the guest track that felt the most heavily influenced from its guest attraction. As it turns out, everything else in this album is just adequate, perfectly listenable but nothing standout and nothing I really think I would go out of my way to listen to again. The last 2 tracks are probably the only other ones I would say I really enjoyed. I was surprised with myself for having such a harsh reaction to this album, and wanted to give myself a bit more of a perspective on it. So I took a bit of a look at the history of this album and listened to some of Hookers other songs. While I couldn't name him off the top of my head I had heard plenty of his songs and he is certaintly a terrific musician. From what I read the accolades this album receives feel more like legacy praise than an apprection of this album in particular. A way to acknowledge someone who was overlooked in the past and compensate for their lack of recognition. A recent example of this would be Jamie Lee Curtis' win as a supporting actress in the 2023 Oscar season. Regrettably it seems that Hookers other albums (like so many others) were cut from this list because the editors were on an Elvis Costello/David Bowie/Morrissey binge, so I will not be able to give praise to the work that I actually enjoyed (I hope I'm mistaken). Standouts The Healer: ***** My Dream: **** No Substitute: **** 1/2
i don't have much to say on this album, i feel like it's just here because the carlos santos feature is in and that was a big single. otherwise, there's a lot better blues albums out there and this isn't even one of hooker's top three. idk. it's alright blues, just nothing mind-blowing with how amazing some of the releases out there are.
I wonder why this was chosen from all of John Lee Hookers fairly prolific discography. I can’t really identify any of the tracks on this one as being big hits. Some really big names featuring here. Very surprised to see Carlos Santana on the opening track. This album doesn’t have any bad songs per say, just none that really stand out for me. I would have enjoyed this album more if I was drunk as fuck in a dark, dirty dive bar where you can smoke inside.
First off, not a massive blues listener, but this immediately to me sounded like fuck jams. While I probably won't listen to this album again by myself, Mr Hooker obviously is very talented and I certainly was able to appreciate it was quite good. I will definitely put this album on next time I take a strange woman home from Honky Tonks.
A serviceable, and good Blues album that tends to ebb towards generic. On my first listen I thought it was super middle heavy, on a second listen I realised it's a lot more spread out and there's some songs especially towards the start that I didn't give enough credit. A good album that could use a touch more eccentricity 7/10 Fav tracks - All -2 Least Fav - My Dream
A really solid blues album. All of the collaborations here have enough of John Lee Hooker to make them distinct solo songs and enough from the guest artists to make them unique. Enjoyed the whole album apart from Rocking Chair, which I felt dragged on a little. The standouts here are definitely the title track, Cuttin' Out, My Dream and No Substitute. Listened to this three times in a row when I put it on after work and this will definitely be getting more spins. Before this I had never heard of John Lee Hooker but noticing the featuring artists I knew this would be something good. Listening to his other works after a few listens of this made me realise that his earlier work certainly has more energy and sounds less like it was made to be the ambient music in a piece of southern gothic media. I very reluctantly give this a 3, it would be a 4 if it had a bit more energy and didn't drag heavily on certain songs. I really enjoyed this album but I can't give it a higher rating out of good faith. Having said that, this album is making me realise that I need to broaden my horizon with blues music beyond artists with the last name King.
Harmittaa antaa John Lee Hookerille "vain" kolmonen, mutta repertuaarista löytyisi paljon parempaakin. Tämä on liian sliipattu kokonaisuus ja tungettu ihan liian täyteen collab-vetoja.
I definitely like good Blues music - just no too much and not too slow. This is good.
So decent blues is better than no blues but The Healer is only average really, it's a perfectly ordinary listen that struggles to come together well because it's so collaborative. Every guest on a track gets the style slanted towards them and it doesn't work as an album, especially when JLH's own work isn't special by any means. The track with George Thorogood was my favourite as I've long been a fan of his, but there's better blues out there and it's still annoying there's no Gary Moore on this list. A low 3.
Chilled Blues
One cool dude
pleasant
Allt í lagi lullarablús.
Started quite well, but the middle and end were pretty similar. Not bad, just not amazing. Standout songs: The Healer Im in the Mood
I really enjoy blues records and this one is pretty decent but I feel like blues really benefits from a more raw, and energetic production. It almost feels too clean. I think it would be better if it sounded a little more like a live album.
I like his voice, and thought some of the guests he brought on were cool. I'm not mad on blues generally, but this was reasonably enjoyable
It just seems like this should be heard live in some honky tonk smoky bar.
Good album that starts off just right, “The Healer” just draws you in first with John’s voice followed by Santana’s unmistakable guitar. JLH has always struck me as the refined elder statesman of the Blues. If Muddy was all gritty swagger and Howlin’ Wolf was “scare the shit out of you” high energy, Hooker kinda sneaks up on you. He’s in between; the almost gentlemanly Blues Icon. And that works, especially when he’s paired with other all-star talent that he engages with and makes space for their contributions. It’s good, sometimes great music…but it ain’t at the extremes like you get with the other two. Turns out I like visiting the cozy suburbs, but it’s in the hood, in the ghetto with the outliers like Muddy and Wolf, that’s where I want to live.
Collaborations with many contemporaneous musicians. Some work, some don’t. The cheesy 80’s sound of the first track is difficult to listen to.
Good album, but I can't help but feel like it would have been better with fewer features.
Not really my thing
Pretty solid.
lots of fine colla"blue"rations! Get them blues in ya.
Blues with lots of features
The first half of this album is a major, sanitized bummer. It’s so disappointing to hear a legend like Hooker enveloped by shitty 80’s production and forced guest stars. The second half, when the arrangements are dialed back a bit, is much better. Personally? I see no need to reach for this when his classic material is available. 3/5
And another sacrifing their soul to commercial success. Luckily a one timer more or less in his catalogue.
It's Blues that doesn't particularly stand out
Mumble and chill.
Correcto
I am not sure if this was the best album to pick to represent John Lee Hooker (based on my research and also my listen), but I understand why it's on the list. Blues is...an iffy genre for me. I respect and appreciate the music, but my enjoyment level can vary.
Great blues
This album gets it completely backwards. Take the first track, The Healer. That's not Hooker featuring Santana. That's Carlos Santana and the Santana Band featuring John Lee Hooker. Same with all of these "featuring so-and-so" tracks. There are better John Lee Hooker albums to listen to if you dig the blues. This is... something. Like, if the Muzak™ executives were brainstorming how to get more of the blues genre into their offerings. The featured artists all do a great job making space for their guest performer, John Lee Hooker. What a weird choice. And not weird in a "pushing the boundaries" way. Just weird.
Good music, not my style
The title track did the heavy lifting on this, but a solid blues record is a solid blues record. Nothing I'd come back to again, but never a bad time.
Blues sure happened here.
Holy moly, that’s a lot of collabs. Wasn’t too familiar with Mr. Hooker prior to today, seems he had quite the career longevity. Perhaps this isn’t the greatest album to get a sense of what he brought to the blues table, given that the first seven tracks feature a collaborator. Although we do hear some solo mellow blues near the end of the album, in what I would assume is more akin to the sound of Hooker’s earlier work. Album as a whole didn’t really grab my interest, but I am more interested in the artist himself now. Closer to 3.
It's fine
Apart from the opening track, this just sounds like the same stuff he was doing in the 40s, just with better gear.
What to rate an album that is carried by the guest musicians? The songs where John Lee Hooker plays alone are much weaker. Overall not bad. 3/5
Of all the John Lee Hooker albums, why this one? Many of his best material was in the '50s which can be found on his singles compilation album I'm John Lee Hooker, or any of his albums in the '60s. These are especially important decades because that's when electric blues came to prominence, which is Hooker's forte. Instead, we get a bunch of crossover attempts with acts such as Santana, Bonnie Raitt, and Canned Heat. Now Canned Heat makes sense since they worked together before (and successfully!) on Hooker n' Heat, but what of the other collaborations? Doesn't land. I think a lot of the album trying too hard to do anything but the blues, which makes me wish it was more bluesy. It's not until the last three tracks that Hooker drops the accompaniments and just does regular old-fashioned blues. And guess what? It's great! Fantastic, even! Real, honest-to-god blue at the end of a blues album, who would've thought?
Intime et senti
Definitely a cash grab from the mid 1980's blues rock and blues revival. This album is a pale comparison of what John Lee Hooker is capable of when it comes to blues music. That being said its got an all star list of features and the voices of expression on the tracks are definitely there. John Lee's sound acts as a vessel for other influence. And i love that about this album.
Had a great time with this one. I quite enjoyed the collaborations, even if it felt a bit all over the place sometimes. I wonder if poor John is victim to the papers automatically changing his name to things like John Lee Sex Worker like they do in articles about rugby. Definitely going to do some more listening to our John Lee Sex Worker.
It is a good album, but the guests add nothing to John Lee Hooker's blues.
I found this album a little disappointing: pleasant enough, but unremarkable, blues. Nothing about it really stood out or fully caught my attention. The most interesting track was probably “Rockin’ Chair.”
Blues.
3.6– really liked!
I thought the first track with Santana was great. Bonnie Raitt was interesting. From there on I thought it was all really one note and boring. I just can't get into Blues music apparently. Fave Track: The Healer 2.5/5
- I am definitely not a connesuir of blues, so I am honestly not sure how novel this album might be. It felt like standard fare. Good, standard fare, but standard nonetheless. - "My Dream" stood out -- negated some of the more cliche blues rhythms and chord changes. More of this and it might have made it to 4 stars for me.
Good blues tunes, but nothing earth shattering
I'm a big fan of the blues so might be being overly critical of this album, but it's not anywhere close to John Lee Hooker's best - though it was his most commercially successful. The collaborations had a lot to do with both of the above points I think. I can't fault him for wanting to record some songs with some friends and for likely selling a few more albums by having their names on it, but there's just nothing exceptional here like there is on some of his "solo" albums.
This is way too overproduced to be anything more than a 3. All the collaborations and the production give a very sterile listening experience.
I really have to be in the mood for blues for it to really nail me to the floor. This is objectively good blues music though.
Solid blues! Godt produceret og nogle cool gæster.
Hooker's blend of blues always is enjoyable.
I like his more seminal blues work but this didn't do much for me. I'm not generally a fan of these mixed collaboration albums, they were all the rage for a while, and although I can imagine that certain people who are big fans of everyone on the collaboration might be super excited, the results usually aren't all that great.
I quite enjoyed today’s album. Not enough to blow my mind, but certainly enough to make a drive into the town centre a bit more interesting. I thought I’d heard John Lee Hooker before, but when looking through my reviews I don’t see his name there. Perhaps I made it up. Anyway, this is a decent blues album with plenty of interesting guest performers, but I’m not sure I’ll be rushing back for more.
Not something I would normally listen to, and probably won't again, but it's okay. 3/5
Decent album. Like lots of albums on this list that are soaked in genre (in this case blues) it becomes kind-of a challenge to get through near a full hour. Enjoyed the first few tracks then started getting terribly boring.
3.5
This set a nice ambiance for me to get ruthlessly ledge-camped by a marth named “TheNik” on slipping during my paid day off. TheNik, no amount of bluesy lamenting on this album can replicate the misery of your play style.
Some good stereo mixing. It's the Blues. Some of this comes off empty, but it has it's moments. I had fun making and drinking coffee while listening. I liked the subdued nature of My Dream This is like a 2.5 for me. I'll round up.
I respect Blues as a genre more than I ever have, but it’s so often not something I even consider listening to. If anyone was going to change my mind, Hooker did a good job. All the songs with featured artists are solid, extending beyond Blues’s general sound as to feel more than the sum of its parts. Still, I don’t know if I’d ever revisit.
Strange to go with a 1989 Hooker album when his best stuff is in the 60s and 70s. However, that being said, this is a pretty good album. Lots of guest stars like Santana, Bonnie Raitt, George Thorogood, and Canned Heat. Still really enjoyed it. Really more of a 3.5 album.
Made me want to hop in the car and drive to NOLA
3 it was an okay album but too many collaborations detracted from the true feel of the blues. However rockin chair and no substitute brought the classic feel and were great
3+
- Das war doch ein bisschen anders als ich erwartet hatte - Ich war schon verwirrt, als ich gelesen habe, dass es sich um ein John Lee Hooker Album Ende der 80er handelt, wo ich ihn immer deeuutlich früher eingeordnet hatte - Die Verwunderung hat sich dann im Sound bestätigt: Wenn ich an JLH denke, dann an extrem Rootsorientierten, auf das Wesentliche (seine Stimme und seine halbakustische Gitarre) runtergebrochenen Blues. Kein Schnick Schnack. Blues in seiner verschwitzten Reinform. Und dann steigt dieses Album mit einer super polierten verhältnismäßig aufwendigen Produktion wie „The Healer“ ein. - Danach eine neue Version eines meiner Lieblingsstücke von ihm „I‘m in the Mood“. Dass es in dieser Version ein Duett ist, ist cool und passt auch zum Song, aber das verruchte Gefühl, das ich mit dem Song verbinde, geht gänzlich verloren. - Das ist ein Problem, was ich häufig mit „neueren“ Bluesproduktionen habe. Eine Musikrichtung, die so sehr vom Gefühl und ihrer „rawness“ lebt, verliert viel von ihrer Seele, wenn die Produktionen glattgebügelt werden und den Wenigsten gelingt, dass es trotzdem Soul hat (z.B. Joe Bonamassa) - Sally Mae klingt genau wie „Crawlin‘ King Snake“ (die geile Version von '64) nur dass CKS deutlich geiler ist, auch hier wieder Stichwort: Gefühl - Bei JLH handelt es sich schon immer um einen meiner lieblings Bluesmusiker, seitdem Vatti im England Urlaub mal sein Best-Of Album erworben hat. Da die Aufnahmen auf dem Album alle aus den 60ern stammen und so unheimlich viel Charakter mitgebracht haben, fällt das Album im Vergleich für mich einfach ab. - Hintenraus gefällt mir das Album besser als am Anfang - Immernoch solides Blues Album - vllt kommt ja nochmal ein altes Album :) Rating: 2,75-3/5
You gotta respect this guy for still rocking out and having a voice this good in his late 70s when he made this, but it's not that exciting of an album. It's a solid listen though.
Solid blues album from such an old man
Bluesy, smoky, smooth. In The Mood with Bonnie Raitt is quite nice. The rest of the album is mostly just chill, old blues man grooves. Overall nice, but not really a style I'm super into without something special. Three stars.
Blues is blues
Good old Blues.
,John Lee Hooker is an American blues legend no doubt about it. But I think the tons of collaborations made the album weaker than his old pure blues albums. I have no doubt it helped making a good amount of money with this one but I think it maybe didn't help the music on this record. Hooker's overall performance is great don't get me wrong.
Blues
I had one idea of what this would sound like, and then the very sexy, smooth jazz of The Healer's first (title) track kicked in and my opinion changed. At least for a few minutes before the more expected jazz came back in. Santana definitely saw just how well a semi-forgotten musician (no offense to John Lee Hooker) can make a comeback with album sales when they have a bunch of star power featured throughout a record...as this is the strategy he took to heart with great success on his own star-packed "Supernatural" album in the 90s. The Healer is a completely inoffensive blues/light jazz album that I enjoyed and appreciate the JLH blues riffs on, but wouldn't go out of my way to re-listen to. A good album to have on while I got some work done, though. Interesting factoids from Wikipedia: *John Lee Hooker was 73 years old when the album was released. It was his first Grammy win and was the album that had placed highest on the Billboard charts in his forty-year career. The album had such success that it "permitted John Lee Hooker to live out the end of his life in comfort". (Writer's note from John Lee Hooker's Wiki page - his death age is "either 83 or 88." That's quite the range...which led to this unknown-to-me-fact:) *Hooker's date of birth is a subject of debate; the years 1912, 1915, 1917, 1920, and 1923 have all been suggested. Most official sources list 1917, though at times Hooker stated he was born in 1920. Information found in the 1920 and 1930 censuses indicates that he was actually born in 1912. Standouts: The Healer (feat. Carlos Santana and the Santana Band), In the Mood (feat. Bonnie Raitt), Think Twice Before You Go (feat. Los Lobos)
"In the Mood" is a scorcher, and the title track is a real solid groove, but I'm not entirely sure why this album is on this list, beyond being a notable late-in-life success for a legendary artist.
Pretty good blues album with some slick guitar riffs. The second half was a bit more sleepy but its tough to compete when you have Santana on the opening track. I generally enjoyed this album and it help me discover a few extra blues songs when it wrapped up.
I did not listen to all, but i like the album song, The Healer quite a lot. However, some of the other songs in the album did not win my heart.
Nice, reminded me of Howlin’ Wolf
I hear elements of sledgehammer and Layla along with Santana.
Well its good fun. The opening is very Santana. JLH sure has a voice. They popularised the delta blues a bit here and its slick and smooth and easy to listen to, and yeah its a bit commercial, a bit slick, a bit soundtracky mainstreamed, thats clear. Oh welll, we all need a Special. And it gives people a taster.
Sometime in the late 60’s, on one of my weekly visits to Ashwoods Records in Pitt St, Sydney, for $1.00, I picked up a blues compilation on the cheapo L.A. label, Custom Records. When I got home & threw it on, this was the first time I ever heard John Lee Hooker. His 2 tracks were gripping - acoustic, rather than electric - Boogie Chillen & I’m In The Mood, which appears on The Healer in a very different form. Lots of foot-stompin, as was regularly his want. I’d known the name, courtesy of the British bands that covered his classics - both The Yardbirds & The Animals covered Boom Boom in the early 60’s - but I’d never heard his voice before. I made up for that in the next 20 years & I was glad to see him finally get some big success with The Healer. However it’s not one of my favourite Hooker releases. I liked the title track, but it feels more like a Santana tune than a Hooker. Although, make no mistake, Santana’s guitar work on this is wonderful (& he also co-produced the track). The duet with Bonnie Raitt on the aforementioned I’m In The Mood won a grammy. Her slide playing was so good. They are the outstanding trax on this album. The rest are a good listen. It was just good to see John finally pull a good pay-cheque.
ooh.. starting out with some really 80s, synthy bongos. Then some synthy flutes. IDK about this one... Yeah, it wasn't the best. I'd rather listen to an album that made him a legend, not a late career record that feels a bit dated. But it was decent. Not total 80s synth blues
Blues.
Decent.
Really good blues album. Enjoyed the guests. 3.5/5 Might listen again
Визжащие гитары в начале звучали круто. А потом стало жутко скучно.
A collection of songs rather than an album with a backbone keeping things together as a whole. Somes songs a good though
I thought this was decent. I liked the message behind it and some of the songs. But there seemed a lot of repetition and some songs seemed not fully formed.
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Same commentary as Talking Timbuktu...pleasant enough. Like it, don't love it after a few listens.
Yeah, this was much more enjoyable than I'd feared. It suffers in a way from having a very diverse set of collaborators, because the sound changes quite rapidly from song to song, but on the other hand, you get some Santana, which is always a treat. When it works, it absolutely slaps - I'm in the Mood is joyous - but when it doesn't, it feels a bit derivative of a very overdone genre.
Best Song: Cuttin' Out. Nice cacophony of talented musicians. Worst Song: Rockin' Chair. This song feels far too sparse to have been recorded and listened to on a pair of headphones as you go about your day. This song feels like it is meant to be heard live in an intimate setting. Overall: Blues feels like deeply personal music to me, that often does translate as well to recording as do other genres. Also, as such an intrinsically moody and emotional genre, how good it sounds really depends on if you're feeling the blues at that time. I'm sure in times in which I am, this'll be great, but it's kind of relegated to a very particular vibe.
Super fun album.
Hooker's "comeback" album; though the two beginning tracks that helped make it a grammy winning album are actually the weaker ones on here. When guesting with others, the production becomes almost a parody of 80's production with Santana and Bonnie Raitt. Give me the rest of tunes with the straight blues everytime. Best Tracks: Cuttin Out; Think Twice Before You Go; Sally Mae
Hooker gets a second life here using as many collaborators as humanly possible, semi-ironically one of them was Carlos Santana who would run this play back 10 years later... Still, it's the blues by the preeminent bluesman, and the song with Bonnie Raitt "I'm In The Mood" is just pure filth, and I mean that in the best way possible.
a wide variety of blues
At first I thought they had ruined the blues. But as it went on I thought maybe not quite. Not the best of the genre by far, but still a decent listen.
I know the name of John Lee Hooker and his status as a classic blues man. I don't know any of these songs - but I know the famous collaborators like Carlos Santana and Bonnie Raitt. The first half is slicker and pop-collab focused, the second half is pared back blues grooves.
There was one or two good songs but mostly it was just the blues. 6/10
Some niceee blues
daytime music
I enjoyed the album and would listen again. Nothing stood out for me though.
This was the prototype for T-Bone Burnett's entire career as a producer. Take an aged music icon and have them record with popular musicians of the time. Then just wait for the critical praise and Emmys to fall from the sky. John Lee Hooker was much more than this, but it wan an effective way to introduce him to a younger generation.
Not my favorite of his but I do love that this album brought him back into popular culture
I generally like the blues but this was way too commercial
I thought ‘The Healer’ was a solid blues album. The collabs and all-star guest cast didn’t detract or overpower Hooker too much, and the music still largely sounded authentic to me. I thought this was better than a lot of the blues/blues rock I’ve come across whilst doing this 1001 albums challenge which has tended to be mostly white-washed, repetitive, guitar solo wank sessions from the 60s.
I think I'm more compelled by the blues when hearing them live. Highlights: I'm In The Mood, Sally Mae, No Substitute
John can play and some of the songs with carlos’ band are good. Nice easy album to listen to but nothing overly exciting.
Hou wel van een beetje rock and roll, maar kon er niet mega lekker inkomen, een beetje onsamenhangend ofzo
The first half of this album is over produced, but once it reaches the second half and it’s just John Lee Hooker crooning away against sparse instrumentation, I was sold.
Still not a huge blues fan, but The Healer has a vulnerable quality to it which I really dig. Some great collaborations and a more playful approach to the blues format than I expected from a 70+ year old Hooker.
The Healer not only boasts an impressive array of guests - John Lee Hooker himself also sounds incredibly vigorous considering he recorded this after turning 70. I’m still not a blues man to be honest. But Hooker is far from the worst choice, should I put on a blues record one late evening.
Blues ain't ma thing. Okay I guess if you like blues
Pretty sweet but doesn't really stand out to me
2.6 per track
I like Blues music, but not sure if this is classic JLH
Op eerste nummer na erg lekker
pretty good
Didn't do too much for me. Blues legend but this seemed a little too watered down and overproduced. I thought it said it came out in 1969 when I glanced at the year at first, but when I realized it was 1989 it made more sense. Probably just a money grab.
Not my style, but a good album
Easy listen
Little slow for my liking but there’s no denying he shreds on the guitar in these
Take out the eighties cheesefest with Santana that that the title track is, and then that rather hackeneyed version of "I'm In The Mood For Love" sung with Bonnie Raitt (never was a fan of the by-the-number nature of the song anyway), and what you have is a nice later album by a legendray blues artists, which sounds increasingly authentic the more you dig further. Can't personally select it as an "essential" album given the two misfires that open it, though. An essential album can't be introduced by stinkers, I'm afraid. 🤷♂️ 3/5 for the purposes of this list, translating to a 8/10 grade for more general purpose. (10 minus 2--the first two tracks always weigh heavier when you take into account a tracklising). Number of albums left to review: 386 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 280 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 146 Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 194 (including this one)
Best song: The Healer Worst song: That's Alright Has some good songs and it's cool how it has a bunch of features. A little generic of a blues album nothing too innovative.
solid blues album.
Straight up blues but not the really great heartache blues of old. Some great features. Very polished sound.
blues is kinda hit or miss for me. this one was right down the middle. Top Tracks: 1) The Healer 2) My Dream 3) No Substitute
Enjoyed this.
This is quite good. Big Black Snake Moan impression (which was invariably influenced by this)
An album that gets the foot tapping. Works for me :)
This one really faded into the background. Couldn't tell you what I've listened to after "The Healer".
Had never heard! JLH has taste to bring in Santana, Bonnie Raitt, and George Thorogood. I think the problem for me is that so many blues albums feel SO down the middle of the road, and while that's kind of the point of good blues it doesn't change the fact that it doesn't elicit much of a reaction from me.
Good blues but nothing spectacular. I liked his voice.
It is a collab album and some of them are much better than others, the opener had me worried with the Carlos Santana wankery but it picked up. Really liked Sally Mae with George Thorogood
Not a bad blues album. His voice is haunting and leaves no doubt why he is considered one of the greats.
Dommage pour The Healer mais ça fait déjà deux jours que j'ai guéri de ma sinusite.
Un enième chanteur à la voix de gros baiseur, rien à signaler.
some good shit
Sounded like jimmy hendricks, and I’m not a huge fan of his, but this was pretty good.
Pretty decent. This is my first John Lee Hooker album which is probably not the best introduction to his music considering this is a collaboration album, but I don't hate the idea of having an album with different collaborations and especially since he was about 79, I think this project makes sense for someone like him at that point in his career. Thematically it still had some artistic beauty to it wit that last three songs being just him and it his way of showing his own style in an album full of other people's styles
Except for the marble frame, love this album cover. The album didn't break through very much but it also was not a waste of time. Solid background that is probably solid foreground if I could just sit and listen to it.
I own this album. I have no memory as to how I came by it. I love John Lee Hooker. I never listen to The Healer. I think these are consistent statements. Pressaging the likes of Santana's (who appear here) 'Supernatural' album, this was a guest-laden comeback...that works best when Hooker is left to his own devices. In terms of the cameos, I actually don't mind the gentle Latin roll of the title track; and Bonnie Raitt's duet on 'I'm in the Mood' is suitably steamy. However, the rest of the album tends to sink into a whorl of perfunctory blues workouts. It only comes alive near the end where Hooker gets a couple of solo spots. They demonstrate that Hooker was a master of spare, hypnotic blues music that doesn't need too many bells and whistles. Still, that voice, eh? Special. I just wish we were listening to 'Boogie Chillin'' or 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer'.
Boring. A sad addition to the list if this is all we’re getting from this legend.
This is a very late-80s inspired blues album. Some of the guest artists on this record stand out like a sore thumb if I'm being honest (Carlos Santana), others blend in perfectly (Bonnie Raitt, George Thorogood).
Not a bad album. Blues is a mood
Some great collaborations here. 3.5 stars.
There's the saying that something isn't perfect when there's nothing left to add, it's perfect when there's nothing left to remove. I think when applied to music, that might be especially true with the blues. The fact that this isn't an absolute dumpster fire is just tribute to John Lee Hooker himself and how incredible of a songwriter the dude is. But would it not be better with rawer production and with fewer extraneous elements? Qualities easily found on his older material? Some of the collabs aren't TOO bad though. Once I got past the 3rd song or so, I did find I was enjoying myself. And look, I actually LIKE both Santana and Bonnie Raitt. But did they actually improve this album, or the songs they're on even? I press X to doubt. Anyway... This is pretty tepid from what I expect from the man. 3.5 seems about right (rounded down per protocol). P.S.: I love John Lee Hooker! But this ain't the one IMHO.
Great album to get. Enjoyed
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
As a straight ahead blues album, this is pretty much as concrete of an example as you can get. And I really did enjoy the treatment of it for the vast majority of the album. However, this book has exposed me to so many other treatments of the blues that are so much more interesting and unique than this. Still, it is a very good album with badass instrumentation and good collaborations. Favorite track: Cuttin' Out
This album is good,, but somehow doesn't feel like the real thing. I'm pretty sure any number of albums would have been more appropriate for this list.
Classic blues + late 80's collaborations and productions. Honestly some pretty nice music, but nothing blowing me away. I’m liking the last few stripped down songs more. Might check some other Hooker stuff in that vein. 3/5
It's a blues album. It was good. I didn't skip any songs but probably wouldn't choose to listen to it again.
Pretty nice sounding blues
A decent blues record when you're in the mood.
Great slow blues. Not my favorite John Lee Hooker songs. Something about it just didn’t take it to that next level for me.
Good blues but with all this artist on the album I hade expert more...
Inject swampy blues straight into my veins. I love it and the music it inspires. Cool to hear more of the inception albums in this list
Perfectly good blues album. The Santana duet is the high point (well of course it is) and it passes by perfectly simply from there. Blues just isn't exciting enough a lot of the time.
I enjoyed the first two tracks on this album a lot. I also enjoyed "Sally Mae". The rest of the album was just okay, the rest of the tracks weren’t bad but were nothing special.
It’s fine, but he’s done better stuff
It’s fine
I thought the guitar playing/other instrumentation on this album was really good. I wasn't a big fan of the singing but that's just because this isn't a genre I typically love.
Pretty good, but a weird choice over the work he did in his prime. The features are pretty good and add flavor to the songs (except for the last 3, which don’t have any). Overall, it’s fine, but not something I’d listen to again.
Slow blues, oldish
John Lee Hooker is obviously a Blues icon, but found myself not loving the collaborative nature of this record. Wanted more solo songs. 3/5
I don't normally go for these 80's fundraisers and find them too safe but this is pretty good despite all the 'friends' involvement. Not as good as the early stuff but there's enough of the raw edge - he really was a titan of the Blues.
Monday morning blues... Seemed to fir the day.
Strong 5/10
Overall, this was a pretty typical blues album for me, but the augmented surprise that set it apart were some of the collaborators, especially Bonnie Raitt who is a total blues assassin.
There's a lot here to admire, but found it difficult to connect with.
This was a big career revival album for John Lee Hooker, but I don’t understand the hype. I like the blues a lot, but this is mediocre, which means it’s still listenable. The keyboard in the opening song was a big turnoff…80s yuck, but the rest was OK.
Solid, well-crafted Blues album with some more energetic takes on the genre. Not wholly my thing but I can respect the craft here.
It was an ok listen, lost my attention at a couple of points for sure but I have no objection to hearing more
I’ve not really listened to any blues music before but this was pretty good. Some of the songs felt pretty similar but the 3 solo songs at the end were my favourites especially the closing track, no substitute.
First track was a lowkey bop but the rest of the album was just boring. Some of the tracks sounded like someone randomly strumming a guitar in their room. An inoffensive but dull album really.
Its was a chill album
Didn’t really grab me.
Solid blues 3/5
Nice to get a new genre in the mix. Especially something I don't listen to normally. Title track was good. I enjoyed the album but nothing spectacular. 3.5/5
first listen probably not his strongest record
Just a matter of taste - this kind of blues just isn't gonna make it on my rotation, but it's definitely got some weight behind it. Was worried after the Santana track but it picked up. Fave track: My Dream
Electric blues, 80'er produktion, masser af collabs, lidt psykedelisk vokal,
Decent blues.
The track with Santana was a bit meh. The rest of the album was pretty cool.
Good old roots blues, great guests.
Pretty good Blues
It was alright but nothing I’d listen to too much, maybe more so as background music or something
The title track might be my least favorite, but enjoyed most the others.
Kinda boring
Good straightforward blues. The deep timbre of his voice is impressive, though his singing is mostly pretty understated. Starting with the Santana collaboration makes sense but also makes me want to hear more Santana guitar. I liked the guitar plucking on “Rockin’ Chair.” Not sure I’ve heard something quite like that before. It gets a little chaotic each time but then he snaps it back into place.
Toe tappin' blues
Decent, but I’ll likely never return to it
Some of the songs were really catchy. There were a couple tracks that had collaborating artists, like Carlos Santana or Bonnie Raitt. I thought it was a pretty decent album.
First thing I noticed was the number of different artist that performed with Hooker. Pretty cool all the different types of artist too. 2nd thing I noticed was this guy has a great voice. Starting to realize my "southern fried rock" and THIS blues album not much different outside of a heavier side to the rock. But I guess that's why they call the Blues.... Healer good tune with a definitive Santana sound. Really enjoyed Bonnie Raitt in I'm in the mood. There were some really slow parts but enjoyed the sounds of most of this album. Very good background music at work. Also enjoyed Think twice before you go, My dream and Substitute. Especially enjoyed the lyrics to Substitute. Overall solid album and probably my favorite Blued album off the list. Solid 3 3
3 Wild that homeboy was 73 when this came out, especially considering it was the most successful release of his career. In some ways, it feels like a celebration of Hooker’s music and legacy with all the guest appearances on the album. I wasn’t too impressed with it at first when things kicked off with the title track, as it felt like an 80s “modernization” of his sound, but as things shifted to a more old school blues style I began to enjoy it a lot more. Hooker sounds great by his own merit (I particularly like his style of singing), but the guest musicians really help make this album stand out. Though I didn’t care for the backing music on The Healer, Santana’s guitar work is a highlight, and while I’ve never been the biggest George Thorogood fan, his slide guitar on Sally Mae is absolutely excellent. That all being said, the best moment here has to be Bonnie Raitt on I’m in the Mood - not only does she sound great, but her musical chemistry with Hooker is nothing short of blues at its best. Not everything is amazing or noteworthy, but aside from the title track (which is ironically the biggest hit), don’t think you can go wrong listening to anything here. I’m curious now to hear some of his older stuff.
A solid enjoyable blues album, not much else to say.
I'm not a huge blues fan, especially not in a live setting. But, this is a pretty eclectic blues album with all the guests on it. I do think the songs with guest are stronger (probably because they bring a little bit of flair and blend genres a bit. Not to mention, Hooker can play a mean guitar. The album as a whole is probably a "one and done" for me, but I could see myself returning to a few of the tunes.
3.6 - I'm taken back to my days living in New Orleans where blues music like this seems to pervade the city like sweet cigar smoke. I like the collaborations, especially Bonnie Raitt on "I'm In The Mood."
Enjoyed the feel but found myself irritated by the looseness, like I was straining for the great moments to break through
I enjoy Blues, but I’m not sure what I’m supposed to get from this album that’s substantially different.
Очень незапоминающийся альбом ввиду своей музыкальной и текстовой однообразности. По сути музыка хорошая, но она совершенно не оставила никакого следа у меня в памяти. (5)
Some great blues tracks, but it never really goes beyond cliches. The guests are great, but again this doesn't really push the genre anywhere. Nothing I've never heard before. 3.5/5
Bit of a blues collaboration album that put some money in JLHs pocket. A tad overproduced but solid enough. A blues guitar album that doesn't break any ground.3
Blues of this variety isn't really my thing. Happy to have listened to this one though. Super glad that it picked up a bit after the first song, which was quite mumbled.
Solid 80s blues rock by a veteran master of the genre
Pretty good
Cool vibe but didn't stand out sorry!!!
dues-paying blues tends to the snooze
Good blues album deserves its place on the list, and one I might come back to.
Well made music in a genre I will admit I don't fully appreciate.
Pretty good guitar driven blues-y stuff. Not much stuck out to me but I will definitely revisit when I'm in need of less in your face music. Standouts: The Healer
This album is considered a classic in the genre and has received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. One of the strengths of this album is John Lee Hooker's powerful and emotive singing. His voice is raw and soulful, conveying the emotion of the lyrics perfectly. The album features a mix of slow, soulful ballads and upbeat, foot-stomping tracks that showcase Hooker's versatility as a musician. It is a more accessible blues album than many because of the high profile duets as well. The guitar work on the album is also noteworthy, with Hooker's fingerpicking style being a highlight. The guitar riffs are simple but effective and perfectly complement the vocals. The production on the album is also noteworthy, with a raw and unpolished sound that adds to the overall authenticity of the album. One of the standout tracks on the album is "I'm in the Mood", which features Hooker's signature guitar riff and his smooth and seductive vocals. The song is a great example of Hooker's unique style and has become one of his most well-known tracks. Overall, The Healer is a great album that showcases John Lee Hooker's talents as a singer, songwriter and musician. It is a must-listen for fans of the blues genre, and it's a great introduction to Hooker's music for those who are unfamiliar with his work. It may not be perfect but it's a solid piece of music that showcases Hooker's signature style and raw talent.
Smoooooooth. John Lee Hooker is obviously fantastic, but don't really like the modern leanings or the collaborations. That opener killed the album for me. Five stars for JHL, minus 2 for Santana.
I'm just not the biggest fan of easy-listening blues. Nice for background music though.
I’ll put it this way — I would never be mad that this album was on. It’s very listenable and pleasant blues. Didn’t have any specific favorites so I’m going to give it a 3 but I’d easily listen again.
3/5. A good blues album but feels a little long. All the guest appearances were great but it maybe should have ended there.
Yllättävän mellow. Tykkäsin ihan, sopii perjantaiaurinkoon ja hieman väsyneen tunnelmaan.
The 80s production was not great, but John Lee Hooker’s blues phrasing comes through nonetheless. Overall, this was not a terribly strong album, and seems to be buoyed by its collaborative nature, but it’s a very interesting artifact of its time, when blues was in the midst of a revival.
Tracks: The Healer I'm in the mood Sally Mae
Nice blusey number
I enjoyed it. 3.5
As a teen (indeed into my early 20s) my entire music collection was cassettes. Quite a few of these came off the bargain rack at a (now defunct) retail chain department store in my small hometown. Among these were a bunch of cheap, indifferently mastered compilation albums of Blues Legends - Muddy Waters, Bo Diddly, B.B. King - and John Lee Hooker. A friend turned me on to this - the closer to the source origins of the versions we'd been introduced to in Clapton and Led Zeppelin records. So I was (through little merit of my own) a little ahead of the curve when Hooker had his return to prominence with this album. I think it's a very good though not great album, and value it mainly for it affording him both a little of the recognition he deserved and a comfortable living in his later years.
Du gros blues, pas mauvais mais devient fade plus l'album avance
Tak wlasnie wyglada personifikacja bluesa pomyslalem patrzac na postac pana Hookera, krazek z 89 nagrywany gdy mial juz 73 lata, a patrzac na historie jego dyskografii jeszcze bardziej poteguje to odczucia sluchania prawdziwego czlowieka bluesa, sam 41 minutowy krazek mozna podzielic na a side ktory byl nagrywany wraz z dosc bogatym gronem gosci, w tym nawet banda santanty na openingowym healerze, ktory zdecydowanie jest tym trakiem ktory robi najwieksze wrazenie na sluchaczu, oraz strona b ktora z niewielkimi wyjatkami jest praktycznie solowym dzielem pana hookera, wiec slychac jedynie jego gitarke oraz wymeczony juz zyciem glos, ktory pomimo lat potrafi brzmiec, potegowane jest to przez echowe efekty, ktore slychac najbardziej wlasnie gdy nie ma zbyt duzego instrumentalu wokol, jak przystalo na bluesowanie jest niebiesko, zdecydowanie nietrafilem z nastrojem na taki odsluch, obok nieszczesliwych milosnych songow znalazly sie takze traki dotyczace najgorszej kochanki pana johna, wiec bluesa, slychac sporo reflekcji na zycie spedzone na graniu, pewnie jest tutaj troche trakow recyklingowanych, ale to chyba nie dziwne jesli pan gral prawie przez pol wieku, na plejke z pierwszej strony dodam openingowego healera a z drugiej thats alright