19 Public Reviews of Had To Cry Today on Amazon.com
19 Public Reviews of Had To Cry Today on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/subst/home/home.html/002-8719094-0082446
Had to Cry Today~ Joe Bonamassa
Not a Blues CD, January 26, 2005
Reviewer:
LeVan Gary (Danbury, CT United States) - See all my reviews If you are looking for blues, this is not it. Buy "Blues Deluxe" instead for explosive guitar licks while staying true to modern blues. This CD is a rock CD with no more than two cuts approaching the blues. And the rock? Uninteresting. Nothing new or exciting. A very disappointing purchase on my part.
Another unbelievable triumph from a master, January 15, 2005
Reviewer:
Roxanne Longstreet "I love good books!" (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviewsAfter discovering Joe two years ago, I searched out everything I could on this amazing musician -- I'm constantly evangelizing friends and strangers alike on his musicality, his raw talent and his passion for his music. HAD TO CRY TODAY has all that and more. BLUES DELUXE was one of my favorite CDs of all time, but HAD TO CRY TODAY is giving it a run for its money, with astonishingly varied tracks of superb and liquid brilliance. There simply are no throwaway tracks on a Joe Bonamassa collection. With stellar support from superb bassist Eric Czar and drum-lord Kenny Kramme, Joe delivers the best there is. Buy two copies. No, buy three: one to play, one to get signed at one of his unbelievably wonderful live shows, and one to give to the next person who's never heard of Joe Bonamassa. They'll love you for it.
I couldn't give this one six stars..., January 14, 2005
Reviewer:
Donald Copp (Mansfield, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews I saw Joe for the first time when he toured with BB King, I was pleasently surprised with his guitar work and his levity; he kept hawking his album, on stage, with an irreverance that made me go out and buy it. I've bought every one since then. I've seen him every time he comes to town (when I can get off work)and he just keeps getting better with each outing. So goes his albums as well. I thought Had to Cry Today is his best to date. Many artists seem to stutter a step when trying to follow-up great works like Blues Deluxe, but Joe once again pulled it off. I enjoyed the many directions that this album took, and can't say a bad thing about any of the tunes on it, it's one I honestly listen to from beginning to end. Joe shows that he can play nearly anything he puts his mind too. In the liner notes Joe mentions that he's not really a country player, but he does a fine job anyway. Like SRV and jazz, Joe's just not giving himself enough credit. The retrospective Around the Bend is one I play on short jaunts around town, along with River, a pesudo gospel song. Both songs just make me feel good. Revenge of the Ten Gallon Hat is one I wish he would start playing on stage, it's just plain damn fun. My only question is this; Joe when are you going to put together a collection of Jimi? If you haven't seen Joe play 'Are you Expirenced?', then you gotta see him live. Buy this album, and the next one, and the next one...
"He can't possibly get any better than this - or can he?!", December 30, 2004
Reviewer:
F. Himmelsbach "Skywater" (Vic., Australia) - See all my reviews I first heard Joe on the "Bloodline" CD ten years ago and loved his fluid, melodic lines, displaying a maturity way beyond his years. So I was absolutely thrilled to re-discover him earlier this year (2004), when I bought his first three solo albums "A New Day Yesterday", "So, It's Like That" (including a Live DVD & "Blues Deluxe", thinking, "he can't possibly get any better than these!" Well, he has! "Had To Cry Today" is definitely Joe Bonamassa's best album yet! And that's saying something, because ALL of Joe's CD's are absolutely AWESOME!! "Had To Cry..." has all the ingredients that made Joe's previous work special - and then some! There's plenty of energy and grunt (Never Make a Move Too Soon, Travelling South), a great minor blues cover of the Lowell Fulson classic (Reconsider Baby), chicken-pickin' country a la Danny Gatton (Revenge Of The Ten Gallon Hat), acoustic tunes (Around The Bend), ballads (When She Dances), Mississippi-style blues with great harp playing by Jon Paris (The River & When The Sun Goes Down) and a fast-paced acoustic instrumental (Faux Mantini). Then, of course there's the title track, a re-make of the great Blind Faith song, which gets a whole new lease of Life here, in the capable hands of Joe, Eric Czar and Kenny Kramme. Joe Bonamassa is without doubt one of the greatest Blues/Rock guitar players on the planet today. But he's also great singer and song-writer. Seven of the Eleven tunes on this CD were written or co-written by Joe. I thoroughly recommend any of Joe Bonamassa's CD's to anyone who loves to listen to great guitar playing and singing, but if you only have the money for one, GET THIS ONE!!! You'll soon be scraping up enough to get the other Three.
Bonamassa Had to Cry Today, December 23, 2004
Reviewer:
KIWRadioFREEblues (Omaha, Ne) - See all my reviewsAugust 26, 2004 Artist: Joe Bonamassa Title: Had to Cry Today Rating: Very Good The national success of Joe Bonamassa can, to some extent, be credited Eastern Nebraska's growing presence on the national music scene. While much of our area's acclaim can be attributed to Robb Nansel and the bands on the Saddle Creek Record label, the area's commitment to live music, and specifically blues based music, is now beginning to bear fruit. True fans know this seed was planted in Lincoln's Zoo Bar and has since flourished in Omaha. The integral relationships of radio, print & retail intertwining with the avid fans in the Omaha Blues Society has created a scene that has a proven ability to catapult an artist onto the national stage. Certainly Omaha's thrust is not self-sustaining but it sure can get some folks to pay attention. Like Indigenous before him, Joe Bonamassa is the beneficiary of Omaha's love affair with his Brit-based blistering electric blues. Regular readers of this column will note the Joe's previous album was my `Blues Album of the Year' in '03. So it was with eager anticipation that I threw on his latest effort. He's clearly changed direction a bit; more rock and less blues. Within this genre I hear no player that supercedes Bonamassa's ability to drive home a great electric riff striking to the heart of the sound without over-playing or being cliche. Bonamassa left the ego at the door to write a smattering of the songs that blend with songs written by others. To put a sharper point on it, this album is not a collection of songs strung together: instead it a one piece of art that is composed of eleven tracks, much the way I remember my favorite albums being done. While "great" is few and far between, there are three, and you can quote me on this, GREAT songs on this incredibly strong album including the seventh track, When She Dances. A slow ballad that is virtually guitar free, Bonamassa's ability to vocally emote an emotion in song is locked in here. Gregg Allman like in his delivery Joe should have a commercial hit here. (Will radio "get" it? Not unless they pay someone too much money to tell them it's good.) To my blues ear, the fourth track, Reconsider Baby, a cover of Lowell Fulsom, is the near perfect `sound' that most modern electric blues fans crave; soaring solos in a minor key with extended vocal notes and very B. B. King like. ANY fan of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan will immediately get this song. The third GREAT song on this album, The River, is not a Springsteen cover. Opening with National Steel guitar plucking, Bonamassa quickly winds this song into a fresh blast that harkens to the sound that made Brit-Rock in the late `60's so cool. What Bonamassa understands, and what separates him from other blues players, is pacing. His albums are jam packed with sonic texture and the listener is not subjected to the "same song" for thirty minutes. While Joe's guitar playing is quite capable of `blowing the doors off any old jalopy' instead he chooses to employ clever licks, breathing space, and good taste. This is an excellent record that could very well break this artist onto the next stage that his career so richly deserves
Joe at the Top of His Game, December 9, 2004
Reviewer:
Guitar Crazy (Antioch, CA) - See all my reviewsBonamassa is possessed of a killer combination: a head full of great music and the chops to pull it off. He pays tribute to his influences in the most respectful way of all, by taking their music to another level. He's always had an ear for great hooks from classic bands like Tull and Blind Faith, and manages to put his own signature on each one. As much as I revere the guest artists on his debut "New Day Yesterday" like Rick Derringer and Leslie West, it's obvious the boy don't need 'em to hold him up! Whether it's amped up classic blues-rock, jaw dropping country Telecaster pyrotechnics, or an acoustic Gypsy fantasia, his execution is so flawless and his imagination so endless, one is amazed that he not only masters so many styles, but perfects them; And unlike some of the "Young Gun" guitar Slingers, he has a great, expressive voice as well. Joe hasn't let me down yet.
Joe Bonamassa-Had to cry today, November 21, 2004
Reviewer:
S.Lancial - See all my reviewsI saw Joe live at Cedar Rapids,IA.and got an autographed copy of this c.d.Iv'e bought all of his c.d.'s since his first with Bloodline, and I recommend them all.I'm partial to this one from seeing them play,"Had to cry today"live.He's also one of My favorite Blues/Rock Guitarist along with,Larry McCray,Walter Trout and Mark may.
He does it again!, November 1, 2004
Reviewer:
- "givemerock" (Plainfield, IL United States) - See all my reviewsJoe never ceases to amaze. I thought "So It's Like That" was Joe's best work. I have to say this ranks right up their. It kind of walks the line between the bluesy feel of "Blues Deluxe" and the rockin' feel of "So it's Like That". Guitar work that would make Stevie smile. And some very powerfull vocals and great songwriting. Good thing for us is he keeps getting better. To me Joe has a very distinct sound. Mix the Bluesy style and fire of SRV with the clean & precise sound of Eric Johnson. Add in some raucus slide work of George Thorogood and their you have it. That's Joe's sound.
Nice Mix of songs rivals So You Like That for his best work., October 12, 2004
Reviewer:
Blur {blues and rock} "Thomas" (Decatur,IL USA) - See all my reviewsAlbum sounds better with each listen. Can tell Joe put some effort into this album. Too bad not better known, have liked all of his work. Joe's vocals are excellant and so as is typical the guitar playing. Joe is one of the best there is, if do you not know him buy this album and get introduced. Joe mixes Blues, country and Classic Rock together. You can hear a little of each in certain tracks. The highlights include Had To Cry Today {yes this is Blind Faith's song nicely redone}, Around The Bend and When the Sun Goes Down. I miss some the harder, edgier tracks that have been on previous albums; this album is in my opinion a mellower effort. But, as I previously said it gets better with every listen. Not a weak track and the order flows. Joe and company paid attention to the details here, the more you listen the more you appreciate and understand the album's overall depth. A high quality effort 4 1/2 stars. As good of an album as I've heard in 18 months, seriously.
Joe continues to grow!, October 8, 2004
Reviewer:
John Terry "music liker guy" (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews The guitar gods have graced Mr. Bonamassa with lightning in his fingertips. The former child prodigy delves into blues, soul, rock and country on "Had To Cry Today". Whatever the genre, Joe proves conclusively that he's all over it. "Never Make Your Move Too Soon" and "Reconsider Baby" just freakin sizzle. You take a tight band and a deft mixture of covers and original material and the guitar that roared and you've got yourself a major type listening experience. The scary thing is, Joe's just getting started.
Smokin' Joe's best CD to date..., September 19, 2004
Reviewer:
M. De Francesca (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews After last years "Blues Deluxe", I wondered in which direction Joe Bonamassa would chose to go with his next CD. "Blues Deluxe" was an excellent set of songs that spun Joe's take on his Blues, and hardly ever left my CD player. It quickly became my favorite CD of last year. Excellent original songs, plus well chosen covers, along with top notch production and musicianship brought together a CD that would be hard to top. However, on the brand new release "Had To Cry Today", Joe Bonamassa and the band have uped the ante, and have created a wonderful set of classic rock music. Again, sticking to the formula of mixing a few covers, with some excellent original material, Joe stretches his musical muscles here, fusing Blues inspired rock and acoustic blues. Joe's singing is in excellent form here, and much more soulfull and confident than ever. "Never Make Your Move Too Soon", "Travellin' South", "Reconsider Baby", and the title track in particular "Had To Cry Today", a barnstorming staple of the bands live show, are excellent covers in that familiar blues territory that Joe and the band do so well, yet sounding heavier, more inspired and in your face than ever before. Joe lets loose on 2 instrumentals here, that not only shows his virtuosity and talent, but also his diversity. Joe's finding more notes out of the air than ever before. "Revenge of the 10 Gallon Hat", is Joe's ode to the late Danny Gatton. Joe country picks with the best of them here, and if you didn't know better, you'd swear it's Mr. Gatton himself. "Faux Mantini" ends the CD, with an explosive display of acoustic guitar playing in the realm of Al DiMeola, that is at once shocking to hear. How can he play that fast, and still be musical? The standouts on "Had to Cry Today" however are the original songs. Joe's is becoming a very good song writer, and these are his best yet. "The River", and "When the Sun Goes Down", 2 acoustic blues numbers that both start slow and haunting, and then both kick into high gear. "Around the Bend" is a very personal song for Joe, with a sweet sounding acoustic arrangement, and thoughtful lyrics, that builds into one of Joe's most melodic guitar solo's ever. "When She Dances" is a beautifully written ballad, with a slow groove that is infectious. This song should be played on every radio station in North America, and would be a huge hit with the right push and promotion. "Had to Cry Today" finds Joe Bonamassa at his best, and where he is today as a performer. The band as a whole has never played better, or written better songs. The result is magical.
NOT disappointed .... eventually, September 17, 2004
Reviewer:
I. J. Sloan "thegreyfox" (Rossendale, Lancs United Kingdom) - See all my reviews I purchased this one, stuck it on the car stereo, played it quietly, because my girlfriend was in the car, and she only likes dance music, and I HATED it .. turned it off after 4 tracks. The problem with a three piece band ( unless it is called Rush!) is that unless you play it on a good system, loud, you often fail to pick up the bass, and all I got was "treble" ... a thousand notes from Joe, and I just thought "where is the melody / tunefulness that made the first two albums so brilliant ... slow down man !" Anyway .. put it on a decent system this time .. and LOVED it. I could not have been more wrong. bring Kenny and Eric into the equation and the full tonal balance is there, and everything seems more melodic and less rushed. I am really impressed by this album. The variety is there from "Johnny Hiland type" country licks through bues, rock and soul. Well, as soulful as JB gets, which on "When she dances" is VERY soulful. My only concern about JB is that he should bring his excellent two band members more to the fore, because they are two good to lose and without them, JB would not be the force on CD that he is. Some solo work, even some songs from Eric and Kenny would really add something to the variety on offer. Lesson: if you are going to play this CD, play it loud and forget your girlfriend for 45 joyous minutes !
Had To Cry Today - Joe Bonamassa, September 15, 2004
Reviewer:
Ted Daniels (Lexington, KY USA) - See all my reviews The one-and-only time I've managed to see Joe Bonamassa live, he was the opening act I'd never heard of in a bill that included The Fabulous Thunderbirds, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, and B.B. King in that order. Unlike most no-name opening acts, Bonamassa woke me up, pulled me in, and made me a fan almost instantly. His live guitar solos and the passion he puts into his music couldn't possibly come across in any form of recorded media. With that said, I own his last four CDs (New Day Yesterday, So It's Like That, Blues Deluxe, and Had To Cry Today) and listen to them all regularly. I said before that his CDs can't possibly portray the best parts of his live show, but his live show didn't include some of the best parts of his CDs either. Joe definitely doesn't have a traditional blues voice or a traditional blues guitar style - I equate him to a rocker trying to sing the blues - but there's still something that hooks you. He's got a couple of pseudo-acoustic ballads ("Waiting for Me" off of So I'ts Like That, and "When She Dances" off the current album) that could be my personal theme songs, they're that good. "Revenge of the 10 Gallon Hat" is an instrumental nod to quick-pickin' country that doesn't even sound like it's being played by the same guy who sings a harder-edged version of B.B. King's "Never Make Your Move Too Soon" (which I enjoyed more on BB's Live at San Quentin album). Bottom line, if you're looking for classic blues, don't buy it. If you're looking for something energetic and entertaining, why haven't you bought it already?!?!
Another good cd by a great young blues guitarist, September 8, 2004
Reviewer:
Mr. Samuel Millar (Greenisland, Co Antrim United Kingdom) - See all my reviews The album follows on much the same vien as the earlier efforts, not as "bluesy" as "blues deluxe" and perhaps not as heavy or rocky as "So its like that". You will enjoy this album simply because he has great guitar and vocal skills in a variety of styles (even an instrumental hillbilly country effort played at an uncanny speed) as indeed most of his solos are. I preferred Blues Deluxe because it was more traditional blue and that is the only reason I don't give it a five. If you like flash fast ferocious blues rock guitar by someone who writes most of his songs this is your man. I just hope that he continues to stick to blues as the impetus for future efforts.
Joe Bonamassa - Had to cry today, September 4, 2004
Reviewer:
Paul Watson (Ireland) - See all my reviews This is my 1st On line Review. I have all Joes CDs, and I must say this is his best. Blues Deluxe was a 4 star in my book solely for the reason that I am not into the BB King/Albert Collins guitar style. There were about 4 songs on that CD which I really grooved to (Burning Hell/Wild about you baby/Walking Blues and Woke up dreaming). On had to Cry today, I only found one weak track and unlike one of the other reviewers, that track was When she dances(Joe states he wanted that Ray Charles slow feel). To be honest again, I am not a fan of his lovey dovey stuff. Sometimes his voice also lacks but his amazing guitar more than makes up for it. The 2 instrumentals are amazing (10 gallon hat - You'd think it was his mentor Danny Gatton) and the final track Faux Mantini is beyond belief (A Spanish Flamenco type ditty at super quick speed. Travellin South really rocks in Rory Gallagher Style (Best version I Have heard.)Reconsider baby has an intense guitar solo, and finally When the Sun goes down is the creme de la creme(Jon Paris obviously enjoying himself here). If you liked Woke up dreaming(From Blues Deluxe) You'll love this one more. Highly
Have to Buy Today, September 2, 2004
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J. Moody "bluesproject.org" (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma United States) - See all my reviews I have had the pleasure of listening to this CD for sometime having secured an advanced copy. As with all the Bonamassa catalog it begs to be played. No production tricks or gimmicks just straight ahead in your face rippin blues, blues influenced rock, and even a country instrumental that would make any Nashville session player envious. He has the ability and the willingness to show off his amazing talent by showcasing it in a variety of genres. It's heavy, it rocks, and it smokes. I heard from a reliable source he fried a few vintage tweeds while making this thing. For all the guitar freaks he even tells you what guitar and amp used on each song. Each song he chooses to cover he reinvents and revitalizes them truly making them his own. On the originals he enlisted Will Jennings one of the greatest lyrists working today. Again he is backed by the extraordinary talents of Kenny Kramme, drums and Eric Czar, bass along with special guests Jon Paris on harmonica and Benny Harrison, Hammond B3. Joe's impeccable taste and musical sense allows him to be creative and diverse from one release to the next never getting in to a rut, just when you think you know where he is going he takes a u turn and floors it in the opposite direction. I have enough confidence in him to just jump in and enjoy the ride. He hasn't let me down yet.
Remarkable CD, August 31, 2004
Reviewer:
Jeff Durbin "jeffreydurbin" (Iowa, United States) - See all my reviews I agree and disagree with the previous review which gave this CD four stars. The main point of disagreement is that there are songs on this CD that are very evocative of Joe's emotions. 'Reconsider Baby' has surpassed 'Pain and Sorrow' and 'Burning Hell' as my favorite Bonamassa tune. The angst of a lost love is clearly evident in Joe's singing. 'When She Dances' is a wonderful ballad that also flies in the face of the previous review's point about blazing fingers. I agree that this album slips in between the authentic blues of 'Blues Deluxe' and his other, more rocking, CDs. I also agree that it is an exceptional example of his talents (and his diverse taste in material.) There are a bunch of songs here that are romping examples of his fast fingers on the frets. I had the pleasure of booking Joe for a live concert in early August and his live performances VASTLY exceed the studio material, even considering the exceptional talent manifest in his studio CDs. I spent a few hours after the show talking about his music and 'the business' and it is clear this is not just an axe slinger - he treats his music as an art. It's only a matter of time before he's selling out Madison Square Garden. If I had to choose a couple disappointments they would be that I didn't like 'Revenge of the Ten Gallon Hat' and, at 43 minutes, the CD is too short.
Good album, however a bit disappointing (for me), August 29, 2004
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M. Bernocchi "mbernocchi" (Old Windsor, Berkshire United Kingdom) - See all my reviews I was waiting for the follow-up of Blues Deluxe impatiently, hoping that Joe would have followed the same route: playing the blues. Unfortunately this is not the case. The new one is a sort of hybrid, a lot from his first two albums and just a little bit from his last one, and from my point of view, his best. I wouldn't like to be misunderstood: I love it. However I prefer Joe when he plays straight-ahead blues rather than hard rock-blues. Nevertheless the guitar playing is breath taking and also his singing has improved. It is just a bit too much on the "heavy" side for my taste. I personally believe that instead of looking for speed, or number of notes played in a second, or volume, our hero should start thinking about the emotion you can transmit, and the tension you can create, just not playing a note rather than filling the musical intervals with too many. He is still young and I am still confident that he will be, one day, one of the greatest blues guitar players. Looking forward for the next one, I am afraid that I can rate these album only 4 stars.
Had To Smile Today, August 27, 2004
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Joanie in San Diego "goddesssd" (California) - See all my reviewsHow do you begin to sum up a CD that exceeds all one's expectations? The variety, depth, and intensity of this CD are absolutely astonishing! Whether Joe's playing at warp speed or whispering sweet nothings in your ear, he's pulling you right into each song. If your heart rate isn't affected by his music it's time to see a cardiologist. The covers on this CD are wonderful tributes to the original artists and the new songs written by Joe are simply stunning. You'll discover a "new favorite song" with each track.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/subst/home/home.html/002-8719094-0082446
Had to Cry Today~ Joe Bonamassa
Not a Blues CD, January 26, 2005
Reviewer:
LeVan Gary (Danbury, CT United States) - See all my reviews If you are looking for blues, this is not it. Buy "Blues Deluxe" instead for explosive guitar licks while staying true to modern blues. This CD is a rock CD with no more than two cuts approaching the blues. And the rock? Uninteresting. Nothing new or exciting. A very disappointing purchase on my part.
Another unbelievable triumph from a master, January 15, 2005
Reviewer:
Roxanne Longstreet "I love good books!" (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviewsAfter discovering Joe two years ago, I searched out everything I could on this amazing musician -- I'm constantly evangelizing friends and strangers alike on his musicality, his raw talent and his passion for his music. HAD TO CRY TODAY has all that and more. BLUES DELUXE was one of my favorite CDs of all time, but HAD TO CRY TODAY is giving it a run for its money, with astonishingly varied tracks of superb and liquid brilliance. There simply are no throwaway tracks on a Joe Bonamassa collection. With stellar support from superb bassist Eric Czar and drum-lord Kenny Kramme, Joe delivers the best there is. Buy two copies. No, buy three: one to play, one to get signed at one of his unbelievably wonderful live shows, and one to give to the next person who's never heard of Joe Bonamassa. They'll love you for it.
I couldn't give this one six stars..., January 14, 2005
Reviewer:
Donald Copp (Mansfield, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews I saw Joe for the first time when he toured with BB King, I was pleasently surprised with his guitar work and his levity; he kept hawking his album, on stage, with an irreverance that made me go out and buy it. I've bought every one since then. I've seen him every time he comes to town (when I can get off work)and he just keeps getting better with each outing. So goes his albums as well. I thought Had to Cry Today is his best to date. Many artists seem to stutter a step when trying to follow-up great works like Blues Deluxe, but Joe once again pulled it off. I enjoyed the many directions that this album took, and can't say a bad thing about any of the tunes on it, it's one I honestly listen to from beginning to end. Joe shows that he can play nearly anything he puts his mind too. In the liner notes Joe mentions that he's not really a country player, but he does a fine job anyway. Like SRV and jazz, Joe's just not giving himself enough credit. The retrospective Around the Bend is one I play on short jaunts around town, along with River, a pesudo gospel song. Both songs just make me feel good. Revenge of the Ten Gallon Hat is one I wish he would start playing on stage, it's just plain damn fun. My only question is this; Joe when are you going to put together a collection of Jimi? If you haven't seen Joe play 'Are you Expirenced?', then you gotta see him live. Buy this album, and the next one, and the next one...
"He can't possibly get any better than this - or can he?!", December 30, 2004
Reviewer:
F. Himmelsbach "Skywater" (Vic., Australia) - See all my reviews I first heard Joe on the "Bloodline" CD ten years ago and loved his fluid, melodic lines, displaying a maturity way beyond his years. So I was absolutely thrilled to re-discover him earlier this year (2004), when I bought his first three solo albums "A New Day Yesterday", "So, It's Like That" (including a Live DVD & "Blues Deluxe", thinking, "he can't possibly get any better than these!" Well, he has! "Had To Cry Today" is definitely Joe Bonamassa's best album yet! And that's saying something, because ALL of Joe's CD's are absolutely AWESOME!! "Had To Cry..." has all the ingredients that made Joe's previous work special - and then some! There's plenty of energy and grunt (Never Make a Move Too Soon, Travelling South), a great minor blues cover of the Lowell Fulson classic (Reconsider Baby), chicken-pickin' country a la Danny Gatton (Revenge Of The Ten Gallon Hat), acoustic tunes (Around The Bend), ballads (When She Dances), Mississippi-style blues with great harp playing by Jon Paris (The River & When The Sun Goes Down) and a fast-paced acoustic instrumental (Faux Mantini). Then, of course there's the title track, a re-make of the great Blind Faith song, which gets a whole new lease of Life here, in the capable hands of Joe, Eric Czar and Kenny Kramme. Joe Bonamassa is without doubt one of the greatest Blues/Rock guitar players on the planet today. But he's also great singer and song-writer. Seven of the Eleven tunes on this CD were written or co-written by Joe. I thoroughly recommend any of Joe Bonamassa's CD's to anyone who loves to listen to great guitar playing and singing, but if you only have the money for one, GET THIS ONE!!! You'll soon be scraping up enough to get the other Three.
Bonamassa Had to Cry Today, December 23, 2004
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KIWRadioFREEblues (Omaha, Ne) - See all my reviewsAugust 26, 2004 Artist: Joe Bonamassa Title: Had to Cry Today Rating: Very Good The national success of Joe Bonamassa can, to some extent, be credited Eastern Nebraska's growing presence on the national music scene. While much of our area's acclaim can be attributed to Robb Nansel and the bands on the Saddle Creek Record label, the area's commitment to live music, and specifically blues based music, is now beginning to bear fruit. True fans know this seed was planted in Lincoln's Zoo Bar and has since flourished in Omaha. The integral relationships of radio, print & retail intertwining with the avid fans in the Omaha Blues Society has created a scene that has a proven ability to catapult an artist onto the national stage. Certainly Omaha's thrust is not self-sustaining but it sure can get some folks to pay attention. Like Indigenous before him, Joe Bonamassa is the beneficiary of Omaha's love affair with his Brit-based blistering electric blues. Regular readers of this column will note the Joe's previous album was my `Blues Album of the Year' in '03. So it was with eager anticipation that I threw on his latest effort. He's clearly changed direction a bit; more rock and less blues. Within this genre I hear no player that supercedes Bonamassa's ability to drive home a great electric riff striking to the heart of the sound without over-playing or being cliche. Bonamassa left the ego at the door to write a smattering of the songs that blend with songs written by others. To put a sharper point on it, this album is not a collection of songs strung together: instead it a one piece of art that is composed of eleven tracks, much the way I remember my favorite albums being done. While "great" is few and far between, there are three, and you can quote me on this, GREAT songs on this incredibly strong album including the seventh track, When She Dances. A slow ballad that is virtually guitar free, Bonamassa's ability to vocally emote an emotion in song is locked in here. Gregg Allman like in his delivery Joe should have a commercial hit here. (Will radio "get" it? Not unless they pay someone too much money to tell them it's good.) To my blues ear, the fourth track, Reconsider Baby, a cover of Lowell Fulsom, is the near perfect `sound' that most modern electric blues fans crave; soaring solos in a minor key with extended vocal notes and very B. B. King like. ANY fan of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan will immediately get this song. The third GREAT song on this album, The River, is not a Springsteen cover. Opening with National Steel guitar plucking, Bonamassa quickly winds this song into a fresh blast that harkens to the sound that made Brit-Rock in the late `60's so cool. What Bonamassa understands, and what separates him from other blues players, is pacing. His albums are jam packed with sonic texture and the listener is not subjected to the "same song" for thirty minutes. While Joe's guitar playing is quite capable of `blowing the doors off any old jalopy' instead he chooses to employ clever licks, breathing space, and good taste. This is an excellent record that could very well break this artist onto the next stage that his career so richly deserves
Joe at the Top of His Game, December 9, 2004
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Guitar Crazy (Antioch, CA) - See all my reviewsBonamassa is possessed of a killer combination: a head full of great music and the chops to pull it off. He pays tribute to his influences in the most respectful way of all, by taking their music to another level. He's always had an ear for great hooks from classic bands like Tull and Blind Faith, and manages to put his own signature on each one. As much as I revere the guest artists on his debut "New Day Yesterday" like Rick Derringer and Leslie West, it's obvious the boy don't need 'em to hold him up! Whether it's amped up classic blues-rock, jaw dropping country Telecaster pyrotechnics, or an acoustic Gypsy fantasia, his execution is so flawless and his imagination so endless, one is amazed that he not only masters so many styles, but perfects them; And unlike some of the "Young Gun" guitar Slingers, he has a great, expressive voice as well. Joe hasn't let me down yet.
Joe Bonamassa-Had to cry today, November 21, 2004
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S.Lancial - See all my reviewsI saw Joe live at Cedar Rapids,IA.and got an autographed copy of this c.d.Iv'e bought all of his c.d.'s since his first with Bloodline, and I recommend them all.I'm partial to this one from seeing them play,"Had to cry today"live.He's also one of My favorite Blues/Rock Guitarist along with,Larry McCray,Walter Trout and Mark may.
He does it again!, November 1, 2004
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- "givemerock" (Plainfield, IL United States) - See all my reviewsJoe never ceases to amaze. I thought "So It's Like That" was Joe's best work. I have to say this ranks right up their. It kind of walks the line between the bluesy feel of "Blues Deluxe" and the rockin' feel of "So it's Like That". Guitar work that would make Stevie smile. And some very powerfull vocals and great songwriting. Good thing for us is he keeps getting better. To me Joe has a very distinct sound. Mix the Bluesy style and fire of SRV with the clean & precise sound of Eric Johnson. Add in some raucus slide work of George Thorogood and their you have it. That's Joe's sound.
Nice Mix of songs rivals So You Like That for his best work., October 12, 2004
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Blur {blues and rock} "Thomas" (Decatur,IL USA) - See all my reviewsAlbum sounds better with each listen. Can tell Joe put some effort into this album. Too bad not better known, have liked all of his work. Joe's vocals are excellant and so as is typical the guitar playing. Joe is one of the best there is, if do you not know him buy this album and get introduced. Joe mixes Blues, country and Classic Rock together. You can hear a little of each in certain tracks. The highlights include Had To Cry Today {yes this is Blind Faith's song nicely redone}, Around The Bend and When the Sun Goes Down. I miss some the harder, edgier tracks that have been on previous albums; this album is in my opinion a mellower effort. But, as I previously said it gets better with every listen. Not a weak track and the order flows. Joe and company paid attention to the details here, the more you listen the more you appreciate and understand the album's overall depth. A high quality effort 4 1/2 stars. As good of an album as I've heard in 18 months, seriously.
Joe continues to grow!, October 8, 2004
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John Terry "music liker guy" (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews The guitar gods have graced Mr. Bonamassa with lightning in his fingertips. The former child prodigy delves into blues, soul, rock and country on "Had To Cry Today". Whatever the genre, Joe proves conclusively that he's all over it. "Never Make Your Move Too Soon" and "Reconsider Baby" just freakin sizzle. You take a tight band and a deft mixture of covers and original material and the guitar that roared and you've got yourself a major type listening experience. The scary thing is, Joe's just getting started.
Smokin' Joe's best CD to date..., September 19, 2004
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M. De Francesca (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews After last years "Blues Deluxe", I wondered in which direction Joe Bonamassa would chose to go with his next CD. "Blues Deluxe" was an excellent set of songs that spun Joe's take on his Blues, and hardly ever left my CD player. It quickly became my favorite CD of last year. Excellent original songs, plus well chosen covers, along with top notch production and musicianship brought together a CD that would be hard to top. However, on the brand new release "Had To Cry Today", Joe Bonamassa and the band have uped the ante, and have created a wonderful set of classic rock music. Again, sticking to the formula of mixing a few covers, with some excellent original material, Joe stretches his musical muscles here, fusing Blues inspired rock and acoustic blues. Joe's singing is in excellent form here, and much more soulfull and confident than ever. "Never Make Your Move Too Soon", "Travellin' South", "Reconsider Baby", and the title track in particular "Had To Cry Today", a barnstorming staple of the bands live show, are excellent covers in that familiar blues territory that Joe and the band do so well, yet sounding heavier, more inspired and in your face than ever before. Joe lets loose on 2 instrumentals here, that not only shows his virtuosity and talent, but also his diversity. Joe's finding more notes out of the air than ever before. "Revenge of the 10 Gallon Hat", is Joe's ode to the late Danny Gatton. Joe country picks with the best of them here, and if you didn't know better, you'd swear it's Mr. Gatton himself. "Faux Mantini" ends the CD, with an explosive display of acoustic guitar playing in the realm of Al DiMeola, that is at once shocking to hear. How can he play that fast, and still be musical? The standouts on "Had to Cry Today" however are the original songs. Joe's is becoming a very good song writer, and these are his best yet. "The River", and "When the Sun Goes Down", 2 acoustic blues numbers that both start slow and haunting, and then both kick into high gear. "Around the Bend" is a very personal song for Joe, with a sweet sounding acoustic arrangement, and thoughtful lyrics, that builds into one of Joe's most melodic guitar solo's ever. "When She Dances" is a beautifully written ballad, with a slow groove that is infectious. This song should be played on every radio station in North America, and would be a huge hit with the right push and promotion. "Had to Cry Today" finds Joe Bonamassa at his best, and where he is today as a performer. The band as a whole has never played better, or written better songs. The result is magical.
NOT disappointed .... eventually, September 17, 2004
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I. J. Sloan "thegreyfox" (Rossendale, Lancs United Kingdom) - See all my reviews I purchased this one, stuck it on the car stereo, played it quietly, because my girlfriend was in the car, and she only likes dance music, and I HATED it .. turned it off after 4 tracks. The problem with a three piece band ( unless it is called Rush!) is that unless you play it on a good system, loud, you often fail to pick up the bass, and all I got was "treble" ... a thousand notes from Joe, and I just thought "where is the melody / tunefulness that made the first two albums so brilliant ... slow down man !" Anyway .. put it on a decent system this time .. and LOVED it. I could not have been more wrong. bring Kenny and Eric into the equation and the full tonal balance is there, and everything seems more melodic and less rushed. I am really impressed by this album. The variety is there from "Johnny Hiland type" country licks through bues, rock and soul. Well, as soulful as JB gets, which on "When she dances" is VERY soulful. My only concern about JB is that he should bring his excellent two band members more to the fore, because they are two good to lose and without them, JB would not be the force on CD that he is. Some solo work, even some songs from Eric and Kenny would really add something to the variety on offer. Lesson: if you are going to play this CD, play it loud and forget your girlfriend for 45 joyous minutes !
Had To Cry Today - Joe Bonamassa, September 15, 2004
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Ted Daniels (Lexington, KY USA) - See all my reviews The one-and-only time I've managed to see Joe Bonamassa live, he was the opening act I'd never heard of in a bill that included The Fabulous Thunderbirds, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, and B.B. King in that order. Unlike most no-name opening acts, Bonamassa woke me up, pulled me in, and made me a fan almost instantly. His live guitar solos and the passion he puts into his music couldn't possibly come across in any form of recorded media. With that said, I own his last four CDs (New Day Yesterday, So It's Like That, Blues Deluxe, and Had To Cry Today) and listen to them all regularly. I said before that his CDs can't possibly portray the best parts of his live show, but his live show didn't include some of the best parts of his CDs either. Joe definitely doesn't have a traditional blues voice or a traditional blues guitar style - I equate him to a rocker trying to sing the blues - but there's still something that hooks you. He's got a couple of pseudo-acoustic ballads ("Waiting for Me" off of So I'ts Like That, and "When She Dances" off the current album) that could be my personal theme songs, they're that good. "Revenge of the 10 Gallon Hat" is an instrumental nod to quick-pickin' country that doesn't even sound like it's being played by the same guy who sings a harder-edged version of B.B. King's "Never Make Your Move Too Soon" (which I enjoyed more on BB's Live at San Quentin album). Bottom line, if you're looking for classic blues, don't buy it. If you're looking for something energetic and entertaining, why haven't you bought it already?!?!
Another good cd by a great young blues guitarist, September 8, 2004
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Mr. Samuel Millar (Greenisland, Co Antrim United Kingdom) - See all my reviews The album follows on much the same vien as the earlier efforts, not as "bluesy" as "blues deluxe" and perhaps not as heavy or rocky as "So its like that". You will enjoy this album simply because he has great guitar and vocal skills in a variety of styles (even an instrumental hillbilly country effort played at an uncanny speed) as indeed most of his solos are. I preferred Blues Deluxe because it was more traditional blue and that is the only reason I don't give it a five. If you like flash fast ferocious blues rock guitar by someone who writes most of his songs this is your man. I just hope that he continues to stick to blues as the impetus for future efforts.
Joe Bonamassa - Had to cry today, September 4, 2004
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Paul Watson (Ireland) - See all my reviews This is my 1st On line Review. I have all Joes CDs, and I must say this is his best. Blues Deluxe was a 4 star in my book solely for the reason that I am not into the BB King/Albert Collins guitar style. There were about 4 songs on that CD which I really grooved to (Burning Hell/Wild about you baby/Walking Blues and Woke up dreaming). On had to Cry today, I only found one weak track and unlike one of the other reviewers, that track was When she dances(Joe states he wanted that Ray Charles slow feel). To be honest again, I am not a fan of his lovey dovey stuff. Sometimes his voice also lacks but his amazing guitar more than makes up for it. The 2 instrumentals are amazing (10 gallon hat - You'd think it was his mentor Danny Gatton) and the final track Faux Mantini is beyond belief (A Spanish Flamenco type ditty at super quick speed. Travellin South really rocks in Rory Gallagher Style (Best version I Have heard.)Reconsider baby has an intense guitar solo, and finally When the Sun goes down is the creme de la creme(Jon Paris obviously enjoying himself here). If you liked Woke up dreaming(From Blues Deluxe) You'll love this one more. Highly
Have to Buy Today, September 2, 2004
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J. Moody "bluesproject.org" (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma United States) - See all my reviews I have had the pleasure of listening to this CD for sometime having secured an advanced copy. As with all the Bonamassa catalog it begs to be played. No production tricks or gimmicks just straight ahead in your face rippin blues, blues influenced rock, and even a country instrumental that would make any Nashville session player envious. He has the ability and the willingness to show off his amazing talent by showcasing it in a variety of genres. It's heavy, it rocks, and it smokes. I heard from a reliable source he fried a few vintage tweeds while making this thing. For all the guitar freaks he even tells you what guitar and amp used on each song. Each song he chooses to cover he reinvents and revitalizes them truly making them his own. On the originals he enlisted Will Jennings one of the greatest lyrists working today. Again he is backed by the extraordinary talents of Kenny Kramme, drums and Eric Czar, bass along with special guests Jon Paris on harmonica and Benny Harrison, Hammond B3. Joe's impeccable taste and musical sense allows him to be creative and diverse from one release to the next never getting in to a rut, just when you think you know where he is going he takes a u turn and floors it in the opposite direction. I have enough confidence in him to just jump in and enjoy the ride. He hasn't let me down yet.
Remarkable CD, August 31, 2004
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Jeff Durbin "jeffreydurbin" (Iowa, United States) - See all my reviews I agree and disagree with the previous review which gave this CD four stars. The main point of disagreement is that there are songs on this CD that are very evocative of Joe's emotions. 'Reconsider Baby' has surpassed 'Pain and Sorrow' and 'Burning Hell' as my favorite Bonamassa tune. The angst of a lost love is clearly evident in Joe's singing. 'When She Dances' is a wonderful ballad that also flies in the face of the previous review's point about blazing fingers. I agree that this album slips in between the authentic blues of 'Blues Deluxe' and his other, more rocking, CDs. I also agree that it is an exceptional example of his talents (and his diverse taste in material.) There are a bunch of songs here that are romping examples of his fast fingers on the frets. I had the pleasure of booking Joe for a live concert in early August and his live performances VASTLY exceed the studio material, even considering the exceptional talent manifest in his studio CDs. I spent a few hours after the show talking about his music and 'the business' and it is clear this is not just an axe slinger - he treats his music as an art. It's only a matter of time before he's selling out Madison Square Garden. If I had to choose a couple disappointments they would be that I didn't like 'Revenge of the Ten Gallon Hat' and, at 43 minutes, the CD is too short.
Good album, however a bit disappointing (for me), August 29, 2004
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M. Bernocchi "mbernocchi" (Old Windsor, Berkshire United Kingdom) - See all my reviews I was waiting for the follow-up of Blues Deluxe impatiently, hoping that Joe would have followed the same route: playing the blues. Unfortunately this is not the case. The new one is a sort of hybrid, a lot from his first two albums and just a little bit from his last one, and from my point of view, his best. I wouldn't like to be misunderstood: I love it. However I prefer Joe when he plays straight-ahead blues rather than hard rock-blues. Nevertheless the guitar playing is breath taking and also his singing has improved. It is just a bit too much on the "heavy" side for my taste. I personally believe that instead of looking for speed, or number of notes played in a second, or volume, our hero should start thinking about the emotion you can transmit, and the tension you can create, just not playing a note rather than filling the musical intervals with too many. He is still young and I am still confident that he will be, one day, one of the greatest blues guitar players. Looking forward for the next one, I am afraid that I can rate these album only 4 stars.
Had To Smile Today, August 27, 2004
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Joanie in San Diego "goddesssd" (California) - See all my reviewsHow do you begin to sum up a CD that exceeds all one's expectations? The variety, depth, and intensity of this CD are absolutely astonishing! Whether Joe's playing at warp speed or whispering sweet nothings in your ear, he's pulling you right into each song. If your heart rate isn't affected by his music it's time to see a cardiologist. The covers on this CD are wonderful tributes to the original artists and the new songs written by Joe are simply stunning. You'll discover a "new favorite song" with each track.
posted by System Admin at 12:27 AM
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