Joe Bonamassa - Royal Tea

Nerine

Apologies if this has already had a thread. I did search for one. 

I added this to my iTunes recently. 

I’m really liking it so far! 

It seems a bit of a departure for Joe, and even though I find it a little uncomfortable to listen to (twee perhaps) due to parts of it being completely unexpected from Joe, it’s really growing on me and it’s nice to hear some variation. I wasn’t expecting it to have quite so much aggression. 

The first three or four tracks are really good. Most of my commutes dictate that I don’t usually get past that many songs, so I need to give it a spin at home in full when I get chance. 

The solo tones and guitar sounds are excellent in my opinion and judging by the tracks I’ve heard so far, I really like the direction this album is going in. 

Anyone heard it/liked it/loathed it/etc? 

Would be interesting to see if it sways some of the naysayers. 

LPManic

Enjoy watching Joe talk about guitars. But his music is just meh. Needs to get rid of the suit and shades as well.

YourArsenal87

Just heard the title track. Thought it was dreadful. And I'm not a JoBo hater.

TINMAN82

The new album is very good, his best in a few years prob. 7/10

Strat54

I'm not JB hater either but this is a dreadful record. I can listen to some of his others no problem but there isn't really a decent song on this. Sure he can play, the band are stellar but the songwriting is generic and lyrically cringeworthy. Look out man? Spinal Tap outtakes.
He flew over songwriter James House in the middle of recording....and still no joy. If you think this is a good record then really you need to get out more. I've already deleted it from my player. 
Oh and don't get me started on Kevin Shirley and his compressed production.......

StefB

Strat54 
Oh and don't get me started on Kevin Shirley and his compressed production.......

The sheer number of good rock records that guy has murdered is bewildering.

Totally destroyed recent Iron Maiden & Europe albums with his lifeless mixes yet seems to be a go-to guy, I just don’t get it?

DeeTee

I've heard a couple of tracks. I like it more than I most of his work, but that's a pretty low bar. Seems like a lovely chap, but not my bag.

YourArsenal87

StefB said:

Strat54 
Oh and don't get me started on Kevin Shirley and his compressed production.......

The sheer number of good rock records that guy has murdered is bewildering.

Totally destroyed recent Iron Maiden & Europe albums with his lifeless mixes yet seems to be a go-to guy, I just don’t get it?

Agreed, Shirley is dire. His mixes make my ears bleed. I don’t get his appeal at all. 

EricTheWeary

I didn't know this existed. Bernie Marsden as co writer on many choons apparently, I like Bernie but I don't think of him as a prolific songwriter. Also with Jools Holland guesting, almost the definition of desperation. Some very mixed reviews on Amazon. 
See if I can find it streaming and give it a whirl this week. I do quite want to like Jo and have fond memories of seeing him live but he seems to struggle to do anything interesting in a recording studio. 

Moe_Zambeek

I’m not a Joe fan but I like a few of the tracks in this. 

RandallFlagg

I want to like it but have to agree about the songwriting, it's cringeworthy in places and Joe's voice sounds like Kermit the Frog at times.

My favourite stuff he's done were some of the 3 Kings covers on the Live At The Greek Theatre album. I find most of his original stuff pretty hard going with just the occasional gem like “Drive” from Blues Of Desperation.

Rabs

So generic...

RandallFlagg

He looks like Stan Smith from American Dad with his big jaw 

LPManic

I don't get it. Is it that bad on purpose?

lustycourtier

It’s ok, but I compare everything he releases to ‘don’t explain’ which is in my top 20 fave ever albums. I like his vocals on this new one though. 

Gerz6558

I dont mind the guy when he's talking about gear, and does a bit of noodling. But his actual music is far too beige for me. 

He can play for sure, but his tunes don't exactly make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Rabs

And another..  Just as bland in every way...

RandallFlagg

“Look out man, I’m coming down the pike”

Axe_meister

I prefer his older stuff, it's all now so over produced and written to a formula and lacking the agression he used to have in his playing when he had something to proove.

LPManic

Naw, I'm sorry. Joe is fantastic talking about gear and showing his guitars. This is a pure piss take.

mbe

He must be hoping some of this will get picked up by ad agencies. E.g. ad campaign for Halfords, "Look out man I'm coming down the pike, going to Halfords to buy me a bike."