My reaction to "Take Your Shoes Off"
It was really stange how I reacted to Robert Cray's latest album. When I got it I immediately popped it into my CD player. I was really pumped up and I guess I expected some ripping guitar solos and jamming songs immediately, similar to "Nothing Against You", on the last album. But when I heard the first track, "Love Gone To Waste", I was a little surprised. I thought it was a cool song, a cross between "Forecast" and "Phone Booth". On to track number two, "That Wasn't Me". Surprise, a slow ballad. I guess I was kind of impatient or something, so I went on to track three, "All The Way." It sounded cool but I was actually getting a little angry because I wanted Young Bob to rock. At that point, I just wanted to see if there were any faster songs and guitar solos on the album at all. So, I just went to track five, "24-7 Man." Wow, talk about a groovin' song! But I still was mad because of the lack of a killer solo. I went on a few more tracks and I was having trouble finding much guitar at all. I was in absolute disbelief, shock, and I must say I was disappointed. I actually felt anger grow all around my body. And this was very strange because I am normally very easy going. So I hastily put "I Was Warned", "Sweet Potato Pie", and "Some Rainy Morning" in my CD disc changer, grabbed my guitar, and jammed to "Just A Loser", "Our Last Time", "Tell The Landlord", "Nothing Against You", and "I Can't Quit". I thought to myself, yeah, this is more like it. I came to the conclusion that I really detested the new album and I was contemplating never seeing Young Bob again and closing this web site.

That night, around midnight, I was still mad and I was just about to go to bed. For whatever reason, I thought I had to listen to the album once again so maybe I would be happy before I go to bed and not have nightmares. This time when I listened I was not pumped up at all, in fact I was quite sleepy. Instead of listening to the album through my big stereo, while standing up, and under fluorescent lights, I listened to it with my headphones, lying down on my bed, with the lights out. It's then when I realized that there is a reason why the album is called "Take Your Shoes Off."

I listened to "That Wasn't Me" and I absolutely fell in love with it. Then came "All The Way", and I really thought it was awesome. The album just seemed to get better as I listened to it. And there actually were some ripping guitar solos. But what really stood out to me were the intricate rhythm parts and arpeggios. And Young Bob's voice was amazing and more soulful than ever before. I went to bed thinking that this was the best album he ever made--quite a change from just hours before!

The next morning, I had to listen to the album again and again. I even listened to it through my stereo and it was really incredible. I found myself really liking "There's Nothing Wrong." It really stood out. I thought that "It's All Gone" was a neat song, especially with the neat drum and bass break at the end. It just had a cool beat to it. And "Love Gone To Waste" was getting to be one of my favorites. I thought it was like hearing a little of the older Cray material with a new twist. "24-7 Man" is another standout on the album. I just love the way his voice gets into the groove of the song, especially when he gets to the "You positively look delicious, baby", and " I wanna rock with you, baby, I wanna roll with you, honey." parts. The master of soulful blues shined here! "What About Me" is an amazing song with an incredible groove, vocals, and the kind of guitar solo we're used to (but even better!). What was really neat was the "live" feel of this track, with the voices and people clapping. It was like being at a Young Bob party! It's hard to pick a favorite on this great album, but it might just well be "All The Way." Talk about a relaxing, soulful, and all around neat tune! But I just couldn't stop listening to "There's Nothing Wrong." This was Robert Cray at his best as far as song writing. It's a song with an unforgettable melody and you can't listen to it without singing along.

Overall, this is an excellent album and a step forward into the next century for the Robert Cray Band. You will have no doubt about the power of soulful blues after listening. And you will never again classify Young Bob as simply a blues artist. It will become clear that we are witnessing one of the greatest song-writers, soul man, blues man, and rhythm master of all-time. This guy has developed a unique blend of everything good in all kinds of music and leaves his fans wanting more. It's all about rhythm when it comes to Cray. Guitar solos are based on carefully placed notes instead of just throwing some together and hoping it sounds impressive with distortion or delays. Although he could easily have been a traditional blues legend, Young Bob has dared to do what few have ever attempted. He stepped outside of strict blues structural rules and made his own modern rules. What a talent!

I'm really curious if anybody had a similar experience with this new album or a different one all together. Please send in your "Take Your Shoes Off" listening experiences here: joddjtf@earthlink.net