JOHN EMMS MUSIC REVIEWS

The first thing you notice on Jonny Lang’s new album Fight For My Soul is how Lang’s passionate vocals have become more nuanced, direct and focused.  And yes, he still displays some very hip guitar work.

However, some reviewers seem to be missing the point that Lang has invested a lot of emotion in this recording.

On tracks like the R & B numbers  What Your Looking For, and the terrific title track Lang and producer Tommy Sims would make Curtis Mayfield proud.

Elsewhere Breakin’ In sounds like a pop hit, while the eloquent Seasons and The Truth are revealing tracks, the latter eventually busting into some Gary Moore-esque guitar work behind Jonny’s superb lead vocal.

There is no doubt some blues based fans would love to have more tracks like the modern muscle and funky riff of the Stevie Wonder influenced We Are The Same and the single Blew Up the House.

This is new territory and one heck of a soulful return.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, blues radio host   http://emms.podbean.com/   and songwriter with Canada’s blues rockers THE SHAFTMEN https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-worlds-gone-crazy/id673101570