The Juice
Thirty Tigers, 2020
9/10
The esteemed and always creative output of G. Love continues here, as he brings in Keb’ Mo’ on several tracks as Love’s varied delivery collides well with the old school ideas of Mo’.
The title track, with Marcus King, starts the listen with plenty of grooves and rhythm in the fun, anthemic opener, and “Soulbque” follows, where harmonicas add much to the spirited and gritty setting as Roosevelt Collier contributes his vast talent on pedal steel.
Keb’ Mo’s first appearance comes on the funky pop and melodic “Go Crazy”, and not long after, “Fix Your Face” offers a blues tinted atmosphere with Keb’ Mo’ on lead guitar that’s the quintessential G. Love tune- raw, authentic and textured playfully.
Back half highlights include the indeed rootsy and breezy “Diggin’ Roots”, with Ron Artis, as well as another Keb’ Mo’ track, “Shine On Moon”, where an acoustic delivery offers a nice change of pace that even comes with a harp. Before the album ends with the hip-hop reprise version of the title track, “Drinkin’ Wine” recruits whistling and soulful melodies on the album highlight that has Love rapping amid the blues.
Lyrically, Love alternates between person and political wordplay, and this first album in 5 years, much like everything he’s done, has his patented formula sounding just as good as ever, and will be sure to get your body moving and musical palate satiated.
Travels well with: Dr. John- Gris-Gris; North Mississippi Allstars- Up And Rolling