Love + Freedom
Thirty Tigers, 2025
9/10
This 29th solo album from the Texan Joe Ely brings us both covers and originals to another thoughtful body of work that touches on social justice, too.
The warm and spirited “Shake’em Up” starts the listen with Ely playing all instruments with a frisky energy, and “Adios Sweet Dreams” follows with Joel Guzman’s playful accordion that complements the vivid storytelling.
Moving along, “Waitin’ To Die” welcomes Lloyd Maines’ skilled bass and acoustic slide to Ely’s firm vocals and flowing harmonica, while the melodic country rock of “Today It Did” welcomes David Grissom’s agile electric guitar amid the breezy melodies.
Closer to the end, “What Kind Of War” has Ely handling vocals, guitar and percussion alongside Grissom’s guitar via the eloquent and crisp protest song, and “Surrender To The West” exits with Ely only for an intimate and emotive finish that showcases his timeless vision.
Even though he’s well into his 70s, Ely plays and sings with an unmatched formula of haunting moments, powerful bouts and touching, Texas-Americana sounds.
Travels well with: Joe Ely- Driven To Drive; Jason Boland And The Stragglers- The Last Kings Of Babylon