Blessed with arguably the most gifted and hardest working hands in the blues, Bonamassa prizes the locks once again to bring us a powerful and stirring anthem jimmied on a blistering bassline, bluesy guitar licks, and an evolved voice that’s scarred with grit.
Going against the grain by starting out with the chorus and up-tempo handclaps, Bonamassa’s unmistakable guitar sound and Kevin Shirley’s masterful production allow every musician to find their fire and embrace it on this deeply personal number. From that all-so satisfying crisp snare sound to Reece Wynans laying down a swirling backdrop with his Hammond organ, it’s another golden string to Bonamassa’s six-string bow and glowing back catalog.
Like Shirley, Bonamassa is a master of restraint. Sure, he could go out there and let his fingers mesmerize us by running them up and down the fretboard like a hamster on a wheel, but nobody knows better when and how to choose his guitar parts, even when unleashing a flurry notes on the majestic and melodic solo.
As always, the blues is where the heart is, but Bonamassa has never been fearful of taking this beloved genre into muddy waters. “Breakthrough” by all accounts puts the rocking into blues-rocking, while still releasing elements of soul and gospel through the faithful female backing vocals.
Here he is at 47 (soon to be 48) years young, making yet another artistic breakthrough in a genre that he’s spearheaded for over two decades. Ignore the sharp suit and sunglasses. Nobody embodies persistence and transformation more than Joe Bonamassa. And as for letting go of the weight that holds us back, good luck stopping this powerhouse anytime soon.
