Veteran soul-bluesman Robert Cray retains the same backing trio on 2012's Nothin But Love as on 2009's This Time, and detailed story ballads about the trials and tribulations of love remain his strong suit, yet there are enough change-ups and excellent songs here to keep the pace varied. Horns make a welcome appearance on a few key tunes, and the band cranks up the energy when the occasion calls for it. The album's emotional and philosophical centerpiece is the nearly nine-minute "I'm Done Cryin'," a searing portrait of a male protagonist who has lost his home and his job to outsourcing but retains his dignity. This is another quality entry in a catalog of albums over a lengthy career that has remarkably few weak spots. ~ Hal Horowitz|
Rovi
史上最年少で〈ブルースの殿堂〉入りを果たしたロバート・クレイが、エアロスミス仕事で知られるケヴィン・シャーリーと初めて手を組んで16作目を完成。軽快なロックンロールやビッグバンドを従えたジャジー・チューンなど多彩な楽曲が用意されており、歌心溢れるギターと腰の据わった歌唱に耳もハートも引っ張られまくり! サザン・フィーリング濃厚なバラードも絶品で、ナッシン・バット・ブルース!な一枚だ。
bounce (C)桑原シロー
タワーレコード(vol.349(2012年10月25日発行号)掲載)