Jonny Lang - Lie To Me (1997)

Jonny Lang is one of the greatest young Blues players to come along in years. His voice has all the gravel and growl of a man four times his age who has spent his life drinking cheap whiskey and smoking cigarettes in hole in the wall bars while singing his life away with the blues.

Wow. That was my reaction after my first listen to this CD that I recently got. I was hoping for something good, and in return I got something great. It's a downright shame that this guy isn't a bigger star, but Britney and O-Town are. What is wrong with the world?. Jonny was only 16 when he did this CD. 16!. He can play and sing with the best of them. Write too. Upon first listen, you think that there must be studio tampering. The guy comes off like a 45 year old. The CD starts off with the title track, a funky and up beat tune called "Lie To Me". Also included are Ike Turner's song "Matchbox". Things get awfully bluesy with the magnificent "Darker Side", and the well done and written, "A Quitter Never Wins". The more up beat, rocking tunes here are all winners. "Back For A Taste Of Your Love" is insanely catchy. My favorite track on here. "Rack 'Em Up" is a catchy toe tapper. "There's Gotta Be A Change" is as catchy as you can get. A few slower ballads like "When I Come To You" and "Missing Your Love" are very pretty and wonderfully sung. It is another moment where you can't believe his age. Lang has a throaty, smokey voice at times, but can quickly turn around and be soft and soulful. A masterful singer. His guitar playing can hold it's own up against King, Clapton, Hooker, Raitt, you name it. No doubt about it. This is music that is a total relief for people who are sick and tired of trashy rock and hard metal, and empty, vacuous TRL like music that has no depth. No soul. This, folks, IS music. Take the time to get to know Jonny. You won't be sorry.

song list

1. Lie To Me 4:11
2. Darker Side 5:07
3. Good Morning Little School Girl 4:14
4. Still Wonder 3:45
5. Matchbox 3:29
6. Back For A Taste Of Your Love 3:32
7. A Quitter Never Wins 5:56
8. Hit The Ground Running 3:31
9. Rack 'Em Up 4:07
10. When I Come To You 4:58
11. There's Gotta Be A Change 4:11
12. Missing Your Love 3:53