Jonny Lang - Wander This World (1998)

Youth has its own special grace. This is one of the best CD's of 1998 or any year! It's safe to say Jonny Lang is a prodigy, although some credit has to go to producer David Z. There's not a bad track here, but "I Am," (co-written by Prince, David Z, and Levi Seacer, Jr.) "Angel of Mercy," and "Wander This World" are three astonishing standouts. Better still is "Right Back," written by Jerry Lynn Williams and Danny Kortchmar. Even better than that is "Before You Hit the Ground," written by Kevin Bowe and Mr. Lang. And best of all is the brilliant (Bowe/Lang) "Breakin Me," already a radio hit. Discussing blues influences is like peeling back layers of an onion to find a center, but I definitely hear echos of the great Paul Butterfield Blues Band, especially in the drumming and piano arrangements. What pushes Lang ahead of other great guitarists such as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton is his singing voice, reminiscent of Joe Cocker's style. Do we do the boy harm raving about his work at such a young age? If he can withstand the ravages of fame, there's not much telling what this kid can come up with. Get this–it's a masterpiece. - Tom White

song list

1. Still Rainin' 4:49
2. Second Guessing 5:10
3. I Am 5:05
4. Breakin' Me 4:32
5. Wander This World 4:50
6. Walking Away 4:14
7. The Levee 3:42
8. Angel Of Mercy 4:31
9. Right Back 3:55
10. Leaving To Stay 4:35
11. Before You Hit The Ground 3:54
12. Cherry Red Wine