American blues singer-songwriter Beth Hart is back with her eighth album, Bang Bang Boom Boom, following on from her critically acclaimed release Don’t Explain in 2011. An uplifting album about love, Bang Bang Boom Boom promises plenty and doesn’t disappoint. Hart’s powerful and distinctive vocals are on show, combining blues with elements of rock, soul, jazz and gospel.
Although opening track Baddest Blues is a slow start, the album only gets better from here. Title track Bang Bang Boom Boom is a favourite, catchy and upbeat. Other favourites are heartfelt ballads With You Everyday and Everything Must Change, the groovy beat of The Ugliest House on the Block and the standout Thru the Window Of My Mind, Hart’s best vocal. Bang Bang Boom Boom also features a bonus track which is a great addition to the album, Hart performing I’d Rather Go Blind live with Jeff Beck at the Kennedy Centre Honours in 2012, in a fitting tribute to blues superstar Buddy Guy.
Beth Hart’s star should continue to rise as a result of Bang Bang Boom Boom. With a great mix of upbeat blues tracks and ballads, this album is an easy listen which leaves us eagerly anticipating her future releases.
BY ALI BIRNIE
Best Track: Thru The Window of My Mind
If You Like This, You’ll Like This: ANA POPOVIC, JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR
In A Word: Blues
