Review WALTER TROUT ‘Broken’

No life is without ups and downs. Everyone has experienced moments when things were broken or you felt broken yourself. The new album by blues legend Walter Trout is all about this topic.

‘Broken’ is the title of Trout’s latest record and it is once again a masterpiece. In 12 outstanding songs, Trout deals with the depths of human life and at the same time offers a hopeful outlook, because nothing and nobody is incurable.

The outstanding element of this album is that Trout manages to take the listener on an emotional journey through his unique skills. With catchy melodies and great intensity, the album impresses from start to finish. Each of these songs sticks to the listener’s mind and you will never get tired of listening to them over and over again.

With tracks like ‘Courage in the Dark’ and this touching blues guitar, Walter Trout manages to reach out and touch the listener. The lyrics are just as important as the music and both together create this emotional world of sound that is a pleasure to explore.

Trout has also invited guests to support him on this album. Right at the beginning you will find one of these songs on which Trout shares the microphone. None other than Beth Hart supports the blues icon on the title track and it is a soulful and emotional tune that sets the tone of voice. Also worth mentioning is the guitar solo, which was recorded in one take and is one of the highlights of the album.

‘Bleed’ is all about thunderous blues rock with Will Wilde providing the harmonica sounds. The song bursts out of the speakers with the power of a snorting locomotive and it’s a similar story with ‘I’ve Had Enough’. Here it is Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider who lends his voice to the song. In a way, it is surprising how well his rough voice fits this track. This mixture can be described as very successful and one almost wishes for more of such a collaboration.

While ‘Bleed’ and ‘I’ve Had Enough’ are some of the hardest rocking moments on the album, it is the dark and poignant ‘Heaven Or Hell’ that creates another storm of enthusiasm towards the end. Provided with an ingenious basic musical theme, it is Walter Trout who creates a special mood with his spoken vocals. It is the story of a blind man sitting on the side of the road who tells how, despite his blindness, he can still recognize the difference between good and evil. Following this text is a touching experience that should not be missed.

‘Broken’ is the expected next big album from Walter Trout. It is amazing with how much creativity and ease the artist creates unique and captivating songs. This album unfolds its full power both under headphones and during a long drive through endless landscapes. ‘Broken’ is timeless and therefore a long-term delight.