Review BETH HART “You Still Got Me”

“You Still Got Me” is the eleventh album from Beth Hart and it is another soulful treat for fans of stellar music. It is a musical kaleidoscope that reflects several genres and styles. “You Still Got Me” is a versatile and sophisticated release that reveals an impressive creative achievement.

The album is what holds the songs together, while the focus during the songwriting is on the songs themselves, without putting too much thought into how those connect on the album. Beth Hart writes songs based on the joy of making music. It’s also a channel for emotions that make each record an authentic journey. Take the album title, for example. It came from a moment when Hart was having a bad day and it was her husband who asked if she needed a hug. And despite feeling that there was nothing to love, it was her husband who replied, “You’ve still got me”. The beautifully crafted title track reflects this emotional moment in a great way, as it is a very touching moment on this longplayer.

“You Still Got Me” is a great ballad that speaks to the heart and there are few other moments when the soft tones come to the fore.

One of these is “Drunk on Valentine”. Reminiscent of Tom Waits, the piano ballad has a jazzy feel. There is a sophisticated melancholy swinging with every note, creating the image of a bar late after midnight with a person sitting there with a drink, lost in the own emotional fields of tension.

In addition to these very touching songs, the album also contains some very solid rock songs. The starting point of this record is such a moment. “Savior With A Razor” is such a song, which also features a guest appearance by Slash, whose guitar playing helps to intensify the powerful energy of this moderately paced opener.

Talking about guests, there is another excellent guitarist who enriches the album. Eric Gales contributes to the funky and very groovy “Suga N My Bowl”. It is a very energetic moment on the album with Gales adding a superb guitar solo that makes the song shine even brighter.

“Never Underestimate a Gal” is an upbeat song while “Don’t Call the Police” finds the sweet spot between loud and soulful. Addressing the murder of George Floyd, the song alternates between anger and sadness, perfectly captured by the nuances of the track. “Wonderful World” has a positive vibe and is about where you come from. It’s about how important family roots are and what a gift it is to be aware of them.

“You Still Got Me” is an album that touches your heart and soul. These songs draw you into an emotional world with lyrics that are relevant and each of us can connect in one way or another to the stories these songs tell. Beth Hart delivers another brilliant masterpiece with music that impresses. Excellent work.