Review WALTER TROUT „Sign of the Times“

Walter Trout was always a familiar name to me, but I didn’t start digging deeper into his music until a few years ago. The 2020 album “Ordinary Madness” fascinated me and was my introduction to the discography of the blues rock icon.

These days, Trout is launching his latest effort, “Sign of the Times.” It is another stellar release from the New Jersey–born blues veteran, and it is a strong record that is more than just good music. It’s a statement through lyrics that address the state of the world and society. The album reflects the anger and fear that people have these days, as it seems like the modern world is undergoing changes that are not always good. Writing these songs is also an outlet for Trout, as these topics also occupy his mind.

One year after “Broken” hit the shelves, the new album showcases Trout’s creative flow. He worked on the album with his wife, who provided some of the lyrics. One of these songs is the title track. It is an unusual song. It’s disruptive and doesn’t reveal all the details right away. The dissonance of our times echoes in each tone of the song. The track has an experimental character, featuring a big guitar sound, massive bass, and intense vocals. The tune perfectly captures the feelings of people these days.

The album opens with a song called “Artificial.” As the title suggests, it is a track about all the artificial things that dominate our lives, from AI to the artificial smiles people give you. It’s an upbeat and sarcastic opener that grabs your attention right away and makes you think. This blues rocker is the perfect opening for the album, which brings you to the melancholic blues-soaked “Blood on My Pillow.”

Through the previously mentioned title track, which is a dark moment on the album, we transition to the opposite. “Mona Lisa, Smile” is a ballad and an acoustic ode to his wife.

One of the best songs on the album is ‘Hurt No More,’ a tune about the impact of drugs and alcohol. “Hurt No More” is a straightforward rocker, followed by the roaring start of “No Strings Attached.” The latter is a song about small-mindedness, hypocrisy, and bigotry. It’s a dark, heavy song that leads to the more upbeat, yet wistful, “I Remember” which is about a time when things were easier, not because everything was better in the past.

“High Tech Woman” emerged from a jam with Jimmy Vivino and is a snappy tune. The acoustic “Too Bad” is a sort of homage to Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, capturing the essence of blues.

The album closes with a dynamic song called “Struggle to Believe” which is a powerful finale that shows why Trout belongs among the greatest blues rock artists.

“Sign of the Times” is a thunderous yet soulful album that showcases a master of his craft. Trout delivers an album that captivates from the first listen, where music and lyrics work together seamlessly. “Sign of the Times” is a loud statement and a musical delight. It is another mind-blowing release from the blues veteran that should be part of any serious collection.