Artist: Buddy Guy Album: Living Proof

Year: 2010
Duration: 0:0-1

Living Proof: A critical review on the album by Buddy Guy

The blues genre has come a long way and Buddy Guy is one of the few custodians keeping it alive. His latest album, Living Proof, released in 2010 and Produced by Tom Hambridge, was said to be Guy's most personal album to date. The album sees the artist collaborating with well-renowned players such as John Mayer, Carlos Santana, and B.B. King. In this review, we'll look at the history of the artist, the music genre, the best songs, the innovative parts, and finally, a critical review of the album.

Buddy Guy started playing music in the late 1950s blues scene in Chicago, and he was at the forefront of the blues-rock movement. His style of blues was electric and heavily influenced by Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. His guitar-playing and vocals were both raw and emotional, a trait that would continue on the Living Proof album.

The Living Proof album sees Guy exploring various blues sub-genres, from slow ballads to upbeat rock-influenced blues sounds. There is a bit of something for every blues lover on this album. Some of the most significant highlights of the album include the opening track 74 years young, which exemplifies Guy's still-strong vocals, guitar playing, and wit. Other standouts include Stay around a little longer, featuring rock-pop legend Carlos Santana, and Where the blues begins, a slow, soulful track featuring B.B. King.

However, the most innovative aspect of the album is the use of collaboration. Guy brings in artists from different genres and creates a melting pot of sounds. For instance, Key Don't Fit is a track that showcases John Mayer's blues guitar prowess, and it blends in well with Guy's electric sounds.

As much as the album is attributed to Guy's growth and grit, it also has its pitfalls. Towards the end of the album, the tracks begin to sound slightly repetitive, especially with song arrangements. Let the door knob hit ya and Everybody's got to go have similar chord structures that may make one skip them after a while.

Buddy Guy's Living Proof album is an excellent example of an artist still going strong over six decades after starting his craft. It's a beautiful journey through the blues genre, and Guy shows he still has a lot to offer his listeners. The innovative collaborations are a welcome addition as they provide a refreshing twist to the album. However, toward the end of the album, structures become repetitive, and that may lose a listener's interest. All in all, Living Proof is a must-listen for blues lovers and anyone seeking to explore the genre. The album is available on all streaming platforms and worth every listen.