Review: ‘Crown’ Eric Gales

Eric Gales

By Martine Ehrenclou

Crown by Eric Gales is an exhilarating journey by the blues/rock guitarist, vocalist and songwriter who needs no introduction. Out January 28 via Provogue/Mascot Label Group, Crown is a compelling album of blues, rock, soul and funk with Gales’ masterful guitar, warm vocals and gutsy emotional songs. The record is as moving as it is brilliant.

Produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, Crown’s 16 tracks include 13 songs co-written by Gales, Bonamassa and Smith with contributors Tom Hambridge, James House, Keb’ Mo’ and LaDonna Gales, plus three instrumental vignettes.

Opening number “Death of Me” is fiery blues/rock, fierce with superb guitar riffs and solos, as you’d expect from Gales. It’s a haunting track, honest and forthright, about Gales looking back to his younger self with insight, accountability and some sorrow. The result is raw power and a statement of truth. His vocals are bold and emotional, better than ever.

“The Storm” finds Gales singing a cappella “How can you love what I do but hate who I am,” a direct question about racism. This album standout is a groove-based R&B tune with horns, guitar and one tight rhythm section. Eric’s vocals are soulful and smooth, his guitar bluesy and just as moving as the lyrics that speak of his experience with the world.

Part of what makes Crown so powerful is not just Eric Gales’ virtuosic guitar talents and the album’s supreme production but his openness about his past substance abuse, personal reflections on racism and hope for a positive change. His insights are ultimately moving.

Since 1991, the Memphis-born guitarist has spearheaded a revitalization of the blues with rock swagger mixed with elements of jazz, soul and funk. He was a child prodigy at the age of 16 when he released his debut, The Eric Gales Band on Elektra Records. Now five years sober, Eric Gales has earned his place among the greatest guitarists in the world. This album is about great songs with meaning.

Another standout, “I Want My Crown” features Joe Bonamassa. If you haven’t seen the playful video of this song, I highly recommend it. With a killer rhythm section, this funky tune is about a humorous challenge by Gales to Bonamassa in effort to win the guitarist’s crown. Bonamassa kicks off the guitar battle with these two consummate pros at the top of their game with guitar solos that raise the hair on your arms. Badass. The two of them are having so much fun, you’ll press play time and time again, like I did.

Eric bares his soul on “Stand Up,” a gospel/soul beauty. With heartfelt vocals he sings, “People try to treat me like I don’t belong.” His guitar solo is stunning and soulful, but too short! I wanted more. The crack rhythm section locking things down includes Eric Gales (lead guitar, vocals), Joe Bonamassa (rhythm guitar), Josh Smith (rhythm guitar), Michael Rhodes (bass), Greg Morrow (drums), Lemar Carter (drums), J.D. Simo (rhythm guitar), Reese Wynans (keys/B3) and more.

Changing things up is the Hendrix-like “Survivor,” an edgy rocker that urges the need for change. It launches into an uplifting chorus with guitar riffs that are intense, innovative, brilliant. A song of strength and triumph.

Eric Gales makes his guitar cry, shout, and flat out yell with anger, sooth with love and joy. He channels all emotions through his instrument, as if his guitar is a direct line to his soul and spirit. “Too Close To The Fire” is one prime example. Beautiful and melodic, it’s a mighty track. He fuels palpable anguish into a song that beckons people to understand what it’s like to be in his shoes, walking down the street with ‘the heat’ on his trail because of the color of his skin. With a reference to Mississippi in 1964, this song has tremendous impact, wrapped in blues/rock sinewy riffs and Hendrix-esque rock balladry. A powerful song about racism if there ever was one. And Gales makes it personal. If you’re paying attention, you’ll feel something.

A wonderful surprise arrives with the talented vocalist LaDonna Gales (Eric’s wife) on “Take Me Just As I Am,” a funky soul number with plenty of percussion and horns. Eric talks over the song, slightly reminiscent of Parliament’s “P-Funk (Wants To Get Funked Up),” while introducing his wife.

The album’s last song is the jazzy, slinky “My Own Best Friend.” A perfect way to wrap up the album with an uplifting summary about Eric’s journey from rock bottom to the top with plenty of struggle in between.

Eric Gales has arrived with Crown.

Watch “I Want My Crown”