2016 – Blue Élan Records
By Phillip Smith; Mar 26, 2016
Janiva Magness’s latest
album, Love Wins Again is a sheer
delightful listen. Delivering eleven outstanding
tracks of soulful blues in her trademark grand fashion; Magness has just set the bar a little higher, ensuring this LP will
be an instant favorite.
Title track “Love Wins Again”
is so smooth and buttery it puts a big ole’ smile on my face each and every
time I hear it. The funk breaks out on “Real
Slow” sporting contagious guitar riffs and a groovy bassline. Sultry vocals on top of an infectious bluesy melody
set the mood for “Moth to a Flame”. Dim all
the lights and grab your partner for a slow dance to Magness’ angelic voice on the dreamy “When You Hold Me”. This one is really nice.
There’s no shutting the party
down when the turntable is spinning “Your House is Burnin’”. This jamming masterpiece, about turning things
around for the better, is loaded with hot guitar licks and a killer sax accompaniment.
I love Magness’ interpretation of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s classic,
“Long as I Can See the Light”. It’s
really magnificent. Now, if only we can arrange for this song to be recorded as
a duet with her and John Fogerty…
This stellar album is
definitely one of my favorites this year.
