Rocktrospectiva: The Passionate "Still Got The Blues" Turns 35

Released on 26 March 1990 "Still Got The Blues" was the 8th., studio album by Northern Irish guitarist Gary Moore, this album was a landmark on Moore's carrer, it marked a substantial change in style for Moore sound, who had been predominantly known for rock and hard rock music with Skid Row, Thin Lizzy, G-Force, Greg Lake and during his own extensive solo career, as well as his jazz fusion work with Colosseum II. 

Still Got The Blues marks the first pure blues-rock album with no pop, fusion or heavy metal leanings. it is the combination of playing and songwriting which generates a winning formula. Take a look on "Midnight blues" rightfully merges polished blues-rock with a sense of late night drive. Moore uses his passionate vocals to a great effect. The title track has all ingredients to be a classic blues-rock cut: ingenious guitar solo (one of the best ones I've heard in blues rock), excellent development, fitting vocals and affectionate mood.

Gary Moore finally received the recognition he had deserved since his days of Colosseum II. As indicated by its title, Still Got the Blues saw him delve into an electric blues style. Relieved from the pressures of having to record a hit single, Gary Moore cuts loose on some blues standards as well as some newer material. Moore played better than ever, spitting out an endless stream of fiery licks that are both technically impressive and soulful. 

It's no wonder Still Got the Blues was his biggest hit. After brief stints with Thin Lizzy and some largely ignored solo albums, his deserved breakthrough single proved a mix of covers and originals that spotlighted searing, gut-punch axe work and impassioned vocals. Fans of the soaring dreamscape of a title hit will also appreciate his sublime, 

Another good tracks were the soulful readings of "As The Years Go Passing By" and "Midnight Blues".  On the fast track, name dropping firestorms Texas Strut and "King Of The Blues" are bangers, the album featured contributions from Albert King, Albert Collins and George Harrison, and its title track reached No. 97 on Billboard Hot 100 being Moore's his most succesful single on Hot 100. 

The album reached No. 83 on the Billboard 200 on 16 February 1991. This was Moore's most successful album both in terms of sales and chart position in the US. 

 

Still Got The Blues Track List:

 

1. Moving On

2. Pretty Woman

3. Walking By Myself

4. Still Got The Blues

5. Texas Strut

6. Too Tired

7. King Of The Blues

8. As The Years Go Passing By

9. Midnight Blues

10. That Kind Of Woman

11. All Your Love

12. Stop Messin' Aroung