Johnny Rawls – Walking Heart Attack
Catfood Records – 2023
10 tracks; 35 minutes
Johnny Rawls, hailed as the last great soul man, graces us with his soulful presence once again in "Walking Heart Attack," a musical journey released under Catfood Records. Teaming up with The Rays, the esteemed studio band at Catfood, Rawls brings forth a collection of ten tracks that traverse the landscapes of soulful blues. In this latest offering, Johnny Rawls showcases his signature blend of powerful vocals, expert instrumentation, and heartfelt lyrics, cementing his status as a true soul-blues luminary.
The opening track, "Walking Heart Attack," sets the tone for the entire album with its funky rhythm, exceptional sax work, and the backing vocalists' harmonious support. Rawls navigates the lyrical landscape of desire, likening a woman to a flame that draws men in irresistibly. The title track encapsulates the quintessential Johnny Rawls experience, where soulful storytelling meets infectious grooves.
Paying homage to his collaboration with the late Otis Clay, Rawls delivers a soul-stirring rendition of "Trying To Live My Life Without You." The Memphis soul classic receives a vibrant treatment, complete with a horn-heavy arrangement that does justice to the original.
The album then takes a reflective turn with "Free," a heartfelt ballad featuring delicate guitar work, where Rawls expresses gratitude for life's blessings and the freedom to enjoy it.
"Tell Me The Truth" introduces a funky groove to the mix, exploring the theme of deceit and infidelity with a classic Rawls/Trenchard touch. The influence of Rawls' tenure with OV Wright shines through in the cover of "Born All Over," a soul gem written by Johnny Copeland in 1971. Rawls' rendition captures the essence of the song's deep emotional resonance.
Derrick Procell's composition "Heal Me" unfolds with impressive horn arrangements and additional percussion, demonstrating the depth of the ensemble's musical prowess. The subsequent track, "One More Sin," sees Rawls ready to risk it all for love, confident that one more sin won't lead him to hell. The ballad "Lies" follows, offering a poignant exploration of heartbreak against a warm musical backdrop.
Johnny Rawls isn't shy about infusing his soulful touch into rock classics, and Bruce Springsteen's "Hungry Heart" undergoes a transformation that takes it from the Jersey shore to the soulful South. The closing track, "Mississippi Dreams," serves as a heartfelt tribute to Rawls' home state, capturing the essence of the region's spirit.
In "Walking Heart Attack," Johnny Rawls delivers exactly what fans have come to expect—an exquisite blend of soulful vocals, a stellar band, and well-crafted songs. The album stands as another testament to Rawls' unwavering commitment to the soul-blues genre, offering a musical experience that resonates with love, loss, and the dreams of Mississippi.
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