Mighty Sam McClain – Too Much Jesus (Not Enough Whiskey)
Sam McClain’s career has followed a long and winding path that has not always been paved with success. Southern born and introduced to singing at a young age, McClain found his call crooning in his churches choir. Throughout his life he has seen the highest highs and the lowest lows, but lucky for the music listening public he stuck with music and has put together a solid career churning out blues infused soul music.
On his latest record Too Much Jesus (Not Enough Whiskey) McClain takes the listener back in time as he belts out some sweet soul music that sounds like it has been pulled right out of the 60’s or 70’s, and that is a good thing. Kicking of the album is “I Wish You Well” which puts his vocals on display. McClain delivers deep soulful harmonies that remind you of a time when r&b and soul were not about auto tune. The tracks “Feel So Good” and “Too Much Jesus (Not Enough Whiskey)” take things into a bluesy direction while he delivers some serious funky rhythms with “Hey Baby”. One of the better songs is “Rock My Soul”. Loaded with killer guitar licks, the addition of horns takes this tune over the top.
It seems these days that too many soul singers become an afterthought when they hit a certain age, veteran singers like McClain still have a lot to offer and could teach today’s singers a lesson or two. Too Much Jesus is an easy listen as the soothing tones invade your ears relaxing the listener and making it hard not to shake a leg at the same time. This is one of my favorite listens over the last year.
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