The Big Risk by Joeblow: A Funk-Soul-Rock-Hip Hop Monster That Kicks You in the Teeth (and You Like It)
Alright, let’s get this straight—The Big Risk isn’t your average album. Released back in 2007 by Vice Records outta Italy, this thing is a genre-bending beast that doesn’t give a damn about fitting into one box. Joeblow throws funk metal, hard rock, and nu metal into a blender, hits puree, and serves it up with a side of attitude. If you’re looking for something safe and predictable, walk away now. But if you want an album that punches you in the face and makes you ask for more? Keep reading.
First off, let’s talk tracks. "Acqua Alla Gola" sticks with me like gum on a hot sidewalk. It’s got this relentless groove that grabs you by the throat from the first beat. Giorgio Cundari’s vocals are raw as hell, like he just stepped outta some underground club fight. The bassline from Dario Savoia? Damn near criminal—it’s dirty, funky, and heavy enough to make your speakers cry. Then there’s Francesco “Felix” De Felice shredding on guitar like his life depends on it. This track feels like standing too close to a fire—you know you should move, but instead, you stay and burn.
And then we’ve got "Stop The Dream," which slaps harder than most songs even try to. This one’s darker, angrier, almost like Joeblow took all their frustrations and poured them straight into the mix. The turntable work by Fabio Molli adds this gritty hip-hop edge that keeps things unpredictable. By the time Francesco “JB” Margherita’s drums kick in full force, you’re not just listening anymore—you’re living it. It’s chaotic, sure, but in the best way possible. Like when life gets messy but somehow still works out.
Now, credit where it’s due—the production team didn’t phone it in. Nicola Tranquillo handled engineering and mixing, and dude clearly knows how to keep things tight without losing that raw energy. Davide Barbarulo mastered this bad boy, so every punch lands exactly where it needs to. And let’s not forget Joeblow himself—he wrote, produced, and basically birthed this monster into existence. Respect.
What I love about The Big Risk is how unapologetically weird it is. Most albums these days feel like they were made by committee, polished till they shine brighter than a new car. Not this one. This feels real. Messy. Human. Like someone just said, “Screw it, let’s see what happens,” and magic spilled out. Tracks like "King Kong 5" or "Wishful Thinking" might not hit the same way for everyone, but they add layers to the chaos. Even the slower moments, like "L’Ultima Volta," have this haunting vibe that stays with you long after the music stops.
So yeah, The Big Risk ain’t perfect. Some parts feel rough around the edges, and maybe that’s why it flies under the radar. But honestly? That’s what makes it special. In a world full of cookie-cutter crap, this album dares to be different. And hey, maybe that’s the biggest risk of all—to create something that refuses to blend in.
Final thought? Listening to this album feels like getting into a bar fight and walking away with a black eye and a grin. Weirdly satisfying. Now go listen to it before I change my mind and delete this whole review.
