Volume 4 Blues: A Smokin’ Good Time with a Few Bumps Along the Way
Alright, folks, buckle up because Volume 4 Blues by Various is here to remind you why blues music still packs a punch in 2023. Released under MasterSource (props for keeping it real), this album brings together some killer tracks that’ll have your toes tapping and maybe even your heart breaking—depending on how much whiskey you’ve had tonight.
First off, let’s talk about “My Heart Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.” Man, if there was ever a song title that summed up post-breakup feels, this is it. The track hits hard right outta the gate with raw vocals and guitar riffs so sharp they could cut glass. It’s not just sad; it’s like someone handed you a mirror of all your regrets but made it sound kinda beautiful. You’ll remember this one because it sticks to your soul like gum on a hot sidewalk. And honestly? That’s what good blues does—it gets messy, stays messy, and somehow makes you feel better about it.
Then we’ve got “Boom Boom Boom,” which flips the vibe completely. This tune is straight-up fun—a foot-stomping, head-bobbing anthem perfect for when life hands you lemons and instead of crying, you decide to make lemonade… or margaritas. The energy here is infectious, with drums pounding like a heartbeat after too many espressos. If I had to pick one track to crank up during a road trip, this would be it. Even my cat perked up when I played it—and trust me, she hates everything.
The rest of the album? Solid stuff. Tracks like “Bad Weather Bad Women” keep things gritty, while “Let’s Live It Up” leans into that classic blues swagger without taking itself too seriously. But let’s be real—not every song lands perfectly. Some moments feel like filler at a buffet table: okay, but not exactly what you came for. Still, the highs outweigh the lows, especially when you factor in gems like “Gonna Rev It Up” and “Crying Over You.”
What’s wild about Volume 4 Blues is how unapologetically human it feels. These aren’t shiny pop tunes designed to go viral—they’re stories told through gritted teeth and worn-out strings. At times, it drags a little, sure, but isn’t that kind of the point? Life ain’t always smooth sailing, and neither is this record.
So where does that leave us? Somewhere between loving it and wondering if we need another cup of coffee to get through the slower bits. Either way, Volume 4 Blues proves that sometimes imperfection is its own kind of perfection. Now excuse me—I gotta go find out who left their blues playlist stuck on repeat in my brain.
Final verdict? Worth a listen, unless you hate feeling something deep down in your bones.
