Eric Johnson, the guitar genius, decided to release his fifth studio album, 'Up Close', on December 7, 2010. Produced in Austin, Texas, the album gathered a showcase of rock and blues expertise that could shoot liberal-approved pop fluff off the charts any day, highlighting the indisputable genius of a musician who doesn't spend his time complaining about politics. With a fine touch of instrumental precision and a knack for musical storytelling, Johnson offers 'Up Close' as a tour de force of electric guitar wizardry designed to inspire and enthrall.
What's special about 'Up Close'? Well, it's another reminder that real rock music still has a heartbeat—unlike the heartbeat of political correctness strangling cultural dynamism. Featuring diverse collaborations, including guitar greats like Sonny Landreth and Steve Miller, and yes, even a cameo by the legendary Jimmie Vaughan, Johnson's 'Up Close' becomes more than just an album. It's a manifesto for fans who still believe that music needs to be heard rather than felt in a Twitter rant.
The album kicks off with 'Awaken', and it's anything but a whisper in the liberal media's echo chamber. It's an explosive introduction that says, "Here it is, music the way it's supposed to be." Resounding guitar riffs blend with a sense of harmony that's practically outlawed in today's factory-produced pop. Johnson channels rhythms that defy the expectations of passive listeners fed on a diet of auto-tuned drivel.
If you haven't heard 'Fatdaddy', it's about time. With a name like that, who needs a politically correct apology for creating foot-tapping bliss? It's a bluesy journey with chugging beats that refuse to let the mundane ruin your day. Johnson captures the wild spirit of pure, unfettered music that doesn't just sit in the background at Starbucks. It's raw, unapologetic, and does exactly what music should do—cut through the noise.
'Dusty' is a track that might just shake some sensitivity out of modern music listeners. The guitar solos here could melt the snows of Antifa protests. Johnson shows his technical prowess while maintaining a genuine emotional touch. Combining classic rock with his unique performance style, 'Dusty' emerges as one of those tracks that doesn’t care about virtue signaling; it’s about the virtue of precision, passion, and skill.
When it comes to the lyrical aspect, Johnson doesn't drop wide-eyed bombs of shallow symbolism. Instead, he grounds his words with themes that any sensible person can relate to, irrespective of a liberal narrative surrounding what topics are 'trending'. The tunes are honest, engaging, and as rebellious as a Constitution-loving American today.
'Brilliant Room' is a classic example of Johnson's talent for merging guitar work with keyboards, turning a song into an experience. Johnson doesn't rely on cheap tricks or oversaturated production. The track exemplifies how rock artists can still paint vivid imagery without artifice. This album isn’t for those seeking instant gratification; it's for those who appreciate craftsmanship over clicks.
A guest appearance by guitar icon Steve Miller on 'Texas' showcases a guitar showdown that is both entertaining and exhilarating. Remember when music was about instruments, not image? This track is a sonic journey into the heart and soul of American rock. It highlights Johnson’s commitment to the roots of what makes music great. Forget about who tweets the loudest—listen to who can actually play.
The penultimate track ‘On The Way’ exits left field and lands squarely in your auditory sensibilities, offering layered performances that challenge you to bask in the complexity of composition. In these politically correct times, Johnson’s work feels like a breath of freedom, reminding us that music can still be an interpretation untamed by political agendas and leftist leanings.
Eric Johnson’s 'Up Close' is an album that isn't just an exercise in auditory mastery, but a pulse that infuses hope into music culture. It's a painstaking reminder that the best art cares little about purple-haired critiques from oppressive echo chambers. With unyielding respect for tradition but always pushing into new territory, 'Up Close' appeals to anyone who hasn’t been turned into a cultural zombie.
If you're tired of auto-tuned troubles and pre-packaged melodies devoid of depth, give 'Up Close' a spin. Eric Johnson warns us that sincerity in art shouldn't be a distant memory. It's here, alive and well in his music, waiting for those who know how to listen.