SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: KEB’ MO’ – THE BREAKDOWN

KEB’ MO’
THE BREAKDOWN
CONCORD RECORDS

Keb’ Mo’ (also known as Kevin Roosevelt Moore) has been making music since the 1970s, but his debut album, Rainmaker, was not released until 1980. Since then, he has released 20 studio/live albums. The Breakdown is his 21st and his first since last year’s collaboration with Taj Mahal. Keb’ Mo’ has had an astounding career during the last 50 years. Besides releasing brilliant and, quite frankly, inspirational albums, he has won five GRAMMYs, an Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award, and many more accolades. The Breakdown comes after a year of a great deal of trials and tribulations for Keb’ Mo’.

That is the origin of The Breakdown and perhaps the cure for his rough times. This is a stripped-back and bare Keb’ Mo.’ Just him and a guitar. He does get some incredible vocal support from the Soweto Gospel Choir and the gospel sextet Take 6, but The Breakdown is pure Keb’ Mo,’ and it is astounding. It is an honest, moving, incredible album. With all his problems, he turns to religion, spirituality, and the Lord. The music reflects this movement for Keb’ Mo’.

His voice, combined with his incredible guitar, makes for riveting listening. “Every Step of the Way” is beautiful, with subtle, wonderful guitar and impactful lyrics. He doesn’t dwell on the problems but focuses on gratitude. “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To” is a brilliant pro-feminist song, accentuated with fantastic harmonies from Take 6. “Hand It Over” is another brilliant use of vocals, this time with the Soweto Gospel Choir. “Walking on Water” is absolutely beautiful and moving. His voice is perfect, and the sparse guitar helps the song tug at all heartstrings.

Although Keb’ Mo’ is very traditional when he is writing and recording the blues, he has created his own distinct sound. Lyrically, he does incorporate human rights and spirituality. This is not gospel, but there are moments when it does have that flair. Keb’ Mo’ has produced a stunning album with The Breakdown. This album is inspirational and offers a great deal of healing support through its lyrics and music. It is a brilliant album.

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