SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: FOGHAT – LIVE AND LOUD ACROSS THE U.S.A.

FOGHAT
LIVE AND LOUD ACROSS THE U.S.A.
FOGHAT RECORDS

Foghat released their 17th studio album, Sonic Mojo, in 2023 and it gave them their first number one album (it went to number one on the Billboard ‘Blues Chart’). It may have taken them 50 years, but they finally made it to number one. And it was well deserved. Soon after the release of the album, they embarked on a lengthy tour of the US. Live And Loud Across The U.S.A.  features highlights from that tour. Live & Loud Across The U.S.A. is Foghat’s 10th live album, and it just might be their best. The band has only one original member (Roger Earl, drums) but he has assembled an incredible band, featuring  Bryan Bassett (lead guitar, slide guitar, backing vocals), Rodney O’Quinn (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Scott Holt (lead vocals, guitar). Live & Loud Across The U.S.A. marks the first live album featuring this particular lineup of Foghat.

This triple album set is a real treat for fans. The first two albums feature live recordings from the 2025 tour. The third album is the vinyl debut of the classic Earl and The Agitators Shaken and Stirred album, originally released in 2018 on CD. Of course, Earl & the Agitators is Foghat, it is a much-loved live recording. It is nice to have in the collection. As for the double live album, this is pure Foghat. The band is in top form and performs the songs with excitement and energy.

The songs are taken from various locations, with the band choosing the best versions from the tour. It is a wise move as the songs are powerful and fresh. Even though songs come from various shows, the album makes it sound like one concert. They perform songs from their Sonic Mojo album, which sounds great live (particularly “Drivin’ On”) and they perform their classics as well, although “Slow Ride” is nowhere to be found. But that is more than ok, as classics such as “My Babe,” “Someone’s Been Sleeping In My Bed,” and “I Just Want To Make Love To You” are here in their rocking glory.

While Foghat studio albums are fantastic, they have a solid reputation as a touring band. They are one band that you have to see live at some point in your life. This new live album goes a long way in explaining that sentiment. It is loud, rocking, guitar soloing rock and blues. Live & Loud Across The U.S.A delivers what the title promises.

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