Album Review - Los Lonely Boys: Sacred

This is a follow-up to my previous article:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/76267/review_los_lonely_boys_selftitled_debut.html

Some time ago I reviewed here on AC Los Lonely Boys self-titled debut album. It was a fine musical outing, and I think it surprised some people. With their tuneful blend of guitars and vocals, LLB created quite a stir in a stagnant music scene on the strength of such tunes as "Heaven".

In the summer of 2006, LLB released their long-awaited follow-up Sacred. Many fans hoped that the band would not suffer the sophomore-album-blues, so to speak. First off, the band has expanded their sound with a beefier production that includes more horns, harmonized guitars, more organ and vocals. The three Garza brothers - Henry on guitar, JoJo on bass and piano, and Ringo (yes that's his real name!) on drums - all sing wonderfully in three part harmony that is so effortless.

Again, as with their debut, their strength lies in A) the catchiness of their songs and vocals B) the toughness and swing of their grooves and C) the diversity of their songs. One can easily hear Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hendrix, Ritchie Valens, Beatles, Santana, country, rock, blues and Gospel influences. However, this is truly a blend not just a sum of parts.

"My Way" kicks off the record. It is a nice looping shuffle with some nice horn punctuation.

"Orale" is next and definitely bears a heavy Tex-Mex influence. I hear shades of Los Lobos here in particular

"Diamonds" is the lead single from Sacred and picks up where "Heaven" left off. The harmonized guitar lead is a particularly nice touch.

"Oye Mamacita" is a heavy groove song, equal parts Hendrix and Santana. This one will get your feet tapping.

"I Never Met A Woman" - this tune is a very nicely understated blues tune. Think of it as a Tex-Mex version of BB King's "Thrill Is Gone": it's got a slightly similar riff.

"Roses" - is a nice blend of R&B and Tex-Mex. It sounds a little like something Indigenous might do, actually. Nice tune.