Bring 'Em In cover

Bring 'Em In

Buddy Guy · 2005

62 min · 13 tracks · blues

Blues-infused rock intertwines with soulful ballads, showcasing a master guitarist's emotive storytelling and vibrant musicianship.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Now You’re Gone Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    I Put a Spell on You — This track exemplifies Guy's passionate vocal delivery and fiery guitar solos, breathing new life into a blues classic originally by Screamin' Jay Hawkins.
  • →
    Ain’t No Sunshine — Guy’s rendition transforms this well-known ballad into a haunting experience, revealing his deep emotional connection to the song through his expressive phrasing.
  • →
    Somebody’s Sleeping in My Bed — This track showcases Guy’s ability to blend storytelling with musicality, as he navigates themes of love and betrayal with deft guitar work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends classic blues with modern rock elements, showcasing strong guitar work but with some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a bluesy tone, followed by several songs that alternate between upbeat rhythms and slower ballads.
  • Guy's guitar work is prominent throughout, often featuring extended solos that showcase his technical skill and emotional expression.
  • Several tracks reinterpret classic blues standards while maintaining a contemporary rock feel, blending traditional elements with modern production.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • soulful guitar work throughout listening
  • for late-night introspection
  • cathartic moments of heartfelt expression

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks
  • seeking strict single-focused listening

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases Guy's range without being a standout in his catalog.
Themes
southern blues traditions· haunted love stories· Chicago nightlife
Career context
In 2005, Buddy Guy was already an established blues legend, known for his influential guitar work and vocal style. 'Bring 'Em In' followed his acclaimed album 'Sweet Tea' from 2001 and continued to solidify his reputation as a key figure in modern blues while also appealing to a new generation of listeners.
Stylistic neighbors
Albert King· Freddie King· Johnny Winter

Tracklist

  • 1 Now You’re Gone Start here 5:03
  • 2 Ninety Nine and One Half 3:47
  • 3 What Kind of Woman Is This 5:17
  • 4 Somebody’s Sleeping in My Bed 6:25
  • 5 I Put a Spell on You 4:04
  • 6 On a Saturday Night 3:18
  • 7 Ain’t No Sunshine 3:25
  • 8 I’ve Got Dreams to Remember 4:56
  • 9 Lay Lady Lay 4:35
  • 10 Cheaper to Keep Her/Blues in the Night 6:17
  • 11 Cut You Loose 7:39
  • 12 The Price You Gotta Pay 3:41
  • 13 Do Your Thing 4:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata