Playin' Up a Storm
Gregg Allman · 1977
35 min · 9 tracks · blues
A rich blend of blues and rock, infused with country undertones that showcase Allman's soulful voice and poignant storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Come and Go Blues — This track stands out with its infectious groove and narrative about fleeting relationships, encapsulating Allman's emotional depth and musical evolution.
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Let This Be a Lesson to Ya' — With its catchy melody and reflective lyrics, this song highlights Allman's ability to blend storytelling with engaging hooks, making it relatable and memorable.
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Cryin' Shame — This track features a soulful vocal performance paired with a classic blues structure, showcasing Allman's roots while emphasizing his growth as an artist.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features solid songwriting and performances but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong, recognizable single, 'Come and Go Blues', which sets a mid-tempo groove that persists through the first half.
- The last three tracks shift to slower tempos, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the more upbeat earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo listening
- heartfelt storytelling moments
- soulful reflective vibes
- casual gathering background music
Maybe skip if you
- need for fast-paced tracks
- prefer standalone hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1977, Playin' Up a Storm was Gregg Allman's second solo album, following his debut album Laid Back. At this point in his career, Allman was solidifying his identity outside of the Allman Brothers Band, exploring more personal themes and diverse musical influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Allman Brothers Band· Lynyrd Skynyrd· Joe Cocker
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Let This Be a Lesson to Ya'
The narrative shifts from reminiscing about past mistakes to imparting wisdom directly to the listener.
This direct address creates an intimate connection between Allman and the audience, emphasizing the song's moral lesson while showcasing his lyrical maturity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Come and Go Blues 4:48
- 2 Let This Be a Lesson to Ya' 3:42
- 3 Brightest Smile in Town 3:07
- 4 Bring It on Back 4:48
- 5 Cryin' Shame 3:44
- 6 Sweet Feelin' 3:38
- 7 It Ain't No Use 3:55
- 8 Matthew's Arrival 3:51
- 9 One More Try 3:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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