Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Best Damn Fool Start here — This track opens the album with an infectious groove and showcases Guy's signature guitar work and vocal energy, setting the tone for the entire project.
-
→
Every Time I Sing the Blues — A reflective ballad that emphasizes emotional storytelling through its lyrical content, demonstrating Guy's ability to convey deep feelings with simplicity.
-
→
Show Me the Money — This track combines humor with sharp social commentary, revealing Guy’s knack for blending fun with thought-provoking lyrics while maintaining a catchy rhythm.
-
→
Skin Deep — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its soulful melody and introspective lyrics, highlighting Guy's vulnerability and authenticity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Skin Deep showcases Buddy Guy's strong songwriting and guitar skills while maintaining a cohesive blues sound.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and strong guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective mood.
- Several tracks include call-and-response vocal patterns, a common technique in blues that enhances the interaction between the singer and the audience.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
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 journey throughout
- vibrant energy for gatherings
- reflective moments of nostalgia
- cathartic release in each track
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek fast-paced, short songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Buddy Guy's mastery and emotional depth, receiving critical acclaim.
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Skin Deep is Buddy Guy's follow-up to the Grammy-winning album Bring 'Em In (2005). At this point in his career, Guy was celebrated as a living blues legend, having influenced countless musicians while continuing to evolve his sound. This album further solidified his position as a vital force in contemporary blues.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Albert King· Freddie King· Johnny Winter
Tracklist
- 1 Best Damn Fool Start here 4:57
- 2 Too Many Tears 4:25
- 3 Lyin’ Like a Dog 7:27
- 4 Show Me the Money 3:09
- 5 Every Time I Sing the Blues 7:37
- 6 Out in the Woods 5:44
- 7 Hammer and a Nail 2:58
- 8 That’s My Home 2:53
- 9 Skin Deep 4:30
- 10 Who’s Gonna Fill Those Shoes 4:09
- 11 Smell the Funk 4:46
- 12 I Found Happiness 5:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.