Released 5 years ago this October
Time Clocks
Joe Bonamassa · 2021
56 min · 10 tracks · blues
Bluesy guitar riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a rich tapestry of sound that captures Bonamassa's signature style.
Top tracks — play these first
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Notches Start here — This track features intricate guitar solos layered over soulful vocals, showcasing Bonamassa's dual talent as a guitarist and singer. Its reflective lyrics discuss personal growth and the passage of time, resonating deeply with listeners.
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The Heart That Never Waits — With its soaring melody and emotional delivery, this song exemplifies Bonamassa's ability to blend blues with rock sensibilities. The poignant lyrics explore themes of longing and vulnerability, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Time Clocks — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching theme of time and reflection, featuring dynamic instrumentation that builds to an explosive climax. The juxtaposition of heavy riffs with introspective lyrics highlights Bonamassa's artistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong guitar work and lyrical depth, but it remains within familiar blues territory without significant innovation.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature prominent guitar solos that establish a high-energy opening, while the fourth track introduces a slower tempo with a focus on lyrical storytelling.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns between Bonamassa and backing singers, enhancing the bluesy feel.
- The album closes with a gradual fade-out on the final track, creating a sense of resolution after an emotional journey.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- introspective moments for deep listening
- soulful melodies for reflective moods
- engaging narratives throughout the album
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and evolution in Bonamassa's sound and songwriting.
- Career context
- Released on October 29, 2021, 'Time Clocks' is Joe Bonamassa's 13th studio album and showcases his evolution as an artist. Following a series of successful live albums and collaborations, this record marks a return to his roots with a focus on original material, displaying both maturity and technical prowess in his playing.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gary Clark Jr.· Keb' Mo'· Susan Tedeschi
Tracklist
- 1 Pilgrimage 0:55
- 2 Notches Start here 7:04
- 3 The Heart That Never Waits 5:51
- 4 Time Clocks 7:08
- 5 Questions and Answers 4:09
- 6 Mind’s Eye 6:17
- 7 Curtain Call 7:32
- 8 The Loyal Kind 6:48
- 9 Hanging On a Loser 4:17
- 10 Known Unknowns 6:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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