Description
Gary Moore – Close As You Get – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Released on May 21, 2007, Gary Moore’s Close As You Get is a blues-driven album that highlights the legendary guitarist’s return to his gritty, raw blues roots. Known for his fiery guitar work and expressive playing, Moore’s career spanned multiple genres, including rock and heavy metal, but he always held a deep connection to the blues. Close As You Get stands as a testament to that passion, blending traditional blues covers with original compositions that showcase his signature guitar tone and emotive vocal delivery.
Following his successful 2006 album Old New Ballads Blues, Close As You Get continues Moore’s exploration of classic blues sounds with a modern twist, offering a mix of slow-burning ballads, up-tempo shuffles, and hard-hitting rock-infused tracks. The album is deeply rooted in the influences of legendary blues artists such as Muddy Waters, Elmore James, and Howlin’ Wolf, yet Moore’s virtuosic guitar playing and unique interpretation breathe new life into the genre.
Close As You Get is built around Moore’s powerful, melodic guitar work, which is as raw and emotional as ever. The album blends traditional blues elements with Moore’s hard-edged approach, giving the songs a heavier, more rock-oriented feel while still staying true to the spirit of the blues. The production is relatively stripped down, allowing Moore’s guitar and vocals to take center stage, with the occasional backing of piano, organ, and harmonica adding depth to the arrangements.
Moore’s guitar tone on Close As You Get is rich and expressive, ranging from biting, aggressive leads to soulful, delicate phrasing. His ability to convey emotion through his guitar playing is on full display here, whether he’s playing slow blues ballads or faster, rock-infused tracks.
The album is deeply influenced by traditional blues, with Moore drawing inspiration from legendary bluesmen like John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, and Sonny Boy Williamson. Tracks like “Have You Heard” and “Thirty Days” reflect Moore’s reverence for the genre’s roots, while still showcasing his modern take on the sound.
While the album is grounded in blues, Moore’s rock background is evident in the heavier, more electric arrangements. Songs like “If the Devil Made Whiskey” and “Hard Times” feature powerful, distorted guitar riffs that bridge the gap between traditional blues and classic rock, making the album appealing to both blues purists and rock fans alike.
As with many blues albums, Close As You Get explores themes of heartache, betrayal, and personal struggles. Moore’s gritty, soulful vocals capture the emotional weight of these timeless themes, and his guitar playing serves as the perfect companion, expressing the pain and longing that define much of the blues tradition.
Songs like “Did You Ever Feel Lonely?” and “Trouble at Home” deal with feelings of isolation and heartache, with Moore’s haunting vocals and slow, mournful guitar lines adding to the emotional depth of the tracks.
The blues is often about overcoming hardship, and tracks like “Hard Times” reflect that theme of resilience. Moore’s raw, gritty delivery on this track embodies the spirit of the blues as a form of expression for life’s challenges and the hope of redemption.
Much of Close As You Get follows the blues tradition of storytelling, with songs that narrate tales of lost love, difficult circumstances, and the desire for something better. Tracks like “Thirty Days” and “Have You Heard” feature classic blues lyrics and themes, further grounding the album in the genre’s rich history.
Notable Tracks
“If the Devil Made Whiskey”: The album opens with this hard-hitting, electric blues track, featuring heavy guitar riffs and Moore’s gravelly vocals. The song’s swagger and intensity set the tone for the album, blending traditional blues with Moore’s rock influence.
“Trouble at Home”: A slow, blues ballad that showcases Moore’s emotive guitar work, “Trouble at Home” is one of the album’s standout tracks. The mournful melody and Moore’s soulful playing make this a deeply emotional moment on the record, capturing the essence of the blues.
“Thirty Days”: This up-tempo, classic blues shuffle is a cover of the Chuck Berry song, and Moore’s rendition adds his signature guitar style while staying true to the upbeat, infectious energy of the original. The track is fun, energetic, and highlights Moore’s ability to pay homage to his blues influences.
“Have You Heard”: A cover of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, this track features some of Moore’s most passionate guitar work on the album. His expressive playing, combined with the song’s slow, soulful pace, makes for a powerful and emotional performance.
“Did You Ever Feel Lonely?”: A deeply introspective track, this song deals with themes of loneliness and longing. Moore’s heartfelt vocals and tender guitar lines make this one of the more reflective moments on the album, offering a slower, more contemplative side of his artistry.
Close As You Get was well-received by both critics and fans, particularly those who appreciated Moore’s dedication to the blues. While some listeners may have expected a more rock-oriented sound, those who were familiar with Moore’s earlier blues work, such as Still Got the Blues (1990), recognized Close As You Get as a return to his roots.
Critics praised Moore’s guitar playing, noting his ability to blend technical skill with raw emotion. His vocal performances were also highlighted, as they perfectly complemented the album’s themes of heartache and struggle. While the album did not achieve the same commercial success as some of Moore’s rock records, it has become a respected entry in his discography, particularly among blues fans.m
Close As You Get is a powerful statement from Gary Moore, showcasing his deep love for the blues and his ability to deliver it with both authenticity and a modern edge. The album is a perfect blend of traditional blues influences and Moore’s own distinct style, with his guitar playing taking center stage.
For fans of Gary Moore’s blues work, Close As You Get offers a deeply satisfying listen, filled with emotional depth and stunning guitar performances. It serves as a reminder of Moore’s versatility and his ability to channel the spirit of the blues through his music, making it an essential album for anyone who appreciates passionate, raw, and honest blues.
100% VIRGIN VINYL
LIMITED EDITION 180gr LP
OPTIMAL MEDIA QUALITY
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
If The Devil Made Whisky
Trouble At Home
Thirty Days
Hard Times
Have You Heard
Eyesight To The Blind
Evenin’
Nowhere Fast
Checkin’ Up On My Baby
I Had A Dream
Sundown
