Delbert McClinton Albums (22)
'Live from Austin TX'
Release Date 7/25/2006
Tracks 15
Label New West
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What The Critics Say
Cost of Living continues the astonishing run of Delbert McClinton recordings that have come along since the mid-'90s. While some would argue that McClinton has always been consistent, Cost of Living ranks up there with Keeper of the Flame, Plain from the Heart, and Jealous Kind. This set contains 13 tunes, the majority of which McClinton either wrote or co-wrote with old mates including Gary Nicholson, Glen Clark, and Al Anderson. The sounds here are tough, gritty Texas rhythm & blues, hard honky tonk blues, slippery acoustic country, and killer funky white boy Southern soul. While there isn't a weak tune in the bunch, there are some standouts, such as the streetwise stroll of "The Part I Like the Best"; the David Parker/Manuel Villa swamp R&B of "I'll Change My Style"; the utterly spooky tale of robbery and tragedy "Down into Mexico," and the ripped-heart ballads "Kiss Her Once for Me" and "Your Memory, Me, and the Blues." There's also the rollicking wide-open rocker "Dead Wrong." The sheer intensity and acumen of McClinton's delivery on these songs takes his reputation as one of the great R&B singers to an entirely new shelf. For McClinton fans, this will be a major cause to celebrate, for the uninitiated, this is as fine a place as any to start. It's authentic, full of heart, and so deep it's fathomless. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The best way to experience Delbert McClinton's rowdy roadhouse combination of blues, roots rock, R&B, country, and Tex-Mex is on-stage with a couple of hundred other fans on a Saturday night. In that spirit, McClinton's second live album, and first since 1989's Live from Austin, documents a single 2003 performance at Norway's Bergen Blues Festival. Originally intended only as a radio broadcast, this is an unpolished example of a typical show. Although it shares five songs with its single-disc predecessor, Live features McClinton weaving newer material in with hits he's been playing for decades, such as "B-Movie Boxcar Blues," "Giving It Up for Your Love," and "Going Back to Louisiana." McClinton's in terrific voice and spirits throughout, and his seven-piece band (including two horns) is tight but loose and ragged enough to grind through rockers with garage band enthusiasm. "Rebecca, Rebecca," the album's slow blues showcase, proves how comfortable McClinton is with his band and being on-stage. This is clearly his forte, and even though he's released some terrific, if not quite classic, studio albums, this is the best way to get an overall dose of his talents. The career-spanning set list isn't a greatest-hits collection, but that just makes it more enjoyable as the singer throws in a few curve balls. His much-lauded harmonica skills are also on display during a knockout version of "I Want to Thank You Baby," but it's on the following eight-minute version of "I Want to Love You" where he and the band stretch out. The only disappointment is the relatively short playing time; a double CD should have been twice as long, and if just one tune were left off, this could have been released as a single disc. Otherwise, this is a nearly perfect document of Delbert McClinton, captured in his natural habitat with all the sweat, intensity, and frisky fun intact. ~ Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Delbert McClinton's ebullience is undeniable on Room to Breathe. One track, "Lone Star Blues," stands out for its splashy presentation; over a clip-clop beat, an eye-crossing assembly of Americana superstars gathers to sing on each chorus. Outside of Will the Circle Be Unbroken, this much talent has rarely been herded into one studio. ~ Robert L. Doerschuk, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
McClinton's first outing for the independent Austin label New West, Nothing Personal features more of the Texan harp player's loose blend of rock, blues, and honky tonk. He penned all the cuts here, sometimes in tandem with producer Gary Nicholson and Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fame (Tench also sits in on keyboards for a few cuts). The lyrical concerns take in the usual stories of love and its travails, which McClinton consistently phrases in his own rough-hewn yet sweet way. He also contributes some of his ace harmonica work to several of the tracks. The selections feature McClinton's standard variety, ranging from barroom rockers like "Squeeze Me" and the vintage country side "Birmingham Tonight" to the south-of-the-border ballad "When Rita Leaves." Another fine release from one of Texas' best. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
'One of the Fortunate Few'
Release Date 10/7/1997
Tracks 10
Label Rising Tide
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What The Critics Say
Like the first track says, Delbert McClinton is like an old weakness, coming on strong. McClinton's music is a hybrid of rock, country, and blues, though that's much too analytical for this roadhouse. Sung and played throughout with sass and a knowing grin, this is music that speaks to everyone. And for once the guest artists add just the right amount, neither dominating nor lessening the proceedings. ~ Ross Boissoneau, All Music Guide
'Never Been Rocked Enough'
Release Date 3/14/1997
Tracks 11
Label Curb
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What The Critics Say
One of those influential "musician's musician" types, vocalist/harp-player Delbert McClinton was able to call on the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Tom Petty and Melissa Etheridge for support on Never Been Rocked Enough. The results cover the whole checkerboard while remaining vintage McClinton: his harp wails on "Everytime I Roll the Dice"; "Can I Change My Mind" flirts with Motown soul; "Blues as Blues Can Get" defines the confessional blues ballad; "I Used to Worry" and the title track chug into Band/Little Feat territory. The disc also includes the performer's Grammy winning duet with Bonnie Raitt, "Good Man, Good Woman." ~ Roch Parisien, All Music Guide
'Let the Good Times Roll'
Release Date 2/28/1995
Tracks 10
Label Universal Special Products
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