Prologue: I discovered Derek Trucks in issue 1020 of The Rolling Stone. He was featured on the cover (with John Mayer and John Frusciante(of Red Hot Chilli Peppers) with the caption "The New Guitar Gods". Rolling Stone referred to him as "The Jam King". I read the article, youtubed a couple videos, and didn't really think about it again. Truth be told, I bought the magizine because my golden boy John Mayer was front and center. Two years later, I noticed "Already Free" in the Itunes music store, and decided to download it.
"Already Free" is everything anyone who ever listened to southern rock could want. The album opens with the song Down in the Flood, which has a down-by-the-bayou feel and makes sure you notice what this album is about; Trucks incredible talent with the slide guitar. If you don't like guitar, I wouldn't listen to this album. If you're looking for a baby-soft voice, don't listen to this album. This is down and dirty blues/rock.
My favorite track is the second one, "Something to Make You Happy". The chorus is catchy and quick. The soulful organ playing throughout the song brings a funky element to it. The guitar solo is great. Another track that jumps out is "Sweet Inspiration". It opens with a churchy organ and jumps into an uplifting guitar rift. "Sweet inspiration" makes you think of a hot summer day at church, with all the women using fans to cool themselves.
As the album progresses, it slows down, quietly but soundly showing Dereks true blues roots. I loved the album, it's twenty steps away from anything else I'd listen too.
