I Want to Hug You, that's how Hooker starts off, a great deep bluesy growl. God knows I love you, baby, tell the world I do God knows I love you, darlin', tell the world I do I'll do anything, just to be loved by you

Mr. Lucky is an album that blues legend John Lee Hooker recorded in 1991, when he was 74 years old. It was the same year he was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. However, like B.B. King, age doesn't seem to affect blues legends until they actually die. Hooker's voice on this album is as rich and deep and full of the blues as early recordings like The Real Folk Blues. However, since it is a later recording, it benefits from modern recording technology. I have an SACD of Hooker's that I reviewed, and my only complaint was inferior sound quality. Mr. Lucky has the advantage of excellent sound quality.

Mr. Lucky the title track starts off with a jaunty guitar solo and bass line. Hooker laughs a bit before he starts to sing in his unique style. There are some great blues guitar solos in this song. The Robert Cray band backs John Lee Hooker on this tune.

Backstabber features a church like organ backing an intense guitar intro. It is a song about a woman that 'done a man wrong'. Hookers voice sounds melancholy as he lays out this tale of woe. The iceman himself, Albert Collins is a guest on this song, playing his Telecaster. This is Hip starts off with a happier guitar lick, and a steady drum and bass beat. Ry Cooder guest stars on guitar. I messed around and fell in love, yeahhh

A low bluesy organ and the deep Hmmm mmmm mmm begings I Cover the Waterfront I cover the waterfront Watchin' the ship go by I could see everybody's baby But I couldn't see mine . The song meanders along at a slow sad pace. Van Morrison also sings vocals with Hooker on this tune.

Highway 13 has a deep bluesy growl, with harmonica and slide guitar. It sounds like it rose up from Louisiana swamps. Stripped Me Naked features Carlos Santana on guitar and it is a scorching blues tune. Like many of Santanas tunes, this song has a large percussion section with drums, congas and timbales. It is a song about divorce. took my house, took my cadillac too.

Susie is a short straight ahead blues love song with Johnny Winter on guitar with Hooker. They are accompanied only by bass and drums.

One of my favorite tunes on the album is Crawlin' Kingsnake (also one of Jim Morrison's favorite songs). Keith Richards is on guitar here. You may have heard the Doors cover of this song, this is Hooker singing the original.

The final song on the album is Father was a Jockey.

All in all this is a fine collection of ten blues songs written and performed by John Lee Hooker and many special guests. If you love the Blues, Mr. Lucky should be part of your collection. 5 stars.



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