If you want to have a good time while you're listening to music, this is, without a doubt, the album for you. Sounding like James Brown’s ungrateful step child, Black Joe Lewis and his crew comes at you with purpose and a bad attitude. Forthright and shameless, they sing songs about booty calls and big booty. In fact the booty is an integral part of the lyrics on this album. Odes to the booty never sounded so fine.

Kicking off the album is the explosive soulful rocker “Gunpowder.” The horn section and jangly guitar set this song in motion. Then Mr. Lewis steps up for his turn and he smacks you with a few old-school licks. Following that song is the funky “Sugarfoot.” I dare you to not dance to this. It is impossible. The bass moves you, then the horns rattle you. By the time the holler part comes in you will be in a trance. Slowing it down a bit but still keeping it funky, you hear “I’m Broke.” Who can’t relate to this sentiment? It’s nice to feel like you’re not the only one singing the blues about being broke.

We also discover Black Joe Lewis might have some trouble with the ladies. On “Get Yo Shit” he forgets his lady for the evening's name and then completely abandons her. “Please Pt. Two” is the final and best song on the album. He sounds primal, screeching like a man headed straight to hell as he begs for redemption. Through his anguish you can hear him say “PLEASE …Tell me baby, what I got to do, try to get with you babe."

This album makes me feel good. I can sing along to it and I can perform my white-boy boogie without shame. Black Joe Lewis and his band of Honeybears make the kind of music you can’t find anywhere. It takes special people coming to together on a mission to make funky songs that rock your socks off and put soul in your step.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

For more info go to: www.blackjoelewis.com