By the time SKIN DEEP was released in 2008, Buddy Guy was in his early 70s. The thing is, there are only a few tell-tale signs that Guy has aged any since his blistering work from the 1960s and `70s, and these signs-which include the slick, contemporary production, and the veteran-performer trend of having a parade of guest artists on the album-- are largely superficial. In truth, Guy still plays and sings like the urban blues monster he remains.
From the slinky, sexy opener, "Best Damn Fool," to the blues history lesson of "Who's Gonna Fill Those Shoes," to the slow-burn closer "I Found Happiness," Guy doesn't seem to have mellowed with age. In fact, he wails and shreds here with as much passion as ever. Eric Clapton, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, and Robert Randolph all lend a hand, but Buddy is in charge here, much the way he has always been.
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (p.92) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "Guy is a blues man, not a protest singer, and when he wields his ax with perfect restraint over the organ and loping bass line of 'I Found Happiness,' you best believe that's what he's done."
Living Blues (p.39) - "SKIN DEEP is a return to form for Buddy Guy....On the opening track, 'Best Damn Fool,' Guy comes roaring out of the gate with a vicious guitar attack and a four-piece horn section blasting behind him."
