Eliza Neals is busy these days, creating some wall-shaking thunder with her brand-new release, Thunder In The House. Hailing from the Detroit, Michigan area, she was exposed to a wealth of great music. She was encouraged to take piano lessons and sang with her sisters early in her musical journey. She also graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Neals toured Europe with the school’s chorale group, but eventually returned to Detroit, where the blues soon came knocking at her door. There, she began singing at popular clubs, working to fine-tune her playing and vocal delivery. A chance meeting with Motown great Barrett Strong sparked a friendship that led Neals to pursue a career in blues, soul, and R&B music. Since then, she has not looked back, recording thirteen studio albums and earning numerous award nominations and wins.
I always like to make sure that I credit great musicianship, and Thunder In The House is supported by excellent players, including Eliza Neals herself. There are nine well-crafted tracks, and Neals has either written or co-written each of them. I love the way some of the vocals have been layered on this recording. Listening with headphones really allows you to hear these vocals as they should be heard. They are tasteful and enjoyable.
“Speedy Beady” kicks off the album with a lighthearted song about a red rooster that is “waking me up at the crack of dawn.” Neals also sings about old Speedy Beady sleeping with the girl chickens when he does not even know their names. There is some nice guitar work on this tune to complement the great storyline about this promiscuous rooster. You can also find a video of “Speedy Beady” on YouTube.
“Love Will” features strong guitar work throughout and is another track available on YouTube. Neals sings, “So many people losing their faith. We need love to brighten up their day.” I especially like the ending when she repeats, “love will brighten up their day.” Love is one thing that costs so little and means so much. We could all work harder at sharing more of it these days.
On “Wicked Heart,” Eliza Neals delivers a powerful vocal performance. “Wicked heart, tearing me apart; the Devil is your middle name.” This song also features some fiery guitar work that adds to its intensity.
The final track on Thunder In The House is the title track, “Thunder In The House,” and it is a strong closer. There is some exceptional slide guitar work throughout. “Thunder and lightning, so very frightening; thunder in the house.” This slower number has a dark, moody feel. “Be quiet as a mouse,” Neals sings, hinting at lingering memories that cannot be forgotten.
The musicianship, vocals, and songwriting across this recording are consistently solid. Neals’ voice carries a gravelly, coarse texture that makes everything she sings sound bluesy, soulful, and powerful.
Thunder In The House is a recording that listeners will likely enjoy revisiting time and again. As a fan of live music, both in person and recorded, I have watched Eliza Neals perform in available videos, and that is where she truly shines brightest.
Mick Jagger has reportedly said this about Neals: “a voice I soon won’t forget,” and I agree with that statement. She has built an impressive list of musical collaborations, having worked with artists such as Joe Louis Walker, King Solomon Hicks, Peter Keys, Derek St. Holmes, Popa Chubby, Tony Joe White, Mike Zito, Tommy Castro, Albert Castiglia, and Walter Trout.
If you get the opportunity, be sure to catch Eliza Neals live and give Thunder In The House a listen. You will be glad you did.
The Review: 9/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Speedy Beady
– Love Will
– Wicked Heart
– Thunder In The House
The Big Hit
– Thunder In The House
Buy the album: Eliza Neals on Bandcamp
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