Koko Taylor: Royal Blue : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

The blues has never been about building healthy relationships. For four decades Koko Taylor has sung of love between beating, cheating son-of-a-bitch men and women who can give as good as they get. On her new album -- her first in seven years -- Taylor keeps it real with songs like "Hittin' on Me," "Keep Your Booty Out of My Bed" and "Don't Let Me Catch You (With Your Drawers Down)." The latter is just one of four songs Taylor wrote on Royal Blue (she also co-produced the album). Taylor is a senior citizen, but her voice remains a powerhouse, from the opening growl on "Save Your Breath" to the stomping "Fuel to Burn." Of course, being blues royalty these days means a compulsory roundup of guest stars: Kenny Wayne Shepherd joins Taylor for a cover of Melissa Etheridge's "Bring Me Some Water" that turns into a shouting match of guitar and vocal. The duet with B.B. King, with whom Taylor has raised the roof in the past, is the only dud here. But overall, Royal shows that this blues lioness still has her bite, and plenty of roar. (RS 849)

RICHARD ABOWITZ