Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Bigger is not always better, but an expanded thought can enlighten minds, can further increase desire, and place a considerable amount of value on the presence of what was hidden, and what can be revealed. In literature you only must immerse yourself into the legendary Stephen King novel, The Stand, to understand that the greatness of the narrative is not diminished by the knowledge that there is an all together a whole other aspect to the conversation to be had, an unveiling of words and images that allow the picture painted by the artist to be scrutinised and loved in even greater detail.
This extension of thought is perfectly captured, and captivatingly so, by one of the great Blues/Rock women of the 21st Century, Beth Hart, as she reveals the titillating extras with a stance of reinvigoration and animation the comprehensive version of her 2024 release, You Still Got Me.
The deluxe edition of the album unveils six tracks that were previously only available via a limited-edition boxset at the time, and yet what the American blues machine has unleashed with impact is a sense of the glorious revolution, of never being content with having unfurled one flag, and instead showcasing the ferocity and gold standard of blowing expectations completely apart and where once stood the realm of satisfaction now resides immense and universally declared cool.
The boundaries that were already illuminated and sizzling like electric wires caught in a lightning storm, have been found to be the building blocks for stars to take their rightful place in the night sky; burning with intensity, even more beautiful to behold when it removes the filters that bound it in one place.
Alongside the incredible songs that made the original album such a towering force initially, such as Savior, Drunk On Valentine, and the superb Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash, the extended versions of these and more add depth to Beth Hart’s triumph, more groove that twists and turns the mind as though hypnotised by grace, and a sense of the infinite that never shies away from being seen.
You Still Got Me is not just a deluxe release it is an extensive reason brought to life, and one that build with fortune upon the listener’s original reaction with pleasure.
Ian D. Hall