Blues Traveler are a hippie blues'n'boogie band in the mode of Canned Heat and Savoy Brown. Led by John Popper, a rotund singer and harmonica player, the New Jersey quartet captured the open-ended jam mentality of its live... more » shows on its first two studio albums. On their third album, Save His Soul, Blues Traveler tightens up their arrangements and puts more emphasis on songwriting and premeditated parts. While this cuts down on the meandering solos and monotonous rhythm patterns, it forces attention on the hackneyed aphorisms and melody-starved chord changes that pass for the band's songwriting. On the other hand, they have improved noticeably as players, and bassist Bobby Sheehan shines in particular on the fast and tricky syncopations.« less
Blues Traveler are a hippie blues'n'boogie band in the mode of Canned Heat and Savoy Brown. Led by John Popper, a rotund singer and harmonica player, the New Jersey quartet captured the open-ended jam mentality of its live shows on its first two studio albums. On their third album, Save His Soul, Blues Traveler tightens up their arrangements and puts more emphasis on songwriting and premeditated parts. While this cuts down on the meandering solos and monotonous rhythm patterns, it forces attention on the hackneyed aphorisms and melody-starved chord changes that pass for the band's songwriting. On the other hand, they have improved noticeably as players, and bassist Bobby Sheehan shines in particular on the fast and tricky syncopations.
Mark M. (bvilleborn) from NASHVILLE, TN Reviewed on 8/7/2006...
Best studio release for this band. A different sound than their other relases, a little more dark and gritty.
CD Reviews
BT's best
Tristan Schwartz | 07/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Quite simply, this is easily Blues Traveler's strongest effort. I am a die-hard BT fan and have been since I was eleven years old, and this album definitely qualifies as my favorite. Some songs have a very dark edge to it, but some are light and uplifting. The songs have meaning, and aren't catch tunes (like much of Four, which is still a great album). This is definitely a must-have for ANYONE who appreciates good music."
Let's Save My Soul
Tristan Schwartz | 09/26/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Okay, let's cut to the chase - if you are here, you are here for a reason. Save His Soul, definitely stands out from the rest of the Blues Traveler albums. Although not necesarily for the best, the album rings of a undefined, inquisitive nature. It feels more of an ¨attempt¨ rather than a natural offspring, but nonetheless, still rocks and excites the listener. Trina Magna, Whoops, and Go Out Side & Drive are the principal driving forces off this one, while the harmonica on ¨Fledging¨ is simply beautiful. Some of the songs though are better live - Love and Greed - NY PROPHESIE - for example, and ¨Love of My Live¨ is grows more valuable with each listen. Overall, much more focused delivering the point of J.P. through writing, but essential, to me, nonetheless."
Musically the Best
Lanny Gile | Sheboygan, WI United States | 03/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a devout fan of Blues Traveler since 1993, it is very difficult to rate any of their efforts higher than their self-titled debut, but I believe that "Save His Soul" is deserving of that honor. From "Trina Magna" to "Whoops" and "Go Outside and Drive,"this album does not have a weak spot. As disappointed as I was when the band seemed to sell out with "Four" and made little redemption with "Straight On Till Morning", I was overjoyed with their latest, "Bridge." If you don't shed a tear when listening to "Pretty Angry," you simply do not have a soul."
One of their best
M. Borowski | Washington, DC | 09/30/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"One of the best CD's from Blues Traveller.The best tracks on this CD are Trina Magna, Letter from a friend, and Conquer Me. Overall a great CD."
Best of Blues Traveler
M. Borowski | 04/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really think this the best and most powerful album BT has ever made nothing could match this one. I have all 6 albums and this one is the best. Whoops, Trina Magna, and Go Outside and Drive are awesome songs. Popper's hospital boredom really transalate's into this album"