Different Shades of Blue

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Different Shades of Blue" by Joe Bonamassa from his landmark album of the same name. This track, the title song of the 2014 release, holds a special place in Bonamassa’s catalog as part of his first solo studio album since 2002’s So, It’s Like That to feature almost entirely original songs, with the exception of a brief Jimi Hendrix instrumental cover. Written in Nashville with songwriters Jonathan Cain of Journey, James House, and Jerry Flowers, the song showcases Bonamassa’s aim to craft serious blues rock, steering clear of radio-friendly three-minute hits. The album, recorded at Studio at The Palms in Las Vegas, debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, marking his highest charting album at the time, and hit No. 1 on both the blues and indie charts.

One intriguing piece of trivia about "Different Shades of Blue" comes from a 2016 interview in Blues Matters magazine, where Bonamassa revealed that “Get Back My Tomorrow” from the same album was his least favorite track. This sparked curiosity among fans, as many, including the interviewer, found the song’s catchy and soaring vibe to be a highlight. While Bonamassa didn’t specify why he felt this way about “Get Back My Tomorrow,” it opens up a fascinating discussion for Zoo Freaks: what’s your take on the album’s tracks? The diversity of the album shines through in songs like the funky “Love Ain’t A Love Song,” the bluesy “I Gave Up Everything For You, ‘Cept The Blues,” and the elegant closer “So, What Would I Do,” which fans on the Joe Bonamassa Forum often praise for its classy finish.

In 2024, Bonamassa celebrated the 10th anniversary of Different Shades of Blue with a special digital release titled Different Shades of Blue (Overdrive), featuring a new single, “Black Irish Eyes,” co-written with James House. This poignant track, with its vivid imagery of Ireland’s emerald fields and themes of longing, has been hailed for Bonamassa’s gritty vocals and powerful guitar work. The anniversary edition also included previously unreleased streaming rarities like “Scarlet Town” and “Better The Devil You Know,” giving fans a fresh perspective on the album’s legacy. Bonamassa’s commitment to the blues is also evident in his SiriusXM show, Different Shades of Blue with Joe Bonamassa, which premiered in January 2019 on B.B. King’s Bluesville channel, where he explores the genre’s history from the 1920s to modern times.

Joe Bonamassa’s journey to blues-rock stardom began in Utica, New York, where he was born on May 8, 1977, to a music-loving Italian-American family. Encouraged by his father, an avid fan of British blues rock, Bonamassa started playing guitar at age four, inspired by records from Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. By age 12, he was opening for blues legend B.B. King, a pivotal moment that launched his career. At 17, he recorded an album with the band Bloodline before going solo in 2000 with A New Day Yesterday, which reached No. 9 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart. His influences, rooted in British and Irish blues acts like John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Rory Gallagher, and Cream, set him apart from American blues traditions, shaping his unique sound. Over the years, Bonamassa has released 16 studio albums, 20 live albums, and collaborated with artists like Beth Hart and Black Country Communion, earning three Grammy nominations and 15 Blues Music Award nominations.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Bonamassa and his vibrant fan community through his official website, where you’ll find tour dates, music, and exclusive merch. Follow him on Facebook, with over 3.4 million likes, for updates and fan interactions, or check out his Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses, though Bonamassa has noted he steps back from social media at times to avoid online negativity, as shared in a 2022 post. On X, you can catch tour announcements and fan chatter. For deeper fan engagement, join the Joe Bonamassa Forum, a hub for Bona-fans to discuss his music, or explore fan-driven Facebook groups like the Joe Bonamassa Fan Club, where supporters share their love for his electrifying performances.