Blues of Desperation is Joe Bonamassa’s most powerfully diverse and boldly realized album yet, with the material ranging from the gutsy, gritty blues call to arms of “This Train” (Joe’s guitar is set to rude throughout) to the elegant yet emotionally shattering ballad “What I’ve Known for a Very Long Time,” to the soul-nourishing, acoustic-based Americana of “The Valley Runs Low,” on which Bonamassa’s voice rises up majestically to meet Barnes, McRae and Tippins in gospel-like rapture. And then there’s the bleary, tequila-soaked “Drive,” dripping with the kind of raw, wicked and unsettling sensuality that could make David Lynch green with envy.

Throughout the record, Bonamassa’s epic guitar playing conjures up stirring benedictions and explosive exorcisms of sound. “No Good Place For the Lonely” features some of the guitarist’s most cauterizing licks yet, and the walloping title track is a white-knuckled, six-string thrill ride guaranteed to jolt the senses. Guitar fans everywhere will consider Blues of Desperation a treasure trove of axe riches.

Packed with unparalleled musicianship and teeming with the most enthralling collection of songs in Bonamassa’s career, Blues of Desperation is guaranteed to knock out critics and fans alike.