Walter is a very lucky boy indeed. After years of abusing himself with drugs and alcohol, his body decided enough is enough. During the recording of this album he was in hospital awaiting a liver transplant. The procedure was obviously successful as he is still with us today.
Understandably, he doesn’t sound great on this album, but he does give it his all. Lyrically, he is looking inward on himself and the situation he is in, and on the track Wastin’ Away, he wishes he could do it over again. Style wise, it’s a very traditional blues album with most of the songs being written by Walter himself – with just a couple of covers. One of them is by his old employer, John Mayall, with Mayall’s Piano Boogie.
Listening to this album is quite sad and uplifting at the same time. He wasn’t sure if this would be his last album, but at the same time there is a feeling of hope. I’ve seen Walter a few times down the years and he always gave it 100%. He is a great entertainer and performer. This is not Walter’s best album, that goes to the live album, No More Fish Jokes, which is amazing. But if you’re a lover of a more traditional sounding album, then this is for you.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
