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Wanda Jackson

Honey Bop (vinyl)

Review by Gary Hill

This new ten-inch, 45 RPM record from Bear Family gathers up some real winners from Wanda Jackson and puts them all on a killer disc. I have to say that I had never really heard Jackson before, and I was completely blown away by her voice. She put so much power and style into these songs. Musically nothing is all that unique, but her voice makes every track special. I was happy to learn after hearing this and doing some research that Jackson is still around. She is obviously a treasure so that's a good thing. This package includes not only the record, but also a commemorative postcard and a nice booklet. If you are a fan of old-school rockabilly, you should give this a try.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2023  Volume 1. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2023.

Track by Track Review
Side One:

              

Baby Loves Him

I love the old school rock and roll sound on this tune. The song has a great energy and groove to it. It's so much fun. There is a lot of country built into the guitar solo section.

Long Tall Sally
Wow! The woman really shows that she can wail on this one. The tune is a serious powerhouse old-school rock and roller.
Cool Love
A more stripped back number, this is more of a doo wop ballad. It doesn't work as well for me, but the guitar solo does a great job of pulling things up higher.
Tongue Tied
There is more energy to this one. It's a number that feels as if it could have been done by Little Richard. It's another fun song.
Honey Bop
I can see why this cut is the title track. It's a bouncy groove that is so much fun. It's also very unusual.
You Don't Know, Baby
I love the slow groove on this piece. The song makes me think of "Fever," and I've always been a big fan of that one.
Side Two:
                 
(Let's Have a) Party

This is another that makes me think of Little Richard, but perhaps with a little Jerry Lee Lewis in the mix. It's a bouncy and fun tune.

Mean Mean Man
Energetic old-school rock and roll is on the menu here. This is so much fun.
Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad
This number has a lot of rockabilly in the mix. It's another fun one.
Fujiyama Mama
Perhaps not all that appropriate when seen from a modern lens, this is still a solid old-school rock and roller.
Funnel of Love
There is a bit of a "Secret Agent Man" vibe on this one.
Savin' My Love

A classy old-school rock and roller, this one works well, too.

 
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