Blue Ain't Blue
by Barrelhouse

From CaptainPain 06/27/2026 13:51 | #315089

Reviews for Blue Ain't Blue were indeed controversial: critics praised the raw energy and individual tracks, but also pointed out their weaknesses.
What was praised:
Tineke Schumacher's vocals. Many critics praised her "huskiness" and emotional delivery. Reviews said that she wasn't just singing, but "testifying" (testifying) - especially in the track Bad Bad Loser, where, according to the reviewer, she "spits venom" as if she had caught someone in the act. The title track, Blue Ain't Blue, was described as a slow buildup with a powerful emotional ending ("emotional destruction").
The music and the musicians' performance. Johnny LaPorta's guitar riffs were compared to something heavy, dragging the song through the mud in a good way. Drummer Bob Dros kept a tight, simple, but "evil" groove without unnecessary solos. Han van Dam's piano was described as something serpentine, slipping through the tracks.
Individual tracks. In addition to the already mentioned ones, Teaching and Preaching was praised for its sharp lyrics about hypocrisy, which, according to critics, had no sugar or mercy.
What were the issues:
The track Lo Cool. It was often singled out as standing out from the rest. Reviewers believed that it was too “polished”, as if a number from a lounge act had been squeezed into a bar fight.
The track Sunday Morning. It was also called too “clean” - according to some, it lost that very “sharpness” and “edge” on which the rest of the album is built.
Production. The sound was described as flat, as if it had been recorded in a garage with only one microphone. Some of the listeners saw charm in this, but many believed that the dynamics and "space" for instruments suffered because of this - there was not enough "air", "breath" and Punch (percussion).
The final assessment in user reviews often came down to the fact that the album was raw, "not for everyone," but very sincere. It was recommended to those who appreciate spontaneity and strength, rather than smooth pop-blues.