By Joshua Wallace
El Dorado is the debut solo record from Marcus King. He has previously issued albums under The Marcus King Band. I was a big fan of his 2018 record Carolina Confessions. This new album is looking to be his break out hit as he has enlisted mega producer Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. His influence is clear throughout this record and El Dorado looks to be the first great release of 2020.
The first listen we got of this new record was a song called “The Well” This is one of the tracks where you hear The Black Keys influence the most. The song features a swinging foot stomping beat and fuzzy heavy guitar riffs. It’s a great track to introduce new fans to Marcus King as it showcases his guitar playing and singing voice. The opening riff permeates through the entire track and it closes out with a killer solo that fades at the end, leaving you wanting to hear this song live. Another favorite is “Beautiful Stranger”. This song is a slow soulful jam that really highlights Marcus King’s beautiful vocals. It has a bit of a country blues flare with the guitar solo. It shows a side of Marcus King that you don’t get with “The Well”.
I really dig the rocking track “Turn It Up”. Marcus turns it up on this funky rocking blues track for sure. It’s a favorite on the album and is guaranteed to be a hit live. “Too Much Whiskey” is a killer country blues number. This track would fit in with any honky tonk dive. He mentions both “Whiskey River” and Shotgun Willie on a track that wouldn’t be out of place on a classic Willie record. I really dig the harmonica solo towards the end as well. “No Pain” closes out this album with a super smooth bass heavy ballad. This track has a great groove and closes out the album with a smooth dueling electric and acoustic guitar solo.
This album is a great starting point for new fans of Marcus King. It’s a fresh take on his amazing blues sound that takes it from smooth slow jams to heavier rocking blues numbers. Dan Auerbach’s influence is all over this album and it has a super smooth sound. I hope I’m able to catch Marcus King live at some point during this year and if I do, I will have a full report of that experience. In the meantime, you can find all upcoming tour dates on Marcus King’s website. El Dorado is out everywhere January 17th, 2020.
Favorite Tracks : The Well, Beautiful Stranger, Break, Say You Will, Turn It Up, Too Much Whiskey, No Pain
Marcus King – El Dorado (2020)
- Young Man’s Dream
- The Well
- Wildflowers & Wine
- One Day She’s Here
- Sweet Mariona
- Beautiful Stranger
- Break
- Say You Will
- Turn It Up
- Too Much Whiskey
- Love Song
- No Pain