Posted on: September 4, 2011 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Steve Cropper may just be the one musician that has slipped under everyone’s radar. As an integral part of acts like Booker T. &The M.G.’s, eir guitar works is soulful, intelligent, and always looks to change up the norm. “Dedicated” is a great selection of tracks from eir life, and brings individuals deeper into the mind of Cropper. While a large number of these cuts are modified versions of Booker T. &The M.G.’s hits, Cropper makes each of the tracks eir own.

What results in this 15 track collection is something cohesive and coherent, a full album that speaks to the skill and talent of one Steve Cropper. The album starts off with “Thirty Second Lover”, which ties together Cropper with fellow journeyman Steve Winwood. After touching listeners’ souls with this track, Cropper moves quickly to “Don’t Be Ashamed”. This track may be a little bit on the short side (falling shy of three minutes), but the vocal work here matches well the narrative quality of Cropper’s work. The sheer amount of star power that is brought to “Dedicated” is nothing less than astounding – Brian May, Buddy Miller, Sharon Jones, and Lucinda Williams give it their all on different tracks on this disc.

A stunning collection of twinkling gems, “Dedicated” is simply a must-have album. If you liked eir work in Booker T. & The M.G.’s, make sure to pick up a copy of the title and see exactly what happens when ey is given complete reign. It will definitely blow your mind.

Top Tracks: When I Get Like This, Dedicated To The One I Love

Rating: 7.4/10
Steve Cropper – Dedicated (CD) / 2011 429 Records / 15 Tracks / http://www.429records.com

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