In the pantheon of guitar heroes, Roy Buchanan stands alone, a bluesman rooted in tradition yet eternally pushing the envelope. His Second Album, released in 1973, is a raw, electrifying showcase of his singular talent, capturing the essence of a man grappling with his inner turmoil and channeling it through six strings.
Buchanan's journey to this point was anything but easy. A child prodigy, he was playing professionally by his teens, but his volatile personality and struggles with addiction often eclipsed his musical brilliance. He'd already earned a reputation in the late 60s with his scorching guitar work on the Washington, D.C. blues scene, but his self-titled debut album in 1972 failed to capture the full intensity of his live performances.
Second Album aimed to rectify that. Recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, with the production team of Jerry Wexler and Tom Dowd at the helm, the album sought to bottle the lightning of Buchanan's live shows. The result is a raw, unfiltered portrait of a guitarist at the height of his powers.
From the opening notes of "Sweet Dreams," Buchanan's Telecaster sings with a mournful intensity. His playing is a maelstrom of blues, rock, and country influences, blending lightning-fast runs with achingly beautiful bends. It's a sound that's both technically awe-inspiring and emotionally devastating, and this track has become a cornerstone of his legacy.
The album showcases Buchanan's versatility, from the driving blues-rock of "I'm a Ram" to the haunting balladry of "The Messiah Will Come Again." The latter, a showcase for Buchanan's emotive playing and use of volume swells, has become a fan favorite and a demonstration of his ability to wring every ounce of feeling from his instrument.
Second Album wasn't without its controversies. Some critics felt that the production was too polished, that it stripped Buchanan's playing of its raw edge. Others took issue with the album's eclectic mix of genres, feeling that it lacked focus. But for those who connected with Buchanan's music, Second Album was a revelation, a demonstration of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and create something truly beautiful. The album's blend of blues, rock, and even hints of jazz, along with Buchanan's virtuosic playing and raw emotion, resonated with listeners and solidified his reputation as a guitar legend.
In the end, Roy Buchanan's Second Album is a snapshot of a singular talent at a pivotal moment in his career. It's an album that's both exhilarating and heartbreaking, a reminder that the greatest music often springs from the deepest pain. Tracks like "Sweet Dreams" and "The Messiah Will Come Again" continue to resonate with listeners, showcasing Buchanan's ability to transcend genre and touch the soul with his guitar.
