The Blackbird Diaries (Deluxe Edition)

The other half of the Eurythmics, Dave Stewart has spent most of his time since behind the mixing board, producing albums for a number of notable artists over the past few decades. He is part of the new Mick Jagger supergroup Super Heavy, while this long-awaited solo album was recorded in a scant five days at Martina and John McBride’s Blackbird Studios in Nashville. Ironic that a master producer would choose to record his tracks mostly live and with much of the rawness intact. Yet, that is exactly what you hear on the brutal blues of “Beast Called Fame,” the country-folk of “Magic In the Blues” and the tender ballad “All Messed Up” with Martina McBride. They are still polished recordings, considering the high level of talent in the room, but they are every bit performances. Stevie Nicks harmonizes on the piano duet “Cheaper Than Free.” This is roots music with a dose of mainstream pop. The Deluxe Edition includes the touching bonus track “Natalie Wood” and six videos.