Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dion returns with Girl Friends, a soul-stirring new album that transcends time, genres, and genders. Guests include Susan Tedeschi, Shemekia Copeland, Carlene Carter, and more.
Collaborating with an impressive lineup of female artists, Dion has created an album that traverses blues, rock, and country. From the soulful Susan Tedeschi to the blues powerhouse Shemekia Copeland, each track on Girl Friends is a harmonious fusion of Dion's timeless voice and the distinct styles of his esteemed friends. It’s a testament to Dion's courage to try new things musically, and his reverence for the "feminine genius" he says has shaped his career now in its 67th year!
Reflecting on the creative process behind the album, Dion muses on the transformative power of a female presence in the studio. "Men play a different tune when there are women in the room," he said, acknowledging the ineffable magic that emerges when diverse voices come together in harmony. With Girl Friends, Dion celebrates this synergy, creating a collection of songs that pulsate with authenticity and newfound vitality.
The album's first single, "An American Hero," featuring Carlene Carter, set the stage for the eclectic track list that follows. As Dion explains, each track celebrates the profound influence of his "girl friends" – the women who inspire him and elevate his music to new heights.
In addition to Carter, the album’s 12 tracks, 11 of which were written by Dion and Mike Aquilina with one written by Dion and the late Scott Kempner (The Dictators, The Del Lords), feature collaborations with Rory Block, Debbie Davis, Maggie Rose, Shemekia Copeland, Randi Fishenfeld, Sue Foley, Danielle Nicole, Christine Ohlman, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and Valerie Tyson. Produced by Wayne Hood and Dion himself, Girl Friends is a labor of love that pays homage to the varied sounds that make up American music. From the raw emotion of the blues to the infectious energy of rock, each song is filled with a sense of passion and purpose that resonates long after the final note fades.
In his commentary titled "The Feminine Genius," included in the album's packaging, Dion offers a moving reflection on the women who have shaped his musical journey. From Darlene Love to Ronnie Spector, each collaborator is celebrated for their unique contributions to his work. As Love aptly notes in the album's liner notes, Dion's music has always spoken to outsiders and dreamers. With Girl Friends, he continues to defy expectations, fashioning a collection of duets that are as riveting as they are revelatory.