Every new album from Popa Chubby is a date to remember and this time the New Yorker returns as an Emotional Gangster.
Emotional Gangster features twelve new tracks with The Chubbfatha on many instruments and doing all the mixing and recording duties.
“This record definitely reflects happier times and good solid dose of classic blues!”, says Popa. “I specifically included covers like ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ and ‘Dust My Broom’ to show respect for the Fathers. Willie Dixon has always been my idol, you know.”
But the real gems here come in Popa’s original compositions. “Equal Opportunity” is a lighthearted sing along celebrating women at a time when it is seriously needed. And songs like “Fly Away” plus both versions of “Why You Wanna Make War?” (in French and English) are standouts in their own right. Even if he’s not letting go of the rage that made him successful, the Brooklyn native lets us see a more personal side with his track “Fly Away,” testimony of a father seeing his child leave the family nest.
There is also more than an ample amount of pure guitar bliss on the record, with slide guitar on tracks like “Tonight I’m Gonna Be The Man” adding flavor to the savory mix. For an added bonus, harmonica wizard Jason Ricci joins Popa on the blues rock anthem “New Way Of Walking” and the swing shuffle “Save The Best For Last.”
“This record is indeed made in the spirit of new shoes! A new way of walking. It’s created with the intention of moving forward to an old truth and a new reality that all are appreciated for the unique energetic contribution they bring to our collective life. Love is all there is. I love you all.” - Popa Chubby 2022