Breakthrough Joe Bonamassa

• 1 Breakthrough 04:10
• 2 Trigger Finger 04:04
• 3 I'll Take The Blame 03:34
• 4 Drive By The Exit Sign 04:19
• 5 Broken Record 06:58
• 6 Shake This Ground 04:07
• 7 Still Walking With Me 03:40
• 8 Life After Dark 04:55
• 9 You Don't Own Me 04:03
• 10 Pain's On Me 05:46
• Total Runtime 45:36

Info for Breakthrough

Crafted across multiple continents and infused with a world’s worth of inspiration, Breakthrough marks a bold new chapter for Bonamassa—one that leans on fiery solos, emotionally rich storytelling, groove-driven arrangements, and stylistic exploration. Produced by longtime creative partner Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes, Journey), the album was shaped by sessions in Greece, Egypt, Nashville, and Los Angeles, resulting in a vibrant sonic tapestry that shifts effortlessly from funky blues and Texas swing to acoustic ballads and swaggering hard rock.

“I think this album, Breakthrough, marks a shift in the styling of Joe Bonamassa’s recording output,” says Shirley. “While there are plenty of guitar solos on this record, his emphasis has been on songs primarily. Each time Joe undertakes a new recording project, he seems to access a different part of his vast library of music genre from the jukebox-in-his-head! This album is a round-the-world musical trip—from Little Feat funkiness to Texas swing, from hard rock power to acoustic singer/songwriter-style songs.”

The newly released single “Breakthrough,” co-written with longtime collaborator Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd), captures the emotional core of the record—an uplifting anthem about transformation, persistence, and letting go of the weight that holds us back. With gritty vocals, melodic guitar lines, and lush instrumentation, the track embodies Bonamassa’s signature blend of power and finesse while ushering in a bold new direction.

“Breakthrough” follows the success of Bonamassa’s recent singles “Still Walking With Me” and “Shake This Ground,” both of which hinted at the adventurous spirit behind the full album. “Shake This Ground” delivered a moody, introspective edge, while “Still Walking With Me” leaned into warmth, gratitude, and classic soul. Each track reflects a different facet of Bonamassa’s evolving songwriting approach, rooted in emotional honesty and anchored by his unmistakable guitar work.

Joe Bonamassa, lead vocals, guitar, slide guitar
Josh Smith, guitar
Reese Wynans, keyboards
Lemar Carter, drums, percussion (tracks 1–4, 6–10)
Calvin Turner, bass (tracks 1–4, 6–10)
Greg Morrow, drums (track 5)
Stephen Mackey, bass (track 5)
Jade MacRae, backing vocals
Danielle DeAndrea, backing vocals

Joe Bonamassa
Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians of his generation. A five-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 15-time Blues Music Award nominee - with four wins - he recently notched his 31st No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with his latest tribute album The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork, extending his record for the most No. 1 albums in the chart’s history. With over 50 releases spanning studio and live recordings, he has built a far-reaching, multi-genre catalog.

Beyond performing, Bonamassa plays a central role in today’s blues landscape as a producer and curator. Working closely with Josh Smith, he has produced albums for artists including Joanne Shaw Taylor, Marc Broussard, Larry McCray, and Jimmy Hall through his Journeyman and KTBA labels. He also curates and headlines sold-out destination events like Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea and Sound Wave Beach Weekend, while his Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation has funded hundreds of music education projects across the country.

This album contains no booklet.