In a career defined by evolution, Joe Bonamassa is ready to turn the page once again. The blues rock virtuoso has just announced Breakthrough, his most adventurous and genre-blending studio album to date, due out on 18th July via his own J&R Adventures record label.
Fuelled by a crunchy slide guitar riff, Southern-rock energy, and a full-throttle vocal performance, ‘Drive By The Exit Sign’ is the guitarist’s latest single and it finds Bonamassa leaning into the dirtier, road-tested side of his songwriting. It’s a breakup song disguised as a highway burner—fast-paced and hook-heavy, with lyrics that evoke missed chances, wrong turns, and the emotional wreckage we leave behind.
Co-written by Bonamassa, James House, and producer Kevin Shirley, ‘Drive By The Exit Sign’ can be streamed on all digital platforms here and you can check out the video below here at RAMzine.
Hitch a ride by way of Joe Bonamassa’s new single ‘Drive By The Exit Sign’ as it trucks on down the highway, passing through hilly Southern rock states and taking some admiring glances towards country rock valleys, but keep your ears open, the man behind the driving seat has a story to tell.
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 long-time 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 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,” said 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.”
At the heart of it all is the album’s powerful title track – ‘Breakthrough’ – soulful, hard-hitting anthem about letting go, moving forward, and finding your fire again, that’s out now on all streaming platforms.
‘Breakthrough’, was co-written with long-time 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.
You can stream the ‘Breakthrough’ single here and check out the lyric video here at RAMzine.
‘Breakthrough’, finds the celebrated guitarist in fine form sifting through a collection of music styles loosely found in the blues genre and raising his game in the process.
It’s opening bars echo the hardship of the traditional work song but there’s a hint of optimism also present, not least lyrically, that will resurface come the joyous gospel choruses. You may think it’s going to take a blues rock direction, because there’s a couple of heavy bars that follow in that manner, but when the song fully takes form it’s over a percolating funk shuffle that rumbles very nicely, thank you.
It may take a few listens, but that hefty bass line and slinky rhythm guitar indicates Bonamassa’s been bypassing listening to Jeff Beck’s Truth album for pleasure in favour of jazz rock classic Blow By Blow; certainly when he solos over the cycling funk sound the inspiration flows out fearlessly.
‘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.
The album announcement caps a stretch of extraordinary momentum for Bonamassa. Next up, Bonamassa recently began his extensive European Spring Tour, followed by a June run with his powerhouse supergroup Black Country Communion (featuring Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham, and Derek Sherinian). After another round of summer dates across Europe – including sold-out shows in Ireland – he’ll return stateside for his just-announced 2025 U.S. Summer Tour, a limited amphitheatre run featuring stops at The Greek Theatre, Red Rocks, and more iconic venues.
With over 50 albums, 28 #1 Billboard Blues albums, and a lifelong commitment to evolving the genre, Bonamassa shows no signs of slowing down. Whether headlining iconic venues, mentoring rising artists through Journeyman Records, or supporting music education via his Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, Bonamassa continues to shape the future of blues-rock with every note.
Tracks featured on the new album are: ‘Breakthrough’, ‘Trigger Finger’, ‘I’ll Take The Blame’, ‘Drive By The Exit Sign’, ‘Broken Record’, ‘Shake This Ground’, ‘Still Walking With Me’, ‘Life After Dark’, ‘You Don’t Own Me’ and ‘Pain’s On Me’ – You can order the album here.
For more information on Breakthrough, tour dates, and VIP packages click here.
