The Dead Daisies – Crossroads (2025)
A couple of years ago, our live reviews writer attended a show by powerhouse rock group The Dead Daisies, and man, did he love it! Then again, this US-based band have intoxicated listeners and turned heads with their electrifying performances since 2012 (give or take). Fusing the natural stylings of top-tier musicians who have played alongside legends like Guns N’ Roses, Black Sabbath and Whitesnake, it’s a super-group to knock everyone’s socks off. Join us as we delve into their most recent release, ‘Crossroads’.
One of the tracks off The Dead Daises debut full-length blues album, Lookin’ For Trouble – an album dedicated to blues icons like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker – ‘Crossroads’ is this group’s take on Robert Johnson’s ‘Cross Road Blues’. A renowned song creating the myth of meeting at the crossroads and selling his soul to the devil in exchange for musical genius, ‘Cross Road Blues’ has carved Johnson’s name into the foundation of rock and roll lore. Tackling the track with a unique Dead Daisies flair, ‘Crossroads’ is not only a pivotal point in The Dead Daisies sound but also a tribute to the iconic artist and song.
Instead of following the simplistic, barebones, vintage blues ‘Cross Road Blues’, The Dead Daisies completely reinvent Johnson’s track. Produced with Marti Frederikson, ‘Crossroads’ is wall-to-wall hard rock chaos tinged by vintage delta blues. Pounding drums meet scorching guitars, a bold bass and gritty vocals; however, as much as the music is a rush of kaleidoscopic, gut-wrenching rock, the vulnerable eeriness of ‘Cross Road Blues’ clings to the song.
When speaking about the new album, John Corabi shares that it nods to the history “…when blues was called ‘the Devil’s music’, feared for its themes of rebellion, hardship, and sensuality.” The Dead Daisies’ ‘Crossroads’ embodies rebelliousness in its gut-wrenching, soul-stirring, breath-taking melody.
So, what is my overall opinion of ‘Crossroads’? Do I prefer this version or Robert Johnson’s original? Truthfully, it’s impossible to completely compare the two. The Dead Daisies twist the track to suit their own devastatingly fantastic rock sound, while Johnson kept it old-school blues. If this is anything to go by, I cannot wait for Lookin’ For Trouble.
In addition to the single, The Dead Daisies released an official music video for ‘Crossroads’. You can view the video below and/or on their official YouTube channel.
Find out more about The Dead Daisies on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
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