Marcus King | Young Blood Review

by Griff Stevens

Marcus King has just released his latest album titled Young Blood. The 26-year-old Grammy-nominated innovative singer, songwriter, and guitarist presents a swaggering rock and supersonic soul collection, drawing on his most stadium-sized rock influences to date. “We tour almost 200 days of the year, and even when I’m home, I’m doing something,” King added. “Working hard is just the way I was raised. It would make my grandfather proud to know I’m a hard-working man and I’ve worked for everything I have. It’s an anthem for the people. You’ve got folks who work all week and spend their hard-earned money just to come see us. They’re the backbone of America. It’s a real blessing.” Young Blood is an album about looking at tough times in your rear-view mirror, although King shares that his anthemic tales of excess and salvation draw on some difficult and personal moments. King stated, “I was going through a lot during the album with addictions, breakups, and addictions because of breakups. I was overindulging in everything.”

“Hard Working Man” features King’s robust vocals and red-hot guitar playing. Set to a classic beat of four on the floor in the drums with a classic cowbell, the song has a catchy melody and storytelling lyrics. The road map has multiple feels and a song form that has interest and many guitar parts that plant a hook and pull you into the groove. This is feel-good rock-n-roll, ala Steve Miller.

King and producer and label owner Dan Auerbach set out to capture the classic power trio sound, which was pioneered in the late 60s and 70s, with a distinct sonic triad of bass, drums, and guitar. The album was recorded at Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound Studio in Nashville summer of 2021, with acclaimed musicians including Chris St. Hilaire on drums and Nick Movshon on bass. Songs were written by King and Auerbach in collaboration with legends from Desmond Child and Angelo Petraglia, noted for their work with bands from Aerosmith to Kings of Leon. The opening track, “It’s Too Late,” captures the before-mentioned energy perfectly. King’s soulful singing sets beautifully within the rock power trio sound, turning, and churning an impressive selection.

Young Blood is an outstanding collection of modern melodic rock with a timeless sound that revolves around King’s distinctive voice, equal parts grease, and grit. Young Blood will establish him as one of the most poignant vocalists of his generation.