(Release date: October 18, 2024)

Sometimes there’s nothing as comforting as a penetrating blues song. There’s a recognition, an acceptance, and a message of hope just from its truth. Therefore, no matter what challenges face us, we can always look forward to an album release from Blues/Roots legend Eric Bibb. His latest offering, In The Real World, does not disappoint.

Following his Grammy-nominated 2023 release, Ridin’, Eric Bibb delivers more of the sublime music that we’ve become accustomed to. It’s as if Bibb is the source of an infinite well of rhythm, blues, wit, and wisdom. Album after album he finds exciting ways to teach lessons, using music as his textbook. With his latest release, Bibb seems to be letting listeners into his thoughts even more than usual (if that’s possible), with a deep connection between the ideas being conveyed and the musical treatment he gives them. Give a listen to “This River (Chains & Free)” and you’ll hear it too.

What stands out, above all else, about In The Real World, is its emphasis on the real world. Eric Bibb has a gift for creating a musical map of the world as it is—including the back roads and the bumpy roads. But even better, his music acts as a legend to which direction to take. He makes music that speaks to you in a way that you trust will get us all to our destination, safe and sound. When he pleads that we “face the music,” we do so willingly and gratefully.