Single I Joanne Shaw Taylor – Hell Or High Water
A powerful blues‑gospel anthem confronting inner battles and resilience
British blues‑rock artist Joanne Shaw Taylor returns with a striking new single, “Hell Or High Water,” out via Journeyman Records.
The track finds Joanne channeling resilience, faith, and self‑belief into one of her most emotionally charged recordings to date. “Hell Or High Water is a defiant, soul‑bearing Blues/Gospel anthem about surviving the war inside your own head and refusing to give in,” Joanne shares. “It’s about resilience and self-belief even in the hardest of times.”
From its stark opening moments through its hypnotic rhythmic pulse, “Hell Or High Water” builds an atmosphere steeped in tension and release. Joanne’s raw, blues‑soaked vocal performance carries lyrics that wrestle openly with doubt, temptation, and perseverance.
Lines like “Devil on my shoulder keeps whispering in my ear” and the repeated plea “Lord, don’t let me falter” frame the song as a deeply personal reckoning, grounded in honesty rather than polish. Yet even as it explores darker emotional terrain, the song is instantly catchy – anchored by handclaps, a rolling groove, and a hook that lingers long after the final chorus. Joanne’s searing guitar riffs cut through the track with clarity and conviction, and the solo – equal parts grit and grace – reminds listeners exactly why she’s considered one of today’s most formidable blues guitarists.
The release follows a prolific and creatively rich period for Joanne. Over the past year, she released her acclaimed album Black & Gold, along with a Deluxe Edition featuring stripped‑back acoustic versions of fan favorites including “Hold Of My Heart,” “Grayer Shade Of Blue,” and “Black & Gold.”
The album earned widespread praise, with Classic Rock rating it 9/10, Powerplay Magazine highlighting its “pop appeal and smoothness,” Guitarist Magazine noting that it “reinforces Joanne’s place in the firmament of today’s brightest stars,” and American Blues Scene calling it “a deeply personal experience, showcasing the depth of Joanne’s artistry.”
“Hell Or High Water” offers a first glimpse into a new slate of material Joanne plans to unveil over the coming year. While stylistically rooted in the blues traditions that have defined her career, the song reflects an artist continuing to push herself emotionally and creatively, leaning into vulnerability while maintaining the strength that has become her hallmark.
Website: https://www.joanneshawtaylor.com/
