Review
Crank up the volume and light up that motorcycle, because "L.A. Woman" by The Doors is where blues-rock jumps back into the saddle with a fiery vengeance. This 1971 release catches the band thrumming the throttle back to their gritty roots, setting aside the polished glitz of past orchestral pieces. Jim Morrison, with his gravelly voice that might not always hit every high note, still sets the stage ablaze with raw power. Especially on tracks like "The Changeling," "Love Her Madly," and the legendary "Riders on the Storm," the band rides a bluesy highway that gives a hearty nod to its earlier days.
Fueled by the band’s own passion and production chops, along with audio whiz Bruce Botnick, "L.A. Woman" reverberates with an intimate, stripped-down vibe. Recorded right in their home turf at The Doors' Workshop in Los Angeles, it reflects a hands-on, heartfelt recording endeavor. The absence of previous producer Paul Rothschild is notable, but it allowed The Doors to steer their own musical journey, capturing a more araw and organic soundscape.
While the road chief isn't for everyone—some say the tunes are worn and drift far from the revolutionary path they once charged down—"L.A. Woman" still burns rubber as a pivotal piece in The Doors' lineup. Cruising to No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and with its distinctive album cover catching every eye, this blues-soaked journey offers snapshots of LA life's highs and lows. Its transitionary sound might shake the tires of old-school fans a bit, but Morrison and crew's introspective jaunt is an undeniable testament to their lasting, rebellious allure. - James
