Bruce Springsteen wrote, “Check my look in the mirror, wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face.” Back in 1984, “Dancing in the Dark” was all bombast, tub-thumping, and a young Courteney Cox in the video. But if you strip it all away, the raw, universal desire to be happy with yourself shines through.
Felix Rabin covers “Dancing in the Dark” on “Blue Days,” and that line feels like the album’s heartbeat. The talented Frenchman has never been a conventional blues artist—I’ve reviewed enough of his work to know that—but this album feels like a real shift in pace.
“Find Me” has a vast, arena-pop feel—if that’s a thing. Smooth and expansive, it wouldn’t sound out of place alongside Snow Patrol. It’s very much not blues, but that’s the point. The harmonies, the vibe, and the ambition are on a different plane.
“As She Comes” continues in that direction. You could imagine it slotting into a new Stereophonics record, delighting thousands in the process. It also reinforces something I always say: a great song translates to any format. An acoustic version of this track closes “Blue Days,” proving its versatility.
Rabin is still a brilliant guitarist, as the soulful “What You Need” confirms. But as always, it’s not about showing off—it’s about the song, the emotion, the feel. His playing serves the music, not his ego.
“Blue Days” was a labor of love, taking over a year to complete. You get the sense that many versions of these songs existed along the way, but the final selections are as gentle as they are compelling. Ultimately, “Blue Days” ushers in spring in a truly lovely way.
Rating: 8/10
