Delbert McClinton must have had the topic of gossip on his mind when he compiled this dandy 14-song collection. There’s one track called “People Just Love to talk”, which contemplates what it is in our human nature that compels us to spread every juicy tidbit that comes our way all over town. However, he also lets human nature work toward his benefit with “Starting a Rumor” where he puts out word to the grapevine, in hopes of getting something started with a girl he likes. Come to think of it, somebody ought to get loose lips about McClinton’s music because he’s one of our best kept secrets.  

Acquired Taste is a harsh title for a McClinton CD. That is a phrase better suited for, say, Brussels sprouts or one’s first cup off coffee when young, but not as a description of McClinton’s tasty music. The man may be a little rough around the edges, but he’s by no means tough for the taste buds to adjust to.  

It would be a stretch, however, to term Acquired Taste strictly country music. “Can't Nobody Say I Didn't Try” is a good example of slow, sad honky-tonk music, but there are also equal measures of blues and soul contained within, too. “Need to Know”, for instance, is blues of the Chicago variety, while “People Just Love to Talk” features brass and a hot stepping jazz groove. “Starting a Rumor” hearkens back to those great old soul sounds created by acts like The Impressions. In fact, the song’s melody makes comes off like the first cousin to “People Get Ready”. 

McClinton had a hand in writing most of these songs, and in addition to the release’s wide stylistic variety, there are also a bevy of lyrical nuggets. “Cherry Street” sports this truism: “Women and alcohol are a dangerous mix/Too much of either one and you’re in a fix.” “Mama's Little Baby”, which takes its title from the familiar children’s song, “Mama’s Little Baby Loves Shortening Bread”, describes a saucy little number as a girl that can “pop corn/Just hold it in her hand.” “Willie” also uses humor to tell the story of a man who finally found a woman to love him. And to his friends, it’s about darn time! 

Although McClinton mostly takes a humorous approach to matters of love and romance throughout this release, it’s hard not to notice the seriousness of “When She Cries at Night”, which is a rocker that worries about a woman who sheds far too many tears during the p.m. hours.  

The Acquired Taste title for Delbert McClinton’s latest CD says more about the rare delicacy he truly is, than it does about how easy or hard it is to get used to him. This man is a soulful singer -- a kind of male Bonnie Raitt, if you will - that doesn’t get nearly as much exposure as he deserves. And with all the different musical flavors offered on this spicy new platter, it’s hard to imagine anybody having trouble finding something they like on it. In the simplest terms, this is American home cooking at its best. So if you haven’t yet acquired a taste for Delbert McClinton music, please load up your plate and get it while it’s hot.

You can support Delbert McClinton by purchasing this album at Amazon | iTunes.