The title of John Mayall's album Blues from Laurel Canyon reflects a certain practicality, as it introduces a new lineup of musicians, with the exception of returning bassist Larry Taylor. This album, noted for its up-tempo R&B style, diverged from Mayall's recent musical directions, featuring guitarists Hightide Harris and Randy Resnick leading the way.
The album kicks off with "Gasoline Blues," a track that cleverly taps into the zeitgeist of 1974, a year marked by gas shortages. It also includes "Troubled Times," a song with political commentary that reflects the era's unrest, including advice on impeaching President Nixon. Despite these timely and relevant themes, the album's reception was underwhelming. It was noted as a lackluster effort, and it marked Mayall's final release with Polydor. Additionally, Blues from Laurel Canyon was the first of Mayall's albums since 1967 to fail to chart in the U.S., signifying a significant downturn in his commercial success at the time.
