Spirit, swagger, and soul collide on a project that turns faith into fire. North Louisiana’s own Robert Finley delivers with Hallelujah! Don’t Let The Devil Fool Ya. This is an album which channels both sanctified spirit and earthly groove. Produced by longtime collaborator Dan Auerbach at Easy Eye Sound in Nashville, the 71-year-old bluesman blending gospel’s divine heart beats with the grit of blues, the warmth of soul, and the pulse of classic R&B. Improvised from start to finish, the album embodies the divine spontaneity that defines Finley’s creative process. Critics have already hailed “Hallelujah! Don’t Let The Devil Fool Ya” as a revelation. Finley had to say:
There’s joy in the world, can’t take it away. Joy is something that can’t be measured by man and can’t be controlled by man… You can take my freedom, and I can still be happy.
That unshakable optimism fuels the project’s centerpiece, Can’t Take My Joy, a rollicking declaration of gratitude wrapped in gospel exuberance. Other standouts like Helping Hand, Holy Ghost Party, and I Wanna Thank You, radiate with call-and-response energy and the improvisational spark that has defined Finley’s artistry since his early days busking for tips. Backed by an all-star ensemble of Barrie Cadogan, Malcolm Catto, Tommy Brenneck, Ray Jacildo, and Finley’s daughter Christy Johnson, the album came together in a single day of spontaneous, spirit-led performance. The result is a raw, unfiltered expression of joy and conviction. Stream or purchase Hallelujah! Don’t Let The Devil Fool Ya now and witness the sermon only Robert Finley could deliver. Connect with Robert Finley on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER.
