Blues-rock guitar wizard Joe Bonamassa can make a set of electric six-strings burn and wail, but like many such guitarists, he still requires focus for it to be truly special. Such intense focus is a hallmark of HAD TO CRY TODAY. While some guitarists squander notes, Bonamassa makes each one count whether he's engaging in country-flavored picking (the late, great Danny Gatton was clearly an influence), blistering rock-edged blues, or turbulent, inspired jamming. TODAY delivers on Bonamassa's previous promise in a big way.