J.J. Cale ‎– Grasshopper VG+/VG+

Released in March 1982, Grasshopper is J.J. Cale’s seventh studio album and a subtle evolution in his laid-back, rootsy sound. While still grounded in blues, country, and folk traditions, the album leans toward a more polished, radio-friendly production, thanks in part to producer Audie Ashworth and a roster of seasoned session musicians. Cale recorded the album in studios across Nashville and North Hollywood, and it marked his first release with Mercury Records.

The opening track, “City Girls,” sets the tone with a breezy groove and lyrics about longing for urban romance, while “Devil in Disguise” delivers a Chuck Berry-inspired boogie with a rock-and-roll soul. “One Step Ahead of the Blues,” co-written with Roger Tillison, reflects Cale’s ambivalence toward fame and the music industry, a recurring theme in his work. The album also includes two instrumentals—“Grasshopper,” featuring steel drums, and “Dr. Jive,” showcasing vibraphone and congas—that add texture and variety to the set.

Cale’s signature fingerpicking shines on “Drifter’s Wife,” a folk-tinged reflection on the itinerant life of a musician. Tracks like “Don’t Wait” and “Nobody But You” carry an upbeat optimism, while “Downtown L.A.” and “Mississippi River” paint vivid portraits of urban decay and longing. “Does Your Mama Like to Reggae,” co-written with Christine Lakeland, adds a playful twist with its genre-blending rhythm and cheeky lyrics.