There’s no denying the FAME Studios / Muscle Shoals connection in Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s pair of separately released Dirt on My Diamonds volumes, but it’s not what you would expect. Unlike those who trek there to wax a classic FAME Studios record drenched in the Muscle Shoals sound, the Shreveport native went there in 2019 solely to co-write new material, primarily with Nashville producer Marshall Altman. The intent was to catch the FAME vibe, the site of countless soul, R&B, rock, and country hits. Shepherd and Altman wrote enough material for a double album but grouped the tunes into two volumes of eight tracks each that fit logically together. After the writing sessions, Shepherd and his band, which includes New Orleans pianist Joe Krown, tracked these tunes at Band House Studios in Los Angeles using analog equipment.

Even with the FAME Studios connection, it’s still more of a Kenny Wayne Shepherd outing that showcases the blues rocker’s full-size guitar sound. Starting with “I Got a Woman,” Shepherd wastes no time unleashing incredible energy in rocking out. Most tracks find him launching fiery solo after fiery solo, but it’s not all about him. The rest of the band and guest horns also make the arrangements dense and stacked, so it’s not just Shepherd dominating, but leading the charge.

It’s also apparent that considerable attention was spent ensuring every word is clearly audible. Following the storylines is effortless, and that’s where it all strikes a balance. It’s not skewed to just Shepherd’s guitar playing, and it’s not all about the stories, though messages are imparted along the way. “Long Way Down” offers hope to those attempting to turn their lives around, offering the thought that resiliency is always possible. “The Middle” questions why everything has to be divided between the reds and blues, and why can’t we give a little to love more?

Nearly all of the album runs on a steady current of energy, except for the tender ballad “My Guitar is Crying.” “Pressure” and “The Middle” show the influence of FAME Studios best, with “Pressure” getting the nod for the album’s best track. The horn section skillfully dances around the guitar sound, which is uncontrollably infectious and almost worth the price of admission alone.

Like Volume 1, Volume 2 also has a lone cover, the romping rendition of ZZ Top’s “She Loves My Automobile.” Given that it debuted on its ’79 Degüello album, it’s perfect for blues and surprising more blues bands haven’t cut it, though plenty of loud rockers have.

Given the decision on which volume of Dirt on My Diamonds to start with, Volume 2 wins hands down. It seems they saved the best for last.