Tequila & Bullets by The Jay Hooks Band

An Unforgettable Blues Rock Journey -

CD Review by Roc Boyum and Allie Jorgensen

Tequila & Bullets is the fourth studio LP by the Jay Hooks Band, released in 2025 under Joplin Street Music.

This album features entirely original music that captures the rich legacy of the blues genre while skillfully crafting gritty, moody songs with a rock edge. It showcases the blazing guitar work of Jay Hooks alongside his rhythm section, perfectly complementing the essence that is expressed vocally in each track. The LP includes 12 songs that cater to every fan of the blues/rock genre.

This LP is the real deal, if you are yearning for kick ass Blues Rock with blazing intense guitar and passionate gritty vocals and songs – you need look no further

The LP kicks off with the searing rocker, “Evinrude Boat Motor”, which is like a relentless freight train charging ahead, bursting with lightning-fast guitar runs throughout Jay’s solos.

Jay Hook describes the song by saying that “Evinrude Boat Motor captures the rush of anticipation that comes right before hitting the water to fish—pure freedom wrapped in the roar of an outboard motor."    

While every song stands out on this LP some of our other favorites are:

 Tequila & Bullets

The title track is a heavy, gritty blues-rock anthem with that sexy sleazy feel that we love, that than culminates with the second guitar solo that is spectacular and that pays homage to legends like SRV, Hendrix, and Clapton.

This track is definitely one of our favorites and Jay Hooks says this song was: "Written on a flight from Houston to Las Vegas, this song reflects on truth in its rawest form. Tequila loosens tongues and bullets never change their path—two things that never lie."

A Woman Like You

A Woman Like You envelops the listener in the atmosphere of a late-night dance hall, brimming with a vibrant classic blues rock essence and passionate vocals. Jay describes the song as “a tale of love discovered beneath the neon lights of late-night dance halls, where romance ignites from 10 p.m. until the final bell on payday Fridays.”

Lonesome

Lonesome blends the soulful sounds of Stevie Ray Vaughan with elements of Eric Clapton and adding a touch of a Funky Blues Rock vibe. Jay beautifully articulates it as “a heartbreak ballad about a love lost, yet so hauntingly present that it feels as though she never truly left.”

Other Standout Favorites

Rounding off our favorite tracks are “Mind Full” and “I Was Wrong.” 

However, each of the songs on the LP makes this album a truly electrifying and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re relaxing in your favorite chair or cruising down the highway with the windows rolled down, this LP is sure to uplift your spirits.

Make no mistake, this album captures a raw and genuine Texas-style blues-rock essence that will envelop you like a swirling dust devil, leaving you with an added layer of grit on your boots.

Jay Hooks and his band have skillfully created a blues/rock LP that blends familiar elements with distinctly original songs, establishing their own unique sound in a genre where everything seems to have been explored before—an impressive feat in the blues/rock scene.

Tequila & Bullets is a valuable addition to any LP collection and an essential find for fans of Blues Rock with exceptional guitar work, passionate/ intense vocals and songwriting and an LP that stands out from the ordinary.

Jay Hooks -Tequila & Bullets:

Song Listings and Descriptions by Jay Hooks

Evinrude Boat Motor (2.07): "Captures the rush of anticipation that comes right before hitting the water to fish—pure freedom wrapped in the roar of an outboard motor."          

Tequila and Bullets (4.20): "Written on a flight from Houston to Las Vegas, this song reflects on truth in its rawest form. Tequila loosens tongues and bullets never change their path—two things that never lie."

A Woman Like You (4.18): "A story of love found under the neon glow of late-night dance halls, where romance sparks from 10 p.m. until closing time on payday Fridays."

Lonesome (3.07): "A heartbreak ballad about a love lost, yet so hauntingly present it feels like she never really left."

Your Touch (3.45): "A hopeful song about rekindling an old flame—making up for lost time and starting fresh with love renewed."

Left Me Cold (4.47): "Originally written 25 years ago, this song has waited for its moment. After years of being shelved, its time has finally come."

Mind Full (3.34): "A blues-rock anthem of perseverance—climbing the mountain of life with grit and determination, no matter what chaos unfolds around you."

Mississippi Sheiks (4.49): "A heartfelt tribute to Rory Gallagher—delivering the spirit of slide guitar without actually using one, a “fake slide” that carries real soul."

Redneck Shit (2.52): "An unapologetic nod to the Texas dive bars, cowboys, bikers, and fishermen who’ve been part of the journey for decades."

I Was Wrong (4.58): "An honest reckoning where somebody has to take the blame—this time, it’s finally him."

My Kinda Fine (3.06): "A raucous, high-energy track celebrating wild women tearing up Saturday night dance floors to the sound of Texas blues and Johnny Winter licks."

Mexican Larry (5.00): "A slow-burning blues tale about a dangerous man—someone who might just come knocking if you owe money or make the wrong kind of life decision."

Be sure to check out this LP and catch Jay Hooks and his band live!

-Jay Hooks will be featured at the 2026 Woodystock Festival in beautiful Lake Havasu - Sunday, March 22, 2026 - 3:15-4:30 PM

Get into Jay Hooks at: https://jayhooksband.net/music