Ally Venable : Money & Power Review

by Shannon Smith

Ally Venable has carved a niche in the blues-rock genre with her electrifying guitar skills and commanding vocals. Her previous album, Real Gone, achieved significant acclaim, reaching #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. With Money & Power, Venable collaborates with producer Tom Hambridge and features artists like Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Shemekia Copeland, aiming to deliver a potent mix of musical prowess and social commentary. The album will be released on April 18, 2025 on Ruf Records.

“Money & Power” stands as a bold anthem of female empowerment. Venable describes it as a “bold, uncompromising anthem” that celebrates the rise of women in traditionally male-dominated realms. The song challenges societal norms, urging listeners to pursue their paths to success regardless of gender.

The track features robust blues-rock guitar riffs, underpinned by a driving rhythm section that amplifies its assertive tone. Venable’s powerful vocal delivery conveys strength and conviction, aligning seamlessly with the song’s empowering message. Under Hambridge’s production, the track maintains a polished yet gritty sound, appealing to traditional blues enthusiasts and contemporary audiences.​

The lyrics of “Money & Power” are direct and unapologetic, reinforcing themes of challenging the status quo and advocating for gender equality. The lyric “don’t you doubt her, she’s got that money and power” crystallizes the song’s empowering intent, serving as both a defiant rebuttal to doubt and a proud declaration of earned strength. It reflects the real-world journey of women who’ve carved their place in traditionally male-dominated spaces, like Venable herself, whose money and power stem not from privilege but from exceptional guitar work, expressive vocals, and an unrelenting work ethic.

This line becomes a mantra, a musical call-to-arms that transcends its blues-rock foundation to land squarely in social commentary. It celebrates female strength.

Aligning with current societal movements advocating for gender equality, “Money & Power” is a timely addition to the musical landscape. It sets a precedent for fellow artists to address social issues through their music, potentially inspiring similar thematic explorations. “Money & Power” builds upon Venable’s artistic arc, continuing her reputation as a guitarist and a songwriter while introducing a sharper thematic edge. The track’s focus on female strength and individual empowerment is a refreshing pivot in the blues-rock genre, where such narratives have long been underrepresented. It’s a welcome reminder that this genre can evolve, musically and thematically, with voices like Venable’s leading the charge.

“Money & Power” stands as a compelling anthem that effectively combines musical prowess with a potent message of empowerment. The single sets a strong precedent for the forthcoming Money & Power, heightening expectations for a collection that continues to challenge and inspire.

Ally Venable: Website