The Dibs – Just For You
Naked Records
11 Tracks – 49 minutes
The Dibs are a Belgian based band. The band was first formed in 2019, but the current line-up is more recently formed, and this is the debut album of the current group. All of the musicians in the band are seasoned veterans having played in many different regional bands. In October 2025 they competed and finished in second place at the Belgian Blues Challenge. The band consists of lead vocalist Peter Jacobs who also plays percussion supported by Bart Billekens on Hammond organ and piano, Jeff Jr. Gijbels on drums, Guy Engelen on bass, and Stanley Patty on guitar. Their website describes their music as “Rhythm and blues topped with a hot soul sauce with a catchy chorus that invites you to sing along”.
The album opens with Peter advising on “No Sleep” that “I am a restless man, I don’t want to go to sleep”. “I don’t want the days to end, just want them to go on.” Stanley gets a smooth guitar solo which is later followed by an organ solo by Bart showcasing the band’s capabilities. “Stop Fooling Around” is noted as the band’s first singles release. It is a message song directed to world leaders. Leading off with the announcement that “The world is on fire, burning down to the root. Messed up the planet, poisoned our food. The water is rising, nature is broke. Enough is enough and this is no joke”. “Not enough room to live and breathe”. He then declares that he is “Sick and Tired” as ” I turn on the tv, that’s just what I get, so-called politicians making me feel upset.” “We have the new Messiah or at least that is what he thinks.” “Rich are getting richer, snatching all the dough.”
He then advises to just “Live Life” and asks, “Why do we hate when we can just make some love? Why do we cry when we can make one laugh?” “Help a stranger in a cold, cold night. Maybe for once you can do right.” Stanley launches into a funky guitar run with Bart’s organ sailing along and Jeff’s drums providing a solid beat. “Like Lovers Do” is a slow blues led by Bart’s Hammond. Peter sings, “I wake up, there is still some wine in this dirty coffee cup. “Streetlights go out, it is getting clear, my heart is still pumping fear. “I pick up the phone to tell you I am afraid of living alone”. “Just For You” ups the funk again with a prominent bass run and slick drum beat as Peter calmly announces “Scrambled eggs in the morning, some bacon too. I hope you like my breakfast. I got some juice for you too.” He then also invites her for lunch. For dinner he says, “I like to fry some meat, just stick it in your mouth. I have some hot sauce for you” in maybe a not too subtle double entendre.
“Relentless” is a pleasant pop song exploring a blossoming relationship. He explains “I met her in the summer on a late, sultry night. Before I knew what hit me, she bent all my life. She said I won’t settle for less than desire. I want to drown in the river of passion and fire.” “Her love was relentless; I don’t stand a chance”. He then recognizes “You Got Me Where You Want Me” in a slightly countrified song. He tells her “Tell me you love me. Tell me you need me”. and notes “I know I need love.” He proclaims, ” I am “Getting Older”. “My hair is turning gray. When I look in the mirror, I only see decay.” and proceeds to note other infirmities- ” There is hair in my nose, my back is killing me, cannot get into my clothes.” but concludes, “I still love you. It is fun to get old”.
On “Last Chance” Stanley gets things rocking as Peter explains, “When I am with you and hold you tight, we laugh and talk from dawn to night. Baby, I need you in my life. This is my last chance for romance.” They shift back into one more declaration of social concern noting “That we are all in this “Together”. Peter declares “Listen here. Hear what I have to say. Life is too short to fuss it all way.” “Together we will stand and do what is right”. “Time of trouble, we have to rise from the rubble”.
The Dibs are a solid band with plenty of opportunity for every one of the musicians to have an opportunity to shine in almost every song. Peter’s vocals are comfortable and driving. I enjoyed the album but must say that I found little that I would consider blues. The songs in my opinion frequently fall into a smooth rock and sometimes even a pop vein. Nothing wrong with that but don’t jump into the album expecting Chicago blues or such.
