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I’m not sure if I would have ever had a “new album” by The Black Crowes on my bingo card of possibilities. Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson made it quite clear that they were far from interested in spending another moment with one another ever again after splintering in 2015 for the second time. This changed in 2019 when seemingly out of nowhere, the brothers Robinson were back! Originally reuniting for what would be a 30th anniversary send up of the album that put them on the map (1990’s Shake Your Money Maker) before the pandemic sidelined these plans pushing back dates into 2021. This tour saw the band go around the world twice over playing SYMM in its entirety with some other Crowes classics sprinkled on top for good measure, 2022 also saw the band release an absolute outstanding covers EP entitled “1972” featuring covers from some of their largest influences including The Rolling Stones (Rocks Off), T.Rex (The Slider), David Bowie (Moonage Daydream) and a fantastic rendition of The Temptations “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”. The band was then announced to be the special guest to Aerosmith on their “Peace Out” farewell run before the tour was postponed just 3 dates in. So now what?
That brings us to 2024’s “Happiness Bastards”, The first Black Crowes album of original material since 2009’s “Before the Frost….Until The Freeze”, “Happiness Bastards” offers an eclectic and electric blend of what has made the band the celebrated heroes of rock n’roll since day one. Gritty riffs, bone crushing groove and an attitude soaked lead vocal “Happiness Bastards” is exactly what you want from a new Black Crowes product!
What is extremely refreshing is that the band has not reinvented the wheel by any means on this record. If you want The Black Crowes you get it straight in the jaw on this record. The rollicking album opener “Beside Manners” could easily sit next to any of the tracks on 1998’s fantastic and often under appreciated “By Your Side” (my second favorite Crowes record), while “Wilted Rose” will satisfy the fans of the more mellow “Before the Frost” side of things. Like the down and dirty bluesy guitar riffs? Look no further than the track “Bleed It Dry” which showcases some fantastic guitar work from Rich Robinson and newly acquainted Crowe, the Argentinan born Nico Bereciartua. The album’s lead single “Wanting and Waiting” is strong but far from the best track here. I would award that to “Rats and Clowns” which has a guitar riff you’ll be singing to yourself for days to come. The closing track “Kindred Friend” is also a gem for those that appreciate the “Warpaint” side of the band.
While there was much controversy spun among fans with the band returning without any of it’s “classic” line-up save for the brothers, I still feel “Happiness Bastards” sits comfortably next to the great Crowes albums like “Southern Harmony…”, “Amorica” and yes, “Shake Your Money Maker”. Is this as great as those records? Only time will tell but after the first handful of listens to this, It feels right! I have to say, Chris Robinson specifically silences any naysayers nearly immediately as he spits and shouts with soulful power, it’s clear he has not lost one ounce of his vocal range or bravado. Long time fans like myself thought it would be impossible for the band to groove the way they did with long time drummer Steve Gorman missing in action, have no fear, the swagger still shines through. Does it punch the same way as it did with Gorman? No….but you’re still gonna hurt from the punch. It’s worth noting the band’s longtime bassist Sven Pipien is present which makes it feel just a little more authentic for me. I really can’t say enough about Nico’s guitar work! He fits the band perfectly and is a comfortable and confident replacement for those that came before him… Luther Dickinson, Audley Freed and of course the great Marc Ford.
A new Black Crowes record in 2024 is something to be celebrated! Mostly because we never thought we’d get it to begin with but more importantly it’s because rock n’ roll as only they can deliver it is still powerful and exciting. Put quite simply, if you like the Black Crowes, then you’ll like this record but more than that if you like Rock N’ Roll then you’ll love this record!
A solid 8 out of 10 for me!
Thanks for reading!
-Nick
