The Black Crowes new album, "LIONS," is a rocking, gritty, bluesy good time, reminiscent of their first two albums which garnered them so much success. But at what cost? Their fifth disc, "BY YOUR SIDE," was possibly their most cohesive album to date, with 11 excellent songs that were a little more polished than their previous music, but still rocking and soulful. The album sold pretty well, but some hardcore fans were not happy with the change in form.
Over the next two years, the Crowes did an amazing tour and live album with Jimmy Page, and lead singer Chris Robinson married Kate Hudson.
...and all that success has gone to their head. During promotion of "LIONS," the band has basically apologized for losing their way and recording "BY YOUR SIDE" an album by a notoriously uncompromising band that showed a real maturity in their work. They've said they aren't proud of that part of their discography, and would kinda like to forget it ever happened. Well I refuse to do that. "BY YOUR SIDE" is a beautiful record with some amazing songs, and "LIONS" simply does not measure up. Yes, "LIONS" is grittier. Yes, "LIONS" is harsher. But that doesn't make it better. Essentially, "LIONS" is comparable in style to the Crowes first two albums - just not as good!
Starting with the smashing "Midnight From the Inside Out," the rest of the album flouders to say the least. There are the lackluster "Lickin'" "Come on" and the attempt at a repeat of their hit "She Talks to Angels" with "Losing my Mind." After this flat ballad, the music picks up a bit with four truly great tracks: "Ozone Mama," "Greasy Grass River," my favorite track "Soul Singing," and "Miracle to Me." The remainder of the album is also pretty good, especially with "Cosmic Friend," a trippy track where the influences of touring with Jimmy Page for a year are blatantly apparent.
LIONS isn't a bad album. It's just not their best work, and perhaps is trying too hard to be their old stuff. For quintessential Crowes, check out "Shake Your Money Maker," "The Southern Harmony Musical Companion," and of course, "By Your Side." There, you will see a band who knows how to let loose and still invoke emotion. You'll hear Chris Robinson put an unbelievable amount of energy into his voice surrounded by such intensity within the music that you'll understand why the Black Crowes are one of the best bands out right now...even if they don't even know why.
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