There probably wasn’t a more popular band in America in 1990 than The Black Crowes. Shake Your Money Maker was an enormously popular album, fueled by the great She Talks To Angels. The Black Crowes then released another fabulous, yet ignored album in 1992 entitled, The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion. Then “grunge” hit the scene and The Black Crowes were lost forever. At least, many people thought. Then, in 1994, they released their third album, Amorica. With that album they hit another home run. As far as I can remember, not one song from Amorica was ever played on the radio. I do remember seeing the video for Wiser Time on MTV once at about 3am. However, the album is fabulous. It’s a must have for any early Crowes fan or just a fan of good “rock and roll” music.

The album starts off with one of the best first tracks ever. Gone is a rocking song and a great way to get things started. Every time I hear the tune I immediately picture myself on a cross-country drive to nowhere. In fact, the whole album functions as a soundtrack to a trip across America.

A Conspiracy is the second track and it is a killer tune as well. It’s got a little funky tone to it. It segues nicely into High Head Blues. High Head Blues starts out as a bit mellower of a song and that really settles down the previous tempo from the first two songs. However, at points, The Crowes really kick it up to produce a great rocking feel.

Cursed Diamond is the first true ballad on the album. It’s a pretty little song that really sneaks up on you. The next song is Nonfiction. It was the first song that I heard from Amorica while they were touring in support of The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion. It changed a lot during the months preceding the release on the new album. It seemed to be more of a hard rocking song before. The recorded version is a much slower and relaxing.

She Gave Good Sunflower is the sixth tune and it’s not really one of my favorites. I can’t really explain why I don’t like the tune. It just doesn’t “click” for me. P. 25 London is the next track and this is where the album really picks up. I know a lot of Crowes fans that don’t like P. 25 London, but I really dig it. It’s a funky/rocking tune.

Tracks eight to nine should be considered one song. Ballad In Urgency and Wiser Time fit together like they were born out of the same Robinson Brother’s writing session. If you are a Crowes fan, you haven’t lived until you’ve seen these two songs played back to back in concert. It is just awesome. Ballad In Urgency is a beautiful ballad. I think of this song as the sad song you listen to when you break up with your girlfriend. Wiser Time then kicks in and that’s the song you groove to as you’re driving away from her house ready to meet your buddies for a serious night of drinking. Of course, Wiser Time is also the perfect “driving” song. The transition between both songs is a true work of art.

Track ten is Downtown Money Waster. It’s pretty much a throw away song. In fact, I almost think of it as a b-side. It’s best described as one of those songs that the Robinson Brothers wrote while jamming on the tour bus. The eleventh track is Descending. There is some fabulous piano work on this song by Eddie Harsch. It’s a powerful ballad that really echoes the mood of the entire album-a relaxing, yet sometimes painful journey through life.

Track twelve and thirteen are bonus songs place on the cd when it was re-released as an enhanced cd. Both songs, Song Of The Flesh and Sunday Night Buttermilk Waltz are basically throw away songs. They weren’t placed on an album originally because they simply didn’t deserve to be. Don’t let this spoil the album for you. Two bad tracks out of thirteen is a pretty good ratio.

Because this is an enhanced cd, you receive a few little goodies as well. The cd provides a link to the website, tallest.com (not that you couldn’t have typed that in yourself). A screensaver is also provided. The best things are the two full-length videos of Wiser Time and High Head Blues. I’m glad I can watch those videos on my computer because MTV sure isn’t going to play them.

Overall, I would highly recommend Amorica to any Black Crowes fan. You will not be disappointed. The album is worth the money just to hear Ballad In Urgency and Wiser Time together. The enhance item are a nice little treat as well. If you aren’t a Black Crowes fan, but do like stripped down rock and roll music, I think you will like the album as well.


Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving