The Black Crowes Entertainment Art “Warpaint” (Silver Arrow) Released March 3, 2008

The band has been around long enough to have earned a loyal following. “Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution” opens the album with just enough rock and country to hook the listener in for the rest of the record. The lyrics and sound all flow beautifully and effortlessly.

The Black Crowes are the kind of band that just oozes with raw cool. The blues is something that is often imitated but when it is done right, can be pure heaven. Though “Warpaint” cannot be classified as strictly blues, many of the songs do great justice to the genre.

Much of the album captures the classic Black Crowes sound that fans have been without for far too many years. Even with the break the band seems to have not forgotten its roots. Each song is full of passion.

That passion is never more apparent than on “Evergreen” track four on the album. The guitars just tear it up and the lyrics call back to an earlier time. Not so much folksy but full of roots. At nearly four and a half minutes, it might seem like a long song but ends far too quickly.

While there is no doubt that lead singer Chris Robinson has a beautiful voice. Full of range and emotion it is somewhere between Robert Plant and Chris Cornell. Nevertheless, Robinson’s voice is not the star of the album, it is all about the instruments. On songs like “Locust Street” the subtle country picking of the guitars seem to overshadow the vocals themselves.

All throughout the album the band tears it up instrumentally. One cannot help but be reminded of early Led Zeppelin, subtle but intense. “Movin On Down The Line” is a perfect example of a song that just entrances the listener. Although it takes awhile to really get moving that slow opener will blow your mind when played on surround sound speakers. While the lyrics themselves are typical of most country/rock bands the overpowering blues guitar holds the whole song together from beginning to end. About halfway through the track a wild harmonica kicks and steals the show. It only pops in briefly but takes control of the track enthralling the listener completely.

Overall the album is a nice change from the modern musical standard. There is no formula here, just a bunch of talented musicians playing the music they love. Now that country has become a popular genre it will be interesting to see how the album does. Ten or so years ago, “Warpaint” would have been seen as an extremely niche album. Times have changed and musical genres have merged, it is time for a new beginning for the Black Crowes.

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