SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE BLACK CROWES – HAPPINESS BASTARDS

THE BLACK CROWES
HAPPINESS BASTARDS
SILVER ARROW RECORDS

Currently in the midst of their third reunion, The Black Crowes have hit the touring circuit steady, with only an EP of covers – 1972 – released in 2022 to wet the appetite of fans eagerly awaiting new music. Their last studio album, Before The Frost…Until The Freeze was released fifteen years ago, making Happiness Bastards a truly long awaited and equally anticipated album that harkens back to the blues rock and excitement of the band’s early albums.

Opening with “Bedside Manner”, an electrifying track lead by a fuzzy slide guitar, stark keys, and a stomping beat for singer Chris Robinson to soar across effortlessly. His signature, southern bluesy twang remains distinctively that of a modern legend of the genre. “Rats And Clowns”, the following track is another raucous rocker that captures The Black Crowes at their best. The band sounds young and hungry again with their knives out like they have something to prove after a fifteen-year break. The result is a pair of opening tracks reminiscent for the glorious songbook of Jagger and Richards, circa 1971.

The remaining eight songs across Happiness Bastards only continue to demonstrate the strength of The Black Crowes as a rock and roll outfit. From the Zeppelin strut of “Cross Your Fingers” to the largely acoustic “Wilted Rose”, a song which sees Robinson duet with the incredibly soulful voice of Lainey Wilson – with the addition of gospel inspired backing vocals – Happiness Bastards is without a moment of weakness. Additional highlights include “Wanting And Waiting” – a song that feels as though it was pulled from 1992’s The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion – the biting, riff heavy “Dirty Cold Sun”, the modern take on traditional, 1920’s blues that is “Bleed It Dry”, and the groovy rocker “Follow The Moon”.

Happiness Bastards is a thrilling blues rock album that sees The Black Crowes return as one of the strongest bands in the genre as they continue a tradition of infusing the blues with classic rock tones, putting them in line with the likes of Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. The resulting album is a triumphant affair of classic rock revelry; ultimately, The Black Crowes haven’t sounded nearly this good since 1994, making Happiness Bastards among the strongest records in their catalogue.

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