All Time Favorite MusicThe Black Crowes | Led by charismatic rock and roll siblings, this acclaimed American band brought blues-based hard rock swagger back to the forefront. Known for their authentic sound rooted in classic influences, soulful vocals, and powerful live performances, they've maintained a dedicated following across decades.
All Time Favorite Music
With a dynamic history featuring distinct active periods since the mid-eighties, their explosive arrival came right at the turn of the nineties. That pivotal year saw them conquer rock radio with a multi-platinum debut album, showcasing raw hard rock energy on electrifying cover songs and original bluesy rockers, alongside poignant acoustic ballads exploring darker themes.
Released as a major single from their multi-platinum debut album Shake Your Money Maker, this cover launched The Black Crowes to stardom. Their powerful rendition infused the soul original with raw hard rock energy and blues rock attitude, becoming a signature song for the band.
Driven by Rich Robinson's gritty guitar work and a driving rhythm section, The Black Crowes' take on "Hard to Handle" became a massive rock radio staple. Its blend of classic rock influences and hard rock power perfectly captured their sound and remains an enduring fan favorite from 1990.
SONG MEANING: Originally by Otis Redding, the song is sung from a boastful male perspective, claiming to be irresistible to women ("action speaks louder than words / And I'm a man of great experience"). He playfully asserts that he's "hard to handle" because he's so desirable and knows how to please.
Released as the lead single that introduced The Black Crowes to the world, "Jealous Again" established their signature sound rooted in 70s blues rock. Its driving rhythm, courtesy of the Robinson brothers' songwriting and performance alongside the band, instantly captured attention on rock radio.
This powerful 1990 blues rock track features Chris Robinson's dynamic vocals exploring themes of relationship insecurity over Rich Robinson's gritty guitar riffs. "Jealous Again" remains a fan favorite, perfectly representing the raw energy and retro-cool of The Black Crowes' successful debut.
SONG MEANING: The song tackles feelings of jealousy and insecurity within a relationship. The narrator questions their own possessive feelings ("Am I jealous again?") upon seeing their partner interacting with someone else, acknowledging the recurring nature of this emotional struggle and perhaps seeking understanding or resolution.
Released as a successful single from the multi-platinum album Shake Your Money Maker, "She Talks to Angels" showcased The Black Crowes' versatility beyond bluesy hard rock. Its stripped-down acoustic rock arrangement, featuring Rich Robinson's distinctive open-G tuning, perfectly complemented Chris Robinson's emotional storytelling vocals.
This powerful 1991 acoustic rock track delves into dark themes with empathy and grace. The compelling narrative, combined with the memorable melody and heartfelt performance, solidified "She Talks to Angels" as one of The Black Crowes' most beloved and signature songs.
SONG MEANING: The song paints a poignant portrait of a person, likely a young woman, deeply troubled and struggling with addiction, possibly heroin ("She paints her eyes as black as night now / Pulls those shades down tight"). "Talking to angels" is often interpreted as a metaphor for being high, detached from reality, or lost in the isolating world of drug abuse.
