By Your Side

iTunes Review

The Black Crowes jump right out of the gate on their fifth release with “Go Faster” and “Kickin’ My Heart Around,” a pair of lean and muscular rockers that practically demand that you turn up the volume. These tunes set the template for the rest of the album, which is dominated by heavy riffs, sharp hooks, and pounding drums. Unlike the past two releases, they don’t offer any true ballads this time, though the soulful, horn-driven “Only a Fool” and the mid-tempo “Welcome to the Goodtimes” come closest. Singer Chris Robinson sounds cocksure as ever, clearly emboldened by the fact that one of the best rock ‘n’ roll bands in the world is backing him up. Ten years into their existence it’s cliché to call the Black Crowes the second coming of the ‘70s-era Rolling Stones or the Faces, especially since they have so clearly honed their own sound, yet the comparison remains accurate. By Your Side may not feature any of their very best individual songs but cut for cut it rocks as righteously as anything since Shake Your Money Maker.