The Black Crowes burst onto the music scene in 1990 with their debut single, ‘Jealous Again,’ a track that instantly established them as a force to be reckoned with. Frontman Chris Robinson, barely in his twenties alongside his younger brother and guitarist Rich, spearheaded a band that would leave an indelible mark on rock music. Even though new albums may be on hold, the legacy of the Black Crowes and their incredible catalog of songs continues to resonate deeply with fans worldwide.
While simply listing the tracks from their seminal album ‘Shake Your Money Maker’ as their best work would be an easy option, we decided to delve deeper into the Black Crowes’ rich and diverse discography. Selecting the top songs from a band with such a passionate fanbase and extensive catalog is no easy task, and involved considerable debate here. However, after much deliberation, we present our definitive list of the Top 10 Black Crowes Songs.
- I Ain’t Hiding
From their most recent studio album, ‘Before the Frost…Until the Freeze,’ ‘I Ain’t Hiding’ emerges as a standout track amidst a collection of more psychedelic-leaning tunes. This song, however, is pure, unadulterated rock and roll with a Dylan-esque lyrical quality. Driven by a funky bassline and searing guitar riffs, ‘I Ain’t Hiding’ is elevated by Chris Robinson’s distinctive vocals and evocative lyrics. The opening lines, “Rust on my pickups and blood on the stage / Seeds in the ashtray and coke on the blade,” immediately set the tone for a classic, old-school rock anthem penned by Robinson. Its raw energy and lyrical grit make it a compelling entry in the list of best Black Crowes songs.
- My Morning Song
‘The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion’ served as the perfect successor to the band’s groundbreaking debut. This album demonstrated remarkable growth and musical maturity in a short span, showcasing a deeper rock sound with soulful undertones. ‘My Morning Song’ perfectly exemplifies this evolution, becoming a live show staple and a fan favorite due to its sheer soulfulness and energy. Beyond the band’s electrifying stage presence during this song, ‘My Morning Song’ features a powerful breakdown around the 3:30 mark, punctuated by Robinson’s soaring vocals: “If your rhythm ever falls out of time / You can bring it to me and I will make it alright.” This track’s lasting impact and emotional resonance solidify its place among the top Black Crowes songs.
- Lickin’
Within the album ‘Lions,’ brimming with blues, soul, and classic rock influences, ‘Lickin” stands out as a particularly memorable and hard-rocking track. Anchored by a killer guitar riff courtesy of Rich Robinson, the song is further enriched by gritty vocals and raw, evocative lyrics. While ‘Lions’ itself may have received mixed reviews upon release, ‘Lickin” is undeniably a high-energy rocker from beginning to end. Adding to its allure, ‘Lickin” is a relatively rare treat for live audiences, having been performed fewer than 100 times since its concert debut in 2001, making it a special gem among Black Crowes songs.
- Thorn in My Pride
A slightly more subdued yet equally impactful track from ‘Southern Harmony,’ ‘Thorn in My Pride’ perfectly encapsulates the soulful edge that defines the Black Crowes’ sound. In contrast to the rawness of ‘Lickin’,’ ‘Thorn in My Pride’ is a song the band clearly enjoys performing live, evidenced by its nearly 1,000 performances since the early 1990s. With deeply emotional lyrics that have become synonymous with the Crowes’ career, ‘Thorn in My Pride’ is an essential inclusion on any list of top Black Crowes songs, showcasing their ability to blend rock energy with soulful depth.
- Jealous Again
No compilation of the top 10 Black Crowes songs would be complete without ‘Jealous Again,’ the second track and lead single from their debut album, ‘Shake Your Money Maker.’ A quintessential blues-based rock and roll anthem, ‘Jealous Again’ is arguably one of the most instantly catchy songs in the entire Black Crowes catalog. Demonstrating the song’s enduring appeal and versatility, the band revisited ‘Jealous Again’ on their 2010 acoustic greatest hits album, ‘Croweology,’ offering fans a completely reimagined, acoustic interpretation of this true classic among Black Crowes songs.
- Evergreen
While blues influences have always been woven into the fabric of the Black Crowes’ music, ‘Evergreen’ stands as a shining example of their ability to push these boundaries and explore new sonic territories. ‘Warpaint’ marked the first studio album featuring Luther Dickinson on guitar, and his distinct Southern rock and blues sensibilities are clearly evident on ‘Evergreen.’ Dickinson’s guitar prowess takes center stage around the 2:20 mark with a vibrant and unique solo that seamlessly transitions into the final chorus. ‘Evergreen’ highlights the band’s evolution and their willingness to experiment within the realm of Black Crowes songs.
- Kickin’ My Heart Around
‘Kickin’ My Heart Around’ explodes into action with a raucous slide guitar intro and maintains that high energy for its entire three minutes and 41 seconds. The song is drenched in overdriven guitars and an infectious, foot-tapping rhythm, culminating in a piercing harmonica-laden bridge. With memorable lyrics like, “Well I told you so now it’s time to go / Got to get this show on the road / Just stop kickin’ my heart around,” this track is undeniably catchy and showcases the band’s knack for creating instantly memorable Black Crowes songs.
- She Talks to Angels
Perhaps one of the most widely recognized Black Crowes tunes, ‘She Talks to Angels’ is a beautifully poignant song that delves into the struggles of a woman battling addiction. Written collaboratively by the Robinson brothers, what elevates this song to legendary status is the fact that Rich composed the music when he was just 15 years old. While forever associated with the music of the early 1990s, ‘She Talks to Angels,’ like so much of the Crowes’ music, possesses a timeless quality that ensures its continued relevance and appeal as one of the most enduring Black Crowes songs.
- Hard to Handle
Originally penned and recorded by soul icon Otis Redding during his final recording sessions, the Black Crowes’ electrifying cover of ‘Hard to Handle’ catapulted to No. 1 on Billboard’s Rock Charts in 1990. Even decades later, the song remains a significant and enduring contribution to the rock and roll canon. A faithful yet uniquely Crowes-infused rendition of Redding’s classic, the radio promo remix of ‘Hard to Handle’ further enhanced the track by incorporating a dynamic brass section throughout, solidifying its status as a definitive cover and one of the most popular Black Crowes songs.
- Remedy
Two years after ‘Hard to Handle’ topped the charts, ‘Remedy’ repeated that feat, holding the No. 1 position for an impressive 11 weeks. Like all of the Black Crowes’ music, ‘Remedy’ has effortlessly stood the test of time, sounding as fresh and powerful today as it did upon its release over 20 years ago. Drawing inspiration from an old Parliament track, ‘Remedy’ is instantly recognizable and unforgettable, primarily due to its incredibly catchy guitar riff that serves as both the song’s opening hook and its rhythmic backbone. Given their extensive and impressive catalog, we are proud to crown ‘Remedy’ as the No. 1 Black Crowes song on our list, representing the pinnacle of their musical achievements.
Next: Chris Robinson Discusses the Future of the Black Crowes
