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Album Review: Blackberry Smoke - The Whippoorwill

I'll just come right out and admit it. I wasn't a fan of Blackberry Smoke before The Whippoorwill hit my mailbox. On their previous album, Little Piece of Dixie, the band just seemed to be trying too hard. Trying too hard for something of a crossover country hit… and trying too hard in general - the finished product not coming off as honest and organic-sounding as I'd prefer.

With their move to Zac Brown's Southern Ground label, Blackberry Smoke has been unleashed to deliver their brand of southern rock goodness as they see fit and it's a welcome change. On The Whippoorwill, the band gives their all, a straightforward brand of rock that's fun, soulful and full of energy.

There's a little cheese in the recipe, as the opening number "Six Ways to Sunday" clearly demonstrates. It's an AC/DC-esque sex romp that unapologetically equates a round of Saturday night sweet lovemaking to praising the Lord at the Sunday morning service. "Woman if you need a disciple/We can have a little revival" sings head honcho Charlie Starr, and if he didn't bring it with such swagger you might snicker, but it's a bar burning number that'll have your booty shaking whether you like it or not.

There's plenty of depth to be explored on The Whippoorwill too. "One Horse Town," despite a few lyrical clichés, gives a more honest portrait of the regrets and pride of small town life than you'll find in a dozen country radio songs on the same theme. "A daddy that could have gone all the way" is penitent about his lack of worldy success despite his loyalty to the place that made him what he is.

The album's best track, the title song, is the best ballad the Black Crowes never recorded. I'm not even sure what it's about, but it's beautiful. Piano, organ, southern drawl, longing… this is the perfect song for a summer sundown. Just hit play and lay back.

Blackberry Smoke gets back to riffed up badassery on "Crimson Moon," a Zac Brown cowrite. It's a "leaving it all behind" shit-kicker that'll have you pushing the gas pedal down a little too hard but feeling no guilt about it.

Ain't a bad song on the album to put it plainly. It's simple fare, but you'll never feel short-changed in the artistry arena either. The lyrics are mostly solid, the vocals are awesome and the musicianship is as good as there is going these days. The Whippoorwill is a must-own for southern rock fans dreaming of the good old days of Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet. Blackberry Smoke is straight as a shot of Maker's Mark and will leave you feeling just as good.

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You can purchase a digital download of the album for $6.49 here.

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