‘Warpaint’ Bridges a Gap Between the Past and Present for The Black Crowes | Album Review

Warpaint is the seventh studio album by American rock band The Black Crowes and was released on March 3, 2008. It was their first album of new material in almost seven years. Following the departures of guitarist Marc Ford and keyboardist Eddie Harsch in fall 2006, the band welcomed a couple of new faces to the lineup, guitarist and producer Paul Stacey and keyboardist Rob Clores. Not long afterwards, the two were replaced by guitarist Luther Dickinson and keyboardist Adam MacDougall. The rest of the lineup remained the same with Chris Robinson on lead vocals and harmonica, Rich Robinson on guitars, Sven Pipien on bass guitar, and Steve Gorman on drums.

The opening track and first single, “Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution,” is reminiscent of the band’s first two records. It’s commercial, radio-friendly, has a great groove, and the chorus is insanely catchy. When the second track, dirty and tasteful “Walk Believer Walk,” comes on, it’s obvious that Warpaint isn’t a repeat of Shake Your Money Maker (1990), but that’s a good thing.

The Black Crowes aren’t afraid to take risks when it comes to their music, whether they pay off or not. In this case, they do pay off. Dickinson’s slide guitar work is all over this album and he brings a fresh take to the band’s sound. In addition to that, Chris Robinson experiments with different vocal melodies, including on “Walk Believer Walk.”

“Oh Josephine” would fit perfectly on the band’s fourth studio album, Three Snakes and One Charm (1996). It’s a beautiful ballad with a chilling organ melody, perfect harmonies, and excellent slide guitar work. “Wee Who See the Deep” has a killer riff, an infectious groove, and Chris Robinson sings his butt off. “Locust Street” is another standout ballad on Warpaint, which has Dickinson playing mandolin for some extra flavor. “God’s Got It,” originally by Reverend Charlie Jackson, is a fun song, despite the repetitive lyrics. But, it’s a good cover and it sounds great live. Now, if the Robinson brothers could convince their current drummer to wear a marching band outfit and play a big bass drum like Gorman used to do back in the day, that would be epic.

The Black Crowes have matured and developed their sound over the years. This is especially true when it comes to the Robinson brothers’ songwriting. Tracks like “Wounded Bird” and “Whoa Mule” tell a story and the lyrics can be interpreted however the listener feels.

In “Whoa Mule,” for example, the protagonist is longing to escape their current situation in hopes of a better future. For years, the Robinson brothers fought with each other constantly. Though they were on the same team, they weren’t seeing eye to eye. Before reforming The Black Crowes in late 2019, “Whoa Mule” could’ve been viewed as a slight glimmer of hope that the Robinson brothers would both “get there someday.” In other words, they’ll be able to fix their strained relationship eventually. Now that they’ve put their differences aside and are on the same page, the song takes on a new positive meaning; there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Overall, Warpaint bridges a fine gap between the band’s past and present. There are slight hints of The Black Crowes from the early ‘90s, but for the most part, the band continues to go beyond their limits and try new things (which they’ve been doing since 1994’s Amorica). The Black Crowes are a rock ‘n’ roll band with southern influences and Warpaint can attest to that, more so than their previous album, Lions (2001). It’s also a great album to play while chilling by the barbeque. Warpaint will get a rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Album Tracklist

1. Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution

2. Walk Believer Walk

3. Oh Josephine

4. Evergreen

5. Wee Who See the Deep

6. Locust Street

7. Movin’ on Down the Line

8. Wounded Bird

9. God’s Got It (Rev. Charlie Jackson cover)

10. There’s Gold in Them Hills

11. Whoa Mule

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