The Black Crowes’ ‘Happiness Bastards’ Marks a New Beginning for the Band | Album Review

Think back to 2015, when The Black Crowes called it quits for supposedly the final time. Who knew we would get another studio album from these guys? I’m not even sure if the Robinson brothers knew they’d release a new record in 2024. But you know what, props to them for putting their issues behind them because coming from someone who has two older fraternal twin sisters, I know that siblings can be a pain in the butt. It’s been 15 years since the release of Before the Frost…Until the Freeze (2009) and two years since their 1972 covers EP. Considering that The Black Crowes haven’t released new original material in a very long time and most of the band’s classic lineup is gone, the pressure was intense. 

Granted, they’ve never been the type of band to care about chart success or following the trends, but the Robinson brothers definitely wanted to make a statement with their new album, Happiness Bastards (2024). They wanted to show the haters and everyone else talking behind their backs that they are the core foundation of The Black Crowes. Marc Ford and Steve Gorman are not with them anymore, so what? The riffs are there, the melody is there, the songs are there, and the heart is there. The lineup that plays on the album includes Chris Robinson on lead vocals, Rich Robinson and Nico Bereciartua on guitars, Erik Deutsch on keyboards, and Brian Griffin on drums. Keep in mind that the band started working on the album in early 2023, while Griffin was still in the band, which is why current drummer Cully Symington is not featured on Happiness Bastards. 

The album immediately grabs listeners by the throat with unapologetic rocker “Bedside Manners.” Chris Robinson did not hold back any of his negativity or frustrations when it came to the lyrics; it’s hard to say whether he was referring to someone specifically or not. “Put a knife in my back. Expect me to say ‘please’? With friends like these, Who needs enemies?” It definitely has a Rolling Stones vibe, everything from the solid groove to the tasteful guitar riff.

Rich Robinson’s guitar playing on Happiness Bastards is incredible; there’s this confidence about him that’s reminiscent of the band’s By Your Side (1999) album. “Rats and Clowns” is an old-school rocker, complemented by Rich’s raunchy guitar tone. “Cross Your Fingers” is a major highlight on the album because it’s the heaviest track that The Black Crowes have done in a long while. Killer groove, lovely female backing vocals, and an insanely catchy chorus.

“Wanting and Waiting” is the most basic and commercial track on Happiness Bastards, but it’s far from a bad song. It’s got a nice southern riff, brilliant hammond organ parts, big female backing vocals, and a sweet guitar solo from Bereciartua. The Black Crowes aren’t considered a country band, despite having southern influences in their music, but “Wilted Rose,” a beautiful duet with country singer Lainey Wilson, is the closest they’ll ever get to going down that path. “Dirty Cold Sun” is another one of those tracks where Rich truly gets to shine. First of all, it’s funky as heck. Second of all, listen to the little solos he throws in during the bridge; that dude has chops!

“Flesh Wound” is a throwback to the Robinson brothers’ punk rock influences like R.E.M. and Black Flag. However, it reminds me of The All-American Rejects, for some bizarre reason. It’s loud, rambunctious, and perfect to blast at your neighbors late at night. Happiness Bastards closes with one of The Black Crowes’ best ballads in years, “Kindred Friend.” Chris’ vocals on the whole album are amazing, but on this particular track, he gives a heartfelt performance due to his newfound joyous relationship with his brother, Rich. What I love most about song lyrics is that they can be interpreted however the listener views them. In the Robinson brothers’ case, “let’s stop pretending and write our own ending.”

Despite enjoying half of the album early on, it took me four or five listens to truly appreciate Happiness Bastards because when I heard it was partially inspired by the band’s experience on their recent Shake Your Money Maker tour, I was concerned. The goal was to write a straightforward rock ‘n’ roll record that resembles their debut studio album. While I’m not the biggest fan of Before the Frost…Until the Freeze, I didn’t want them to throw away their development and go back to the basics. 

Thankfully, once I got rid of that perspective, the album finally clicked with me. Jay Joyce did a fantastic job producing the album and everyone involved sounds like they had fun during the recording process. Interestingly enough, this is the shortest Black Crowes studio album so far; it’s under 38 minutes long. Talk about straightforward rock ‘n’ roll. Happiness Bastards marks a new beginning for the band and because of that, I’ll give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. Fingers crossed that there’ll be more studio albums from them in the near future!

Album Tracklist

1. Bedside Manners

2. Rats and Clowns

3. Cross Your Fingers

4. Wanting and Waiting

5. Wilted Rose

6. Dirty Cold Sun

7. Bleed It Dry

8. Flesh Wound

9. Follow the Moon

10. Kindred Friend

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Take care and see ya real soon!

Lana