Today, May 24, is guitarist Rich Robinson’s 55th birthday and man, he’s lived quite a life! He co-founded southern rock / blues rock band The Black Crowes with his older brother, Chris Robinson, back in 1984 under the name, Mr. Crowe’s Garden. Rich was only 17 when he wrote the music for the now iconic ballad, “She Talks to Angels.” The success of their debut album, Shake Your Money Maker (1990), marked the beginning of the band’s crazy (and sometimes tormentous) roller coaster ride that would last until their supposedly final breakup in 2015. Not to quote one of Rich’s songs, but “it’s not easy” being a rock star. Thank goodness the music was freaking awesome!
In all honesty, though, The Black Crowes would’ve been nothing without Rich because he was the backbone of that band. We have him to thank for gems like “Remedy,” “Sometimes Salvation,” “Cursed Diamond,” “Then She Said My Name,” and “Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution.” That’s just a few, of course. In fact, if you’ve listened to his solo work, there are some fantastic riffs that sound very Black Crowes-esque. However, Rich isn’t a one-dimensional artist and it’s fascinating to see him grow throughout his musical journey.
In honor of this happy bastard, we’re going to give him the recognition he deserves by ranking all four of his solo albums from worst to best (or least favorite to favorite). With all that said, let’s get on with the music!
4. The Ceaseless Sight (2014)
The Ceaseless Sight is not a bad album, but personally, it’s the one with the least amount of memorable tunes. However, there are a few standout tracks. “I Know You” is a killer album opener, “This Unfortunate Show” is a no bullsh*t type of rocker, and “I Remember” is very heartfelt and sincere. However, there aren’t enough wow moments and the tracklist order does not help at all. The overall vibe of The Ceaseless Sight is mellow, which is not my cup of tea. Also, ending an album with an instrumental is not a win in my book.
3. Through a Crooked Sun (2011)
Through a Crooked Sun is where Rich’s songwriting imagination began running wild. “I Don’t Hear the Sound of You,” for example, isn’t the best song he’s written, but props to him for creativity! Plus, as a former percussionist, I love the vibraphone parts during the second half of the song. As for standouts, “Gone Away” is Rich’s autobiography basically, “Lost and Found” is an earthy, mid-tempo rocker; and the lyrics for “Hey Fear” are so true, yet frightening at the same time. Another highlight is “All Along the Way,” a melodic blues number with notes that are chilling.
2. Paper (2004)
Not a perfect debut album, but it has a lot of balls and the riffs are killer! Released during The Black Crowes’ first breakup, this was Rich’s way of saying, “Yeah, I’m a bada**! I can do this!” Standout tracks include the brilliant, “Forgiven Song,” the raunchy and swaggering, “Yesterday I Saw You,” the sweet and innocent, “When You Will,” and the underrated, “Leave It Alone.” In 2016, Paper was re-released as part of Rich’s new recording contract with Eagle Rock Entertainment. While the 2016 version has a much cleaner production and songs like “Cause You’re With Me,” originally titled “Oh No,” were saved from mediocrity, the 2004 version has a better tracklist order and it feels more organic. However, it’s a crying shame that “Stand Up” and “Walking By Myself” weren’t included on the 2004 version because they’re great songs.
1. Flux (2016)
Flux is a very mature and consistent album. Compared to Paper, Rich sounds like a revived human being with more confidence in himself. Everything from the vocals to the instrumentation is incredible. Best of all, a good chunk of the tracks could’ve been long lost Black Crowes songs. As for album highlights, “Shipwreck” is insanely groovy and has a juicy bass line, “Eclipse the Night” is funky as heck, “The Music That Will Lift Me” is a comforting and joyous tune, and “For to Give” is another melodic blues number. “Sleepwalker,” the epic and moody album closer, is also worth mentioning.
Rich always stayed true to himself and was willing to try new musical ideas, no matter the outcomes. When The Black Crowes’ future was uncertain, he continued to create and improve his craft, which is inspiring. His work ethic makes his contemporaries look like amateurs. His schedule with The Black Crowes is keeping him busy these days, but if Rich ever has time to make a fifth solo album, that would be amazing!
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Take care and see ya real soon!
Lana
Lana Teramae | Me, Myself and Time 
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