In the 24 years (yes really) since they’ve been together, Blackberry Smoke have quietly established themselves as major players in modern country-rock. They’ve attracted legions of devoted fans through their skills as musicians and songwriters, racking up seven studio albums – two of which have reached number one on the Billboard Country Albums chart – and playing to audiences across the world, including regular trips to the UK. Now, following their headline set at The Long Road festival last year, they’re back with their eighth LP, ‘Be Right Here’.
The 10-track project kicks off with ‘Dig A Hole’, which features a count in before bursting into heavy, punchy drums and a funky guitar lick that picks up into a fierce wailing riff. There’s an edge to Paul and Charlie’s vocals that adds a hard touch to the track, contrasted by more soulful touches later, and their harmonies on the chorus work really well together. It’s an anthemic, stadium-worthy start to the record and sets the tone for what’s to come very strongly.
One thing which stood out to me is how Blackberry Smoke aren’t afraid to lean into different styles. ‘Hammer And The Nail’ is a big singalong honky-tonk number, with a rollicking chorus and fantastic storytelling that balances twang with 80s influences, whilst the atmospheric, shuffling ‘Be So Lucky’ echoes later Beatles records and has an almost sarcastic feel through Charlie’s drawling vocals. Elsewhere, there’s a bluesy, sharp quality about ‘Whatcha Know Good’, which celebrates appreciating the little things in life with a quiet confidence whilst transporting you straight to a smoky dive bar, and the bright, sunsoaked ‘Other Side Of The Light’ evokes 60s California with its slide guitar riffs and hopeful, almost spiritual message.
For me some of the strongest tracks came in the middle of the record, particularly ‘Azalea’. An ode to parenthood (as discussed in my recent chat with Paul and Charlie), it’s an acoustic-led number with a soft, dreamlike quality and warm, soaring vocals. The delicate, gentle feel of the song and its wistful lyrics provided a really nice change of pace from the rest of the project and it was nice to see a different side of the band.
I also loved ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’, which teams a fun, bouncy intro with optimistic lyrics, big vocals from Paul and a lively piano riff – it reminded me of Status Quo, which I genuinely mean as a compliment! – and ‘Little Bit Crazy’ with its call-and-response intro and playful, cheeky energy. It’s got a really organic, raw feel about it and creates a very strong sense of feeling like you’re right there in the room with the band.
The album closes with ‘Barefoot Angel’, which feels like it sums up the record in a lot of ways. The big, bombastic intro bursts into life before things mellow out to a slower, laid-back love song that’s full of joy and has a sweet feel about it, with Charlie and Paul singing about the power of being in a good relationship despite turbulent times. It’s a great note to end on and leaves you excited for where the band might go from here.
Overall Blackberry Smoke have delivered a vibrant, immersive album that pays homage to classic rock artists but also feels fresh and unique. Drawing on a range of genres and influences, with stellar musicianship as always and fantastic vocals throughout from Paul and Charlie, this should continue to cement them as one of the best country-rock bands out there and win over plenty of new fans whilst also appealing to those who loved their earlier stuff. It’s also one of those records that’s going to sound fantastic live (especially the stomping, nostalgic ‘Like It Was Yesterday’) so make sure you snap up tickets for their tour in September ASAP!
Track list: 1. Dig A Hole 2. Hammer And The Nail 3. Like It Was Yesterday 4. Be So Lucky 5. Azalea 6. Don’t Mind If I Do 7. Whatcha Know Good 8. Other Side Of The Light 9. Little Bit Crazy 10. Barefoot Angel Record label: 3 Legged Records/Thirty Tigers Release date: 15th February 2024
