It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since the last Blackberry Smoke album and that the band themselves have been going for over two decades, with only half of that contributing to their well-warranted conquering of the UK. Their longevity aside, whenever an album from them pops up, it’s a welcome opportunity to head back to Georgia and find out what’s new in their world.
Essentially, nothing has changed for Blackberry Smoke on Be Right Here. Nor would you want it to. It’s still a masterclass in Southern rock and with this, their eighth album, that crown isn’t going to be ripped from their heads anytime soon. Each song is a vignette of life, love, and finding optimism in the bad moments or simply holding onto the good times. There’s also their trademark blend of grit and honest that can only be found in the South of the United States.
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The production is top-notch, with each instrument given room to breathe and shine, thanks to the expert craftsmanship of the band and Dave Cobb’s expert hand on the desk. Having tracked the album live, it sounds warmer and fuller, showing their dynamics as one of the tightest live acts around whilst feathering in a looseness that allows them not to be completely rigid.
And while it may not be as rambunctious and raucous as the early albums, there’s a comfort in the wisdom of age. They’re not pointing fingers at anyone in the real world and instead seem quite content to simply tell stories and if there’s any lessons to be found in them, it’s simply a happy coincidence. Indeed, the overarching theme may be one of positivity and optimism, but it never feels saccharine or trite.
Guitars still have the chance to wail but they’re not quite as boisterous as they were. Now, much in the same mind as Charlie Starr’s weathered and soulful vocals, they’re more thoughtful. It makes for a more laidback album, creating a more measured and controlled album so the slower numbers don’t stick out like a sore thumb. Likewise, when he wants, Starr can still drawl with the best of them on the more up-tempo numbers, but it never feels like this is a band slowing down due to age, they’re simply relaxed, in the pocket and exactly where they’re meant to be.
Be Right Here won’t change the mind of anyone who didn’t like Blackberry Smoke to begin with and there’s nothing on the album which goes outside their comfort zone. It’s simply another collection of Blackberry Smoke songs and at this stage of their career, that’s exactly what they should be providing us with. They’ve once again proven why they are one of the finest purveyors of Southern rock today and we shouldn’t accept any substitutes. So, pour yourself a glass of bourbon, and let the album envelop you to remind you why they endure and are one of the most consistent bands of the 21st century.
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Be Right Here is released on 16th February
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[…] it. It’s another couple of songs in before they let fly with material from this year’s album, Be Right Here. They want to make sure everyone is comfortable and even now, eight albums in, everyone’s singing […]