Although it’s difficult not to describe any material by The Black Crowes against the shadow of The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion and Amorica, the landmark achievements that cemented them as the premier roots rockers of the ‘90s, Warpaint is truly their first album that stands and shouts without relying completely on its weighty predecessors. The elements are there, of course: the swagger, the soaring crescendos, the funky-blues backbone, Chris’ signature yawp and more. But, where Shake Your Money Maker was a picture of longhair hippie kids who couldn’t wait to be road-worn rockers, Warpaint is the creative culmination of comfortably seasoned veterans tempered by years of touring. Then enters Luther Dickinson. Even though Marc Ford is their signature guitar sound and provided the early Crowes with the edge they needed to accomplish what they did, Luther’s hill country style feels like a breath of fresh air meandering around Rich’s deft composition, developing the balance that the band only recently regained during their reunion tour a few years back.

In spite of their emotional and musical return, though, Warpaint showcases The Black Crowes’ forward progress in the area of their ballad composition, as songs like “Josephine” and “Locust Street” are the best on the whole record. “Josephine,” in particular, is the best slow-tempo song they have recorded since “Descending” and easily ranks as one of the best songs I’ve heard in quite a while.

Overall: B+

Why a B+?  I said it’s difficult not to examine The Crowes without Southern Harmony and Amorica in mind, and it’s proving to be near impossible. Those albums are both A+ material and it would be hard for any band to match output like that later in their career, but I can’t help the comparisons that crop up in my head as I’m listening to Warpaint. On the whole, though, it does everything a rock album is supposed to: the rockers rock your face, the boogie swings your hips, the ballads take you back and the lyrical and musical interplay is all top class. It’s a fine album and the best work we’ve seen from The Black Crowes since the mid-’90s, so it is a must have for a fan and a nice addition to anyone who likes good Southern rock.