Warm up to 'Before the Frost'

The Black Crowes- Before the FrostWarm Up to Before the Frost

For about twenty years, The Black Crowes have been rocking the world with hits such as; "She Talks to Angels," "Good Friday" and "Hard to Handel."

Though the group took a short break in 2002, they didn't stop for long. Since reuniting in 2005, they have put out four more albums. Their latest, "Before the Frost", was released on Sept. 1 and includes a bonus album titled "After the Freeze," with nine additional new songs that you get for free just for purchasing the album.

The band has been obviously and heavily influenced by rock legends such as Neil Young, Aerosmith, and most obviously Led Zeppelin. This influence can be heard in a number of their songs from the early 90s.

Fans of The Crowes will definitely hear a new sound on this album. Instead of the blues rock sound that many have come to expect from this band, this new album has a more Rolling Stones circa "Start Me Up" influence to it. It's a true rock album with just a twang of country added to the mix.

Although it's a new sound to get used to if you were expecting this album to sound like The Black Crowes of the past, I still think it's an absolutely amazing album. The slow and soulful "Appaloosa" would be right at home among any classic rock or rock songs out today. "Be struck by the arrow of weakness/ On the gilded path to forgiveness/ Find my way home when the morning comes/ To stay your friend when/ it's all said and done." These words open a song about getting hurt or struggling with something in life, but still knowing that when life is giving you a hard time, you can always go home. And the new age sounding "I Ain't Hiding" is definitely worth checking out. Every song on the album has its merits, and I'd say there's certainly something on here for everyone.

It seems that The Crowes can do no wrong on their latest album, with 11 great new songs and a bonus album with nine other songs as well. The new sound is definitely working to their advantage.