Better Times
The Black Sorrows · 1992
50 min · 11 tracks · blues
A rich blend of blues-infused rock layered with soulful melodies and heartfelt storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Better Times — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit with its uplifting message and catchy chorus, showcasing the band's characteristic blend of blues and rock.
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Ain't Love the Strangest Thing — This track features poignant lyrics about love's complexities, highlighted by strong vocal delivery and an engaging rhythm that exemplifies the band's style.
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Storm Wind — With its evocative imagery and stirring instrumentation, this song captures a sense of longing and reflection that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends blues and rock effectively but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout its length.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- The album closes with a gradual build-up in 'Resurrection', which features an extended instrumental section that contrasts with the preceding songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- heartfelt storytelling with soulful melodies
- uplifting vibes for gathering moments
- steady pacing for relaxed listening
- rich textures that invite reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
- want experimental and abstract sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1992, Better Times marked The Black Sorrows' fourth studio album, following their successful release of Hold On To Me in 1990. At this point, the band had established themselves as a significant act in the Australian music scene, known for their vibrant live performances and eclectic musical influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Teskey Brothers· Joe Cocker· Keb' Mo'
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Ain't Love the Strangest Thing
The bridge shifts to an introspective tone, questioning love’s unpredictable nature amidst a driving rhythm.
This moment deepens the emotional impact by contrasting upbeat instrumentation with contemplative lyrics.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Better Times 4:54
- 2 Come On, Come On 4:33
- 3 Ain't Love the Strangest Thing 5:48
- 4 A Night Like This 4:21
- 5 Too Long Gone 4:50
- 6 Stella 4:44
- 7 Steps of Time 4:16
- 8 Bitter Cup 4:18
- 9 Sweet Inspiration 3:54
- 10 Storm Wind 4:44
- 11 Resurrection 4:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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