Released 20 years ago
Black Stone Cherry
Black Stone Cherry · 2006
46 min · 13 tracks · hard rock
A relentless blend of Southern rock grooves and hard-hitting riffs that showcases raw vocal power and gritty instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lonely Train — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of Southern rock and heavy metal, featuring powerful guitar riffs and anthemic choruses that define their style.
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Rain Wizard Start here — The opening track captivates listeners with its infectious energy and lyrical themes of mystique and longing, setting a compelling tone for the album.
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Hell and High Water — This song showcases emotional depth with its relatable lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, illustrating the band's ability to balance hard-hitting music with introspective themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic riffs and strong vocals but lacks depth for lasting appeal.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
- The vocal delivery is consistently raw and powerful, often layered with harmonies that emphasize the Southern rock influence.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- short, engaging listening sessions
- raw, reflective storytelling moments
- steady, consistent energy levels
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This debut album introduced their sound and established wider recognition.
- Themes
- Kentucky grit· Southern rock nostalgia· mystical longing
- Moods
- Introspective· Melancholy
- Career context
- Released on July 18, 2006, Black Stone Cherry marked the band's self-titled debut album, introducing their Southern rock-infused hard rock sound to a wider audience. At this point, the band had already developed a strong live presence and fan base in their native Kentucky, but this album was pivotal for establishing their identity in the competitive hard rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alter Bridge· Shinedown· Theory of a Deadman
Tracklist
- 1 Rain Wizard Start here 3:24
- 2 Backwoods Gold 3:06
- 3 Lonely Train 3:50
- 4 Maybe Someday 3:47
- 5 When the Weight Comes Down 3:35
- 6 Crosstown Woman 3:36
- 7 Shooting Star 3:12
- 8 Hell and High Water 4:01
- 9 Shapes of Things 3:05
- 10 Violator Girl 3:23
- 11 Tired of the Rain 3:15
- 12 Drive 3:04
- 13 Rollin' On 4:59
What to play next
Folklore and Superstition
2008
Continues the Southern rock sound with deeper themes and polished production.
Hell & High Water
2006
Sets up the raw energy and style leading into the self-titled album.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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