Folklore and Superstition
Black Stone Cherry · 2008
53 min · 13 tracks · hard rock
A gritty blend of Southern rock swagger and heavy riffs infused with personal storytelling and a touch of Americana.
Top tracks — play these first
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Things My Father Said — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of familial wisdom and loss, showcasing a more introspective side of the band's songwriting.
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Blind Man Start here — With its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, this song encapsulates the band's hard rock roots while addressing themes of perception and insight.
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Ghost of Floyd Collins — A narrative-driven track that delves into historical tragedy, blending haunting melodies with heavy instrumentation that exemplifies the band's storytelling prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends Southern rock with personal narratives but lacks a strong cohesive arc.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo drive, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
- Several tracks incorporate storytelling elements, with lyrics that reflect personal experiences and Southern culture.
- The guitar work alternates between heavy riffs and melodic solos, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- story-driven lyrical exploration
- reflective, introspective listening
- consistent, moderate energy levels
- balanced pacing throughout album
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified their reputation with positive reviews and commercial success.
- Themes
- familial wisdom· Southern rock storytelling· historical tragedy
- Moods
- Introspective· Chill
- Career context
- Released on August 13, 2008, 'Folklore and Superstition' is Black Stone Cherry's second studio album, following their self-titled debut in 2006. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound, transitioning from newcomers to established players in the hard rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alter Bridge· Shinedown· Theory of a Deadman
Tracklist
- 1 Blind Man Start here 3:39
- 2 Please Come In 3:56
- 3 Reverend Wrinkle 4:12
- 4 Soulcreek 3:37
- 5 Things My Father Said 3:53
- 6 The Bitter End 4:07
- 7 Long Sleeves 4:17
- 8 Peace Is Free 4:09
- 9 Devil's Queen 4:38
- 10 The Key 4:27
- 11 You 4:22
- 12 Sunrise 3:48
- 13 Ghost of Floyd Collins 3:50
What to play next
Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea
2011
Continues the Southern rock sound with deeper themes and polished production.
Black Stone Cherry
2006
Introduces the band's style and storytelling, setting the stage for Folklore and Superstition.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Amorica
The Black Crowes
Shares Southern rock roots and personal storytelling with gritty instrumentation.
Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
Combines Southern rock storytelling with themes of history and personal narratives.
Dose
Gov't Mule
Blends heavy riffs with Americana influences and reflective lyrics on family and life experiences.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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