Released 10 years ago
Kentucky
Black Stone Cherry · 2016
52 min · 13 tracks · hard rock
A hard-hitting blend of southern rock and modern riffs, laced with emotional depth and storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Way of the Future Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Soul Machine — This track stands out due to its heavy groove and driving rhythm, encapsulating the album's raw energy while exploring themes of self-identity.
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In Our Dreams — With its anthemic chorus and heartfelt lyrics, this song captures a sense of longing and aspiration that resonates throughout the album.
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Hangman — The intense narrative and gritty instrumentation make this track a highlight, as it delves into themes of accountability and consequence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Kentucky showcases solid songwriting and performance but lacks strong cohesion in its flow.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and emotional themes.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
- The last two tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective conclusion to the album.
- 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
- steady mid-tempo road trip
- gritty anthems for sing-alongs
- reflective moments with friends
- uplifting energy for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Well-received by fans, showcasing the band's signature sound and emotional depth.
- Themes
- Kentucky landscapes· southern rock heritage· personal accountability· dreams and aspirations
- Career context
- Released on April 1, 2016, Kentucky is Black Stone Cherry's fifth studio album, following their successful 2014 release, Magic Mountain. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their sound and gained a loyal fan base while also experimenting with new musical directions, particularly the incorporation of more personal themes in their songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alter Bridge· Shinedown· Theory of a Deadman
Tracklist
- 1 The Way of the Future Start here 3:53
- 2 In Our Dreams 3:49
- 3 Shakin’ My Cage 4:10
- 4 Soul Machine 4:01
- 5 Long Ride 4:03
- 6 War 4:07
- 7 Hangman 3:57
- 8 Cheaper to Drink Alone 3:51
- 9 Rescue Me 3:47
- 10 Feelin’ Fuzzy 3:15
- 11 Darkest Secret 4:01
- 12 Born to Die 4:33
- 13 The Rambler 5:09
What to play next
Family Tree
2018
Continues the southern rock vibe with fresh themes and a polished sound.
Magic Mountain
2014
Leads into Kentucky with a similar energetic style and lyrical depth.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Tennessee Mojo
The Cadillac Three
Shares a similar blend of southern rock sounds with personal narratives rooted in place and experience.
Traveller
Chris Stapleton
Features deep storytelling and emotional resonance, merging country roots with a hard rock edge.
Mud
Whiskey Myers
Combines hard-hitting rock elements with southern themes, emphasizing personal struggles and aspirations.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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