Released 10 years ago
Like an Arrow
Blackberry Smoke · 2016
43 min · 11 tracks · country music
A seamless blend of Southern rock and country, infused with heartfelt storytelling and rich instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Waiting for the Thunder — This track opens the album with a powerful anthem about resilience and hope, setting the tone for the emotional journey ahead.
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The Good Life — With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, this song captures a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for life's simple pleasures, resonating deeply with listeners.
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Like an Arrow — The title track embodies the band's signature sound, combining thoughtful lyrics with soaring melodies that reflect themes of freedom and perseverance.
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Workin' for a Workin Man — This song serves as a tribute to blue-collar workers, celebrating hard work and dedication with infectious energy and relatable storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and solid performances, with a cohesive sound that reflects its Southern rock roots.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that intertwine with vocal melodies, enhancing the Southern rock influence.
- The lyrics across the album often tell personal stories, creating a narrative thread that connects many of the songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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
- steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
- heartfelt storytelling and warmth
- for road trip vibes
- uplifting anthems for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced energy
- seek experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2016, Like an Arrow marked Blackberry Smoke's fifth studio album, following their successful record, Holding All the Roses. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their reputation within the Southern rock genre, building a loyal fanbase and enhancing their live performance appeal.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Whiskey Myers· Chris Stapleton· Zac Brown Band
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Waiting for the Thunder 4:07
- 2 Let it Burn 2:57
- 3 The Good Life 3:59
- 4 What Comes Naturally 4:21
- 5 Running Through Time 4:45
- 6 Like an Arrow 4:25
- 7 Ought to Know 4:17
- 8 Smoke Sunrise in Texas 4:36
- 9 Ain't Gonna Wait 3:39
- 10 Workin' for a Workin Man 3:00
- 11 Believe You Me 3:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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