The Human Condition cover

Released 6 years ago this October

The Human Condition

Black Stone Cherry · 2020

46 min · 13 tracks · hard rock

Powerful riffs collide with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing a blend of Southern rock and modern hard rock sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ringin’ in My Head Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    When Angels Learn to Fly — This track features soaring melodies and poignant lyrics that reflect on themes of loss and hope, encapsulating the emotional depth present throughout the album.
  • →
    Keep on Keepin’ On — As an anthem of resilience and perseverance, this track exemplifies the band's ability to merge uplifting messages with hard-hitting instrumentation.
  • →
    The Devil in Your Eyes — This song showcases a darker lyrical narrative paired with heavy guitar riffs, highlighting the band's range and ability to tackle complex emotions musically.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic rock with personal themes but lacks standout compositions or cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
  • Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the engagement between the lead vocals and backing harmonies.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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 reflective moments
  • resilient anthems for tough days
  • gritty soundtracks for introspection
  • uplifting themes of perseverance

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced instant gratification
  • prefer single tracks over albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality with strong chart performance and thematic depth.
Themes
Southern rock resilience· loss and hope· dark emotional narratives
Career context
The Human Condition is Black Stone Cherry's sixth studio album, released as they were gaining traction in the hard rock scene following their successful previous release, Family Tree. By this time, the band had established a loyal fanbase and was recognized for their dynamic live performances, making this album a crucial step in solidifying their place in contemporary rock music.
Stylistic neighbors
Alter Bridge· Shinedown· Theory of a Deadman
New to Black Stone Cherry? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • When Angels Learn to Fly

    The moment shifts from reflective verses to a climactic chorus that celebrates hope amid grief.

    This structural change amplifies the emotional weight, allowing listeners to experience a cathartic release through its progression.

Tracklist

  • 1 Ringin’ in My Head Start here 4:12
  • 2 Again 3:55
  • 3 Push Down & Turn 3:16
  • 4 When Angels Learn to Fly 4:33
  • 5 Live This Way 3:20
  • 6 In Love With the Pain 2:58
  • 7 The Chain 3:27
  • 8 Ride 3:17
  • 9 If My Heart Had Wings 3:15
  • 10 Don’t Bring Me Down 3:59
  • 11 Some Stories 3:37
  • 12 The Devil in Your Eyes 3:31
  • 13 Keep on Keepin’ On 3:15

What to play next

Screamin' at the Sky
Listen next

Screamin' at the Sky

2023

Continues the powerful rock sound with fresh energy and themes.
Family Tree
Go back to

Family Tree

2018

Leads into a similar blend of heartfelt lyrics and Southern rock vibes.
Full Black Stone Cherry discography Where to start with Black Stone Cherry Artists like Black Stone Cherry
hard rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Bury Me in My Boots

Bury Me in My Boots

The Cadillac Three

Shares powerful Southern rock riffs with heartfelt storytelling about resilience and life's struggles.

Walk the Sky

Walk the Sky

Alter Bridge

Combines hard rock with emotional depth, focusing on themes of hope and perseverance amidst darker narratives.

Attention Attention

Attention Attention

Shinedown

Explores dark emotional landscapes with anthemic rock sounds, resonating with themes of struggle and triumph.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata