Blackberry Smoke – Be Right Here
In our Americana world, you don’t get much more Southern than Blackberry Smoke, The boys from Georgia epitomize the virtues of Southern rock – twin guitar solos, eccentric characters, sublime organ riffs, and singer/songwriter Charlie Starr’s best-in-the-business mutton chops – while also firmly placing themselves in the 21st century, with songs that are more grateful than grievous. Their new album, Be Right Here, emphasizes a “remember your raisin’” ethos – stay grounded, keep an eye out for the good, and acknowledge the ones you love – without forgetting the big ol’ riffs.
Blackberry Smoke keeps that grounded feel on Be Right Here by, at the urging of producer Dave Cobb, recording the album all in one room, eschewing extra takes to better capture the band’s on-stage energy. Big, chunky riffer “Dig a Hole,” which leads off the record, espouses that naturality – built off a Charlie Starr guitar scrap and a whiff of Wurlitzer from Brandon Still – while reminding listeners to make a choice in the path their lives will follow – “Right man wrong man down to the wire/Will you speak the truth with your feet to the fire?” Mid-tempo rocker “LIke It Was Yesterday” carries a live-in-the-moment vibe – “I wanna feel like we’ve got it made/Before tomorrow comes and takes it away” – while dropping fierce guitar solos all around.
While Blackberry Smoke isn’t a ballad band, there is time for slowed-down appreciation on Be Right Here. “Azalea” is a pretty acoustic and organ number with a Blind Faith, “Can’t Find My Way Home” feel and a bit of worldly wisdom – “Half the learnin’s in the leavin’/That’s the only thing we fear.” And “Barefoot Angel” is an unabashed Southern rock ballad that places love over life in the fast lane – “A man can sure worry when life’s in a hurry/You slow it down just enough for me to see.”
Blackberry Smoke’s entire vibe is on full display in “Whatchu Know Good,” written with Brent Cobb. Bluesy and swampy with slinky slide work throughout, the tune floats along on Starr’s laidback vocals, which portray a character who won’t stand for a harshed buzz – “Ain’t no reason to fight/If the fish don’t bite/Don’t bring me no bad news.” Again, there’s a reminder to remember where you came from – “I don’t stand on a pile of money/To make myself higher than you” – but the most important part for Starr and Co. is tuning out the ever-present noise: “You’re wastin’ your time tryin’ to make up my mind/When I know just what is right to me.” In studio or on stage, these Georgia boys just want to create a good time. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that.
Song I Can’t Wait to Hear Live: “Barefoot Angel” – twin guitar solos AND a gospel chorus? You can’t Southern Rock more than this.
Be Right Here was produced by Dave Cobb, mixed by Tom Tapley and engineered by Tapley and Brandon Bell. Blackberry Smoke is Charlie Starr (lead vocals, guitars), Brandon Still (keyboards), Paul Jackson (guitars, vocals), Richard Turner (bass, vocals) and Brit Turner (drums). Songs written by Starr, with co-writes going to Still, Keith Nelson, Travis Meadows, Brent Cobb and Levi Lowrey. Additional musicians on the album include Preston Holcomb (drums), Benji Shanks (guitar) and The Black Bettys (vocals).
Go here to order Be Right Here (out February 16): https://www.blackberrysmoke.com/collections/be-right-here
Check out tour dates here: https://www.blackberrysmoke.com/pages/tour
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: “Homecoming: Live in Atlanta” delivers the best of Blackberry Smoke