Black Crowes prepare first new album in 15 years, 'Happiness Bastards'

The Black Crowes are back at it. The once-feuding Robinson Brothers return to their dirty southern roots on their upcoming 10th studio album. Bastards of Happinesswhich is expected to be released on March 15. The first new studio record from singer Chris Robinson and guitarist Rich Robinson in 15 years comes after the brothers reunited in 2019 for a run of more than 150 concerts in 20 countries to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their breakthrough 1990 album Shake Your Money Maker.

“Call it brotherly love or musical fate that brought them back together, the long-awaited record celebrating the reunion of this legendary band might just be what saves rock & roll,” said a statement announcing the project. “In an age where the art form is buried under the corporate sheen of its successors, the Black Crowes bite with the angst of words left unspoken written on paper and electrified by guitar strings, revealing stripped-down, bare-bones rock & roll. No gloss, no flash, just rhythm and blues at its best – hard, loud and in your face.”

The sequel to 2009 Before the frost… Until the freeze Recorded with producer Jay Joyce in early 2023 by the Robinson brothers along with longtime bassist Sven Pipien.

The group previewed the album slated for release on their own Silver Arrow Records on Friday morning (January 12) with the edgy first single 'Wanting and Waiting'. The classic slice of hip-shimmy boogie blues finds Chris Robinson singing, “It's been a month of Sundays since I could fake a smile/ I'm trying to lose my loneliness in self-imposed exile/ I'm trying to stay friendly but I feel so hostile / It's like I'm hard to touch, morgue style,” before launching into the foot-clapping, gospel-assisted chorus, “I'm nothing but lonely/ I'm waiting and I want/ I want and I'm waiting for you/ Oh, it's true.”

The 10-track album also features a duet with country singer Lainey Wilson on the fiery Southern gothic ballad “Wilted Rose.”

In a statement, Chris said: “Happiness Bastards is our love letter to rock 'n' roll. Rich and I are always writing and creating music. that has never stopped for us, and is always where we find harmony together. This record represents that.” Brother Rich added: “This album is the continuation of our history as a band. Our years of experience writing and playing music and touring the world is represented on this record and we were brilliantly mentored by one of the best producers in the business, Jay Joyce. I'm incredibly proud of what we've put together.”

The band will be hitting the road this spring for dates in North America, the UK and Europe, with dates to be announced soon.

Listen to “Wanting and Waiting” and check it out Bastards of Happiness track list below.

Bastards of Happiness track list: