Our top 10 Blackberry Smoke songs list presents the music of a band keeping Southern rock alive and moving forward into the modern era. The band released its debut album Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime (2003). Blackberry Smoke toured the United States to promote its debut album. During this time, the band performed as either a supporting act or headliner to Eric Church, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zac Brown Band, and ZZ Top.
Blackberry Smoke released their sophomore album in 2009 entitled Little Piece of Dixie. The wait for the second album was over when the band released the LP Little Piece of Dixie in 2009. All this time, the band had not achieved mainstream success. However, the release of their third album, The Whippoorwill, in 2012 catapulted Blackberry Smoke into the mainstream. It was a critical and commercial success, debuting in the top 40 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the U.S. Heatseekers chart. The following album, Holding All the Roses, released in 2015, was even more successful, debuting at number one on the Billboard Country Album chart and marking them as a force in the country-rock world
A fifth studio album, Like an Arrow, was released in 2016 to build upon the success of the previous album. Blackberry Smoke returned to the studio to record and release its sixth album. Find a Light in 2018. Three years later, the band released its seventh self-produced studio album, You Hear Georgia, in 2021. Blackberry Smoke’s newest album, Right Here Now, is being released on February 16, 2024.
There is something about Blackberry Smoke that reminds me of Lynyrd Skynrd. It is not so much the style of music, although there can be comparisons, it’s more in their connection with the music they wrote and perfume. It feels really genuine, just like Lynrd Skynrd did in their songs. I really like this group. They are the real deal.
#10 – Hammer And The Nail
Opening our top 10 Blackberry Smoke songs is a preview of one of their new songs from their latest album that is about to be released called Be Right Here. This one definitely has an early 1970s Lynyrd Skynrd feel. That’s a good thing. The song is driven by a swinging guitar riff that launches the band into a fun time, feel-good groove. This one should be a concert favorite throwing the crowds into a frenzy.
#9 – Good One Comin’ On
“Good One Comin’ On” was released on the band’s sophomore album entitled Little Piece of Dixie. The album was released in 2009. This was a perfect song to open the album with from both a lyrical standpoint and a moving forward style groove. The album featured the musicians Charlie Starr on vocals and guitar, Paul Jackson on vocals and guitar, Richard Turner on vocals and bass, and Brit Turner hitting those drums. The album was produced by Dann Huff and Justin Niebank.
#8 – Pretty Little Lie
Songs like this are why I love this band. Charlie Starr’s vocals are just so heartfelt and genuine. You believe in every word he sings. Thats what the greats do. Singers like Sinatra, Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Nettles; you believe in every word, every phrase they sing. I hear that with these guys and it starts with Charlie. This song’s minor chord progression will just sweep you away on this very cool track.
#7 – Let Me Down Easy
As a musician, I thought it was cool to see an old Wurlitzer electric piano in the video. I had one that was the same exact color in the early 1980s. It had such a cool sound that Sheryl Crowe made it relevant again when she used it on her debut album in the mid-1990s. In this song it’s perfectly used once again in this heartfelt county-themed song, “Let Me Down Easy.” Of course, the driving force behind the song is all the musicians, led by Charlie Starr’s Black Crow-style vocals on this one. Amanda Shires lends sweet authentic harmony and filldy playing to it. It reminds me of the Alison Krauss and Robert Plant collaborations. Shires is a legend in the music business. This is a wonderful duet between Blackberry Smoke and Amanda Rose Shires.
#6 – Flesh And Bone
In the number six spot, we get into some of the heavier stuff. When comparing this song to the last one on the list, it sounds like two different bands. That is what’s so much fun about being a fan of Blackberry Smoke. The song Flesh And Bone opened up the band’s third album, Find a Light, which was released in 2018. The verse on this one is killer, but the chorus will really just knock you out of your rocking chair. Take a listen to that guitar solo at the end of the second chorus and then again after the final chorus. Yeah, baby, that’s what I’m talking about.
#5 – Leave A Scar
Well, while we were taking a listen to the heavier stuff, we knew we had to present this one next on the list. We are just digging the way the organ and guitars blend so well together. And right in the middle of all this rock and roll is a banjo fighting for recognition. The best lyrics of the day are, “I might not make the history books, but I will burn a page or two.” These guys are so much fun.
#4 – Sunrise in Texas
After a couple of rockers, we thought this one fit perfectly next on the list. There is almost a sort of Steve Winwood Traffic style groove to this one, which is so cool. This wonderful song just keeps getting better with every measure that goes by. The performance by the musicians on this one is off the charts. The song was released in 2016.
#3 – Up In Smoke
Listen to that opening bass line on this cranking song. Wow, does that bass line smoke? It brings back memories of The Allman Brothers Whipping Post. This is a driving rock and roller featuring dual guitar lines, ripping bass, butt-kicking drums, and of course, all-star vocals. This is easily one of our favorite Blackberry Smoke songs. Play this song for anybody, and they will instantly become fans of this band.
#2 – Shakin’ Hands with the Holy Ghost
The sound of classic rock is all over this baby. From the Rolling Stones to Lynyrd Skynrd to the Black Crowes, you can hear all the band’s inspirations being churned up into a fresh rock and roll southern style sound for the 21st century in all its kick your butt beauty. But styles and sound are not always enough; you have to have great songs like this one. Check this one out!
#1 – One Horse Town
We close out our favorite Blackberry Smoke song list with the huge fan favorite One Horse Town. We love the official acoustic version of the song, which we presented below. This beautiful song depicts what life is like growing up in a small town. It’s a story about following the rules, the norms, and all that keeps one from moving on, to exploring their dreams. It’s a sad tale, but it’s a common story that millions have experienced. Blackberry Smoke sounds really genuine in their delivery. That’s the magic of great art. Blackberry Smoke is a really special band.
Feature Photo: Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock.com
Top 10 Blackberry Smoke Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
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