When discussing great modern southern rock bands, it’s hard not to include Blackberry Smoke in the conversation.
The band started in 2000 and has been grinding ever since opening for acts like Eric Church, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd while headlining other events across the United States as well. They recently announced their acoustic Break It Down Tour.
Blackberry Smoke features guitar rhythms that are comparable to 70’s era rock, a bluegrass cadence and funky beats reminiscent of the Doobie Brothers. Lead vocalist Charlie Starr shines in every song with a brilliant voice that can adapt to any lyrics to make you feel connected to the story in the song. The trait that Charlie Starr has to connect an audience to a song is just a part of Blackberry Smoke’s charm. This band is a vital part of southern rock’s genetic code that stems from artists like Hank Williams Jr., The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Blackberry Smoke can woo you with a soft ballad and melt your face with a blistering honky tonk rock song. That capability is something that most modern bands don’t have the skill or ability to do with record labels looking for the next teen country heartbreak king. If you think southern rock is dead, then it’s time to wake up and smell the smoke.
P.S. If the “Working For The MCA” Skynyrd cover doesn’t give you a chill, you hate southern rock.
