Lions

Fresh from tour with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, the Black Crowes found themselves in tune with their hard-rock forebears, heard here not only in guitarist Rich Robinson's roaring solos but in <i>Lions</i>’ blues-based psychedelia. Lead single "Lickin'" is a staccato barnburner riding on producer Don Was' bubbling bass, followed up by the raucous, radio-ready sing-along "Come On" (yes, that's a mobile phone ringing in the background). Chris Robinson's gutsy rasp drives the aptly titled "Soul Singing", a song that became a Crowes mission statement.