The Black Crowes Detail First Album In 15 Years 'Happiness Bastards'

12 January 2024 | 12:00 am | Mary Varvaris

"'Happiness Bastards' is our love letter to rock ‘n’ roll."

The Black Crowes

The Black Crowes (Credit: Ross Halfin)

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American rock band The Black Crowes will release their new album, Happiness Bastards, on Friday, 15 March. The album marks their first full-length in 15 years, following 2009’s Before The Frost… Until The Freeze.

The quick turnaround from album announcement to release date is thrilling for fans who likely never saw this day coming, but before the record drops, The Black Crowes have today unveiled the first single, Wanting And Waiting. You can check it out below.

Happiness Bastards will be released via the band’s own Silver Arrow Records. For the album, the tenth in their discography, the group – led by brothers Chris (lead vocals) and Rich (guitar) Robinson – collaborated with decorated producer and former Crowded House guitarist Jay Joyce.

In addition to celebrating the release of new music, Chris and Rich Robinson are celebrating the 40th year of The Black Crowes in 2024. Happiness Bastards, the story of a band that’s been through decades of turmoil to become self-proclaimed happy bastards, contains ten tracks, including a feature from guest vocalist and CMC Rocks headliner Lainey Wilson.

You can check out the tracklist below.

In a statement describing the album, Chris Robinson 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 it is always where we find harmony together. This record represents that.” Rich Robinson added, “This album is a continuation of our story as a band.

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“Our years of experience writing and making music and touring the world are represented in this record, and we were brilliantly guided by one of the best producers in the business, Jay Joyce. I am incredibly proud of what we put together.”

The Black Crowes will tour throughout North America, the UK and Europe in support of Happiness Bastards later this year.

In an October 2022 interview with The Music, Rich Robinson revealed that he and his brother were busy working on the new Black Crowes album. The band released their EP, 1972 – a collection of covers – in May 2022.

You can pre-save the album here or stream the single right now here.

The Black Crowes – Happiness Bastards Track Listing

Bedside Manners
Rats And Clowns
Cross Your Fingers
Wanting And Waiting
Wilted Rose ft. Lainey Wilson
Dirty Cold Sun
Bleed It Dry
Flesh Wound
Follow The Moon
Kindred Friend