The Black Crowes have soared to the top of the charts with their latest album, ”Happiness Bastards,” which has been crowned the best album of 2024 by Classic Rock magazine’s annual writers’ poll. The full list of the 50 best albums of the year is featured in the magazine’s latest issue, now available in the UK.
In his review of “Happiness bastards,” Classic Rock writer Pat Carty described the album as “a rock’n’roll record that’s funkier than a tramp’s kacks, more soulful than a gospel convention, warmer than a mother’s love and groovier than the Grand Canyon.” The magazine itself hailed the album as “a genuine return to form in an age when many releases described as such are nothing of the sort.”
“As you grow older, you change with how you see the world in general,” Rich Robinson, guitarist for The Black crowes, told Classic Rock earlier this year. “And we’ve been on a pretty long journey. Forty years since I got my guitar, and we started playing in our basement, seems crazy to me.To think of the arc and the scope of the thing is pretty far out, but it’s really all I know.”
“Chris sings like Chris. He doesn’t sound like anyone else. I play like me, and I don’t sound like anyone else. We’re both of us still curious and in love with music.”
Top 10 Albums of 2024
Table of Contents
Here are Classic Rock‘s Top 10 albums of 2024:
- The Black Crowes - Happiness Bastards
- …
For the complete list of the Top 50 albums of 2024,pick up the latest issue of Classic Rock magazine. This special end-of-year edition also features interviews with many of the musicians behind the year’s best albums,plus a 2025 calendar featuring rock icons,rock’n’roll-themed wrapping paper,and drink coasters with Scott Gorham and Thin Lizzy artwork.
Classic Rock magazine has unveiled its highly anticipated list of the top 10 albums of 2024, showcasing a diverse range of rock legends and rising stars.The list,featured in the magazine’s end-of-year special edition,highlights the year’s most captivating and influential releases.
taking the coveted top spot is The Black Crowes with their album “Happiness Bastards.” “It’s a raw, bluesy masterpiece that harkens back to their early days while showcasing their continued evolution as musicians,” raves Classic Rock.
Heavy metal icons Judas Priest secure the second position with “Invincible Shield,” a testament to their enduring power and musical prowess. Rounding out the top three is David Gilmour,the legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd,with his introspective and atmospheric album “Luck And Strange.”
A Year of Rock excellence
The rest of the top 10 list is a compelling mix of established names and exciting newcomers. Bruce Dickinson, the iconic frontman of Iron maiden, delivers a powerful performance with ”The Mandrake Project,” while Black Country Communion, the supergroup featuring Glenn Hughes and Joe Bonamassa, returns with their fifth studio album, ”V.”
Pearl Jam continues to captivate audiences with their politically charged “Dark Matter,” while Ian hunter, the veteran rocker known for his work with Mott the Hoople, offers a thought-provoking sequel with “Defiance, Part II: Fiction.”
The Black Keys return to their blues-rock roots with “Ohio Players,” Deep Purple delivers a powerful statement with “=1,” and Gary Clarke Jr. showcases his raw talent with ”JPEG Raw.”
for a taste of the top album, check out the Spotify embed below:
The complete list of Classic Rock’s Top 10 Albums of 2024 can be found in the magazine’s special end-of-year edition, available for purchase online.
## The Black Crowes Soar to the Top: An interview with Rich Robinson
**World Today News** caught up with Rich Robinson, guitarist for The Black Crowes, to discuss their critically acclaimed new album, “Happiness Bastards,” wich has been crowned Album of the Year by *Classic Rock* magazine.
**WTN:** Congratulations on “Happiness Bastards” hitting the top spot in *Classic rock’s* annual albums poll. This is a huge achievement!
**Rich Robinson:** It’s humbling, really. We put a lot of heart and soul into this record, and to see it resonate with fans and critics alike is truly gratifying.
**WTN:** Pat Carty’s review in *Classic Rock* was particularly glowing, describing the album as “funkier than a tramp’s kacks.” How would you describe the sound of this album to someone who’s never heard it before?
**RR:** (laughs) I like that description! I think Pat nailed it.There’s definitely a raw energy and a sense of groove driving the songs. It’s got that classic Black Crowes blend of southern rock, blues, soul, and a little bit of funk thrown in for good measure.
**WTN:** *Classic Rock* also said this is a “genuine return to form.” Do you feel like you’ve rediscovered something special with this album?
**RR:** I think so. As you grow older, your perspective on life changes, and that inevitably influences your music. Forty years playing music, starting from jamming in a basement as kids, it all comes full circle on this record. We’re still those same guys at heart, driven by our love for music and the need to express ourselves honestly.
**WTN:** What keeps the creative spark alive after all these years? And what’s the key to the dynamic between you and your brother Chris?
**RR:** Curiosity, I think. We’re both still hungry to explore new sounds and push ourselves creatively. Chris sings like Chris—there’s nobody else like him. And I play like I do. We embrace our uniqueness.
That sibling bond, it’s something special. We’ve been through a lot together, both musically and personally, and that shared experience informs everything we do.
**WTN:** “Happiness Bastards” is clearly a major triumph for The black Crowes. What’s next for the band?
**RR:** We’re just enjoying the moment, playing shows, and connecting with our fans. We’ll see what the future holds, but right now, we’re riding this wave of momentum and soaking it all in.
**WTN:** Thanks for your time, Rich. And congratulations again on the well-deserved success of “Happiness Bastards.”
**To see the full list of *Classic Rock’s* Top 50 albums of 2024, pick up the latest issue, available now.**
