Blackberry Smoke You Hear Georgia 2LP

Hailed as "the reigning heavyweight champions of Southern rock" (No Depression), Atlanta-based quintet Blackberry Smoke celebrates their 20th anniversary with a magnificent tribute to their home: You Hear Georgia. Produced by Dave Cobb (John Prine, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson), the upcoming album is inspired by and a celebration of the South and all it has to offer. In true Blackberry Smoke fashion, the band masterfully weaves through genre, with everything from Southern Rock anthems about overcoming preconceived notions to life lessons wrapped in heartfelt Americana. And they bring a few friends along for the ride, with guest features from Jamey Johnson and Warren Hayes (The Allman Brothers Band, Gov't Mule).

Ever since their first indie records back in the 2000s, Blackberry Smoke has been steeped in the traditions of Southern rock, occasionally recalling Georgian heavyweights the Allman Brothers Band but more frequently bringing to mind the greasy, flinty style of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Both bands loom over You Hear Georgia, but Blackberry Smoke manages to find a few new wrinkles, such as the Little Feat funk that keeps 'Hey Delilah' simmering....it's all effective, from the sturdy song constructions to performances that know when to lean into the muscle and when to let things swing.