"Now I've traded my black feathers for a crown," sings Chris Robinson, and the vibrant, roaring music on Lions supports his claim to rule the jungle. Working with producer Don Was, the Robinson boys and crew make bold sonic leaps forward, sounding both heavier and more nuanced simultaneously. In the mid-1990s the Crowes' attempts at experimentation were much less successful, often sounding forced or, worse, underdeveloped. With 1999's By Your Side, the band seemed to make a conscious attempt to strip it all down and get back to basics. Lions continues that resurgence, and thanks to Was's influence, builds mightily on that foundation. The good-time swampy swagger is still the defining factor, but for the first time the sonic coloring enhances the tunes as opposed to sapping them of their energy. All the songs flow together, giving the album a cohesion that previous efforts have lacked, and Was generates a bold, vivid sound. And yes, it does seem quite conducive to loud volumes. --Marc Greilsamer

uuid:	C74B72B5-4ACA-4758-9000-74409BE31917
upc:	0638812709127
tracklisting:	Midnight From The Inside Out Lickin' Come On No Use Lying Losing My Mind Ozone Mama Greasy Grass River Soul Singing Miracle To Me Young Man, Old Man Cosmic Friend Cypress Tree Lay It All On Me
title:	Lions
rating:	3
purchase date:	09-05-2005
published:	08-05-2001
price:	$13.98
net Rating:	4
last lookup time:	137387776
genre:	Blues Rock Southern Rock Rock Jam Bands
fullTitle:	Lions
currentValue:	$3.75
created:	137387760
country:	us
aspect:	Audio CD
asin:	B00005B19O
artist:	The Black Crowes