3 Bangers From The Black Crowes Iconic Debut Album ‘Shake Your Money Maker’

When The Black Crowes landed, the Atlanta band was unlike anything out at the time as the 1980s came to a close. Though they existed outside both hair metal and grunge, listeners of those genres found much to like in the group’s blend of classic rock and soul. Led by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, The Black Crowes released their debut album, Shake Your Money Maker, in 1990. The Robinsons fought like The Kinks and even made Oasis blush when the two bands embarked on The Tour of Brotherly Love in 2001.

So in the spirit of brotherly love, here are three bangers from The Black Crowes’ iconic debut.

“Twice As Hard”

The album-opener begins with Rich Robinson’s open G guitar riff. He echoes Keith Richards before his brother Chris enters and leads The Crowes through a rowdy homage to The Rolling Stones. There’s a hard edge to the track’s rhythm and blues, but without the glossy veneer of the Sunset Strip bands dominating MTV—perhaps a bridge between Guns N’ Roses and Alice In Chains.

“Hard To Handle”

This Otis Redding cover became a smash and remains a rock radio staple. Propelled by drummer Steve Gorman, Redding’s tune gets a hard rock makeover as Chris swaggers and howls in a raspy voice over his brother’s bluesy riff. The track also features star engineer Brendan O’Brien, who burns an epic guitar solo. O’Brien went on to record and mix Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood Sugar Sex Magik and produce blockbuster albums by Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against The Machine, and many others.

“She Talks To Angels”

“She never mentions the word addiction in certain company / Yes, she’ll tell you she’s an orphan after you meet her family,” Chris sings here to begin The Black Crowes’ dark ballad. The song describes a girl attempting to hide her drug addiction, though it’s obvious to everyone around her. It recalls The Rolling Stones’ rootsy “Angie” and features The Stones’ longtime touring keyboardist, Chuck Leavell, on organ. Backed by Rich’s recognizable guitar riff, “She Talks To Angels” is a defining song for the band—one of many hits from their stellar debut.  

Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns